Job Description
The University of London
The University of London is one of the largest and most diverse higher education institutions in the world. With a mission to transform lives through knowledge, it delivers high quality academic programmes, brings benefits to society through its research in the humanities and social sciences, and leverages intellectual connections through public engagement.
Research Libraries UK
Research Libraries UK (http://www.rluk.ac.uk) is a consortium composed of 39 university, national and other significant research libraries based in the UK and Ireland, whose mission is to work with our members and with our partners, nationally and internationally, to shape the research library agenda and contribute to the wider knowledge economy through innovative projects and services that add value and impact to the process of research and researcher-training.
The consortium is led by the RLUK Board in partnership with the RLUK Executive Team.
In 2022, RLUK published a new, highly ambitious three-year strategy – The Library Transforming (https://strategy.rluk.ac.uk/ ). The Executive Team is responsible for delivering the strategy in partnership with the Board, member institutions, and key external stakeholders in the UK and Ireland, and internationally.
The Role
RLUK, in partnership with the School of Advanced Study, is seeking a Deputy Executive Director.
The Deputy Executive Director reports to the Executive Director and provides support for the Executive Director and RLUK Board in key areas of knowledge and expertise, with responsibility for delivery of aspects of the RLUK strategy.
The Deputy Executive Director will support the Executive Director and the RLUK Board in planning the direction of RLUK, undertaking business development, and contributing to strategic thinking and understanding. They will liaise with consortium members and external partners across the sector both within the UK and beyond to deliver RLUK policy and initiatives, promoting the interests of RLUK and its members. The post holder will be responsible for RLUK’s legal obligations and requirements as a registered charity, including any proposed constitutional change.
The Deputy Executive Director will have a thorough understanding of the range of RLUK policy, strategy, and activities, and of the issues facing member libraries. They will build sustainable and meaningful relationships with a wide range of external partners, including funding councils and agencies, to raise the profile of RLUK as a strategic collaborator in support of RLUK strategy. They will also look to secure additional funding for specific projects and on-going services through bids to grant-funding bodies.
Communication is a key role of the Deputy Executive Director. They will convene the membership and relevant partners, and ensure RLUK activity is effectively communicated to all relevant stakeholders. The Deputy Executive Director will represent RLUK in a variety of forums, including committees and working groups of partner organisations, and negotiate agreements with third parties in the s best interests of RLUK.
The Candidate
The ideal candidate will have a thorough understanding of the range of RLUK policy and activities, and of the issues facing member libraries. You will have significant experience in an appropriate academic environment, research library, heritage sector, research council or equivalent organisation and an understanding of the research culture within universities. You will have a track record in strategic thinking, planning and implementation and strong financial acumen and project management experience.
You should be able to show excellent oral and written communication skills, together with excellent interpersonal, influencing, networking, and advocacy skills.
A formal education to degree level or equivalent is essential, with relevant professional qualifications in library and information management or equivalent knowledge of the research library and/or scholarly communication environment being desirable
Further information
To be considered for this opportunity, please submit your application and CV (by clicking ‘apply for job’ at the bottom of this page) before the closing date at midnight on 15 August 2022.
Interviews will be held virtually on 31 August 2022
The University will be unable to sponsor candidates for a visa for this role. Successful applicants must be able to demonstrate their right to work in the UK for the duration of their employment.
The University currently operates a Hybrid Working framework involving a mix of working remotely and in the office. Typically, the majority of employees will be able to agree to work remotely for up to 60% of their working week, role dependent, however will be required to attend on specific days for training or team meetings.
The University of London is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive working environment where we can all be ourselves and succeed. We particularly encourage applications from members of Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic communities as this group is currently under-represented at all levels within the University. All appointments will be made on merit, based on the criteria identified in the job description.
Pursuing excellence in education and equal opportunities.