North Quad Programming Coordinator

The University of Michigan Library invites applications and nominations for the new position of North Quad Programming Coordinator. This position offers the successful candidate an opportunity to develop, manage and present an innovative exhibit and events program designed to enrich the intellectual, educational, and cultural life of the University of Michigan campus, within the context of the North Quad facility. North Quad, an internationally themed residential and academic complex, blends residential life with academics by incorporating highly developed and technology-rich learning environments with modern residential space. North Quad enhances the campus community through a vibrant, internationally focused environment where formal and informal learning takes place 24/7, including small group collaboration rooms, gallery/ presentation space, studios, informal performance spaces, and social spaces.

This position will oversee shared spaces in North Quad, including the Media Gateway, a collaborative space located on the South/West 2nd floor, and other common spaces as appropriate. These spaces are where students and faculty engage with one another in order to develop creative strategies to approaching new media. The Media Gateway, with its more public spaces and alcoves, provides informal, spontaneous meeting points and sites for collaboration amongst students, or students and faculty, and is ideally suited for a more casual engagement with technology. Expected activities include small groups of students and/or instructors working together, students work on group assignments, students generating content to be displayed elsewhere in the building, and a place for collaborative activities. The 2nd floor collaborative space, by contrast, is currently planned as a more scheduled and programmed space that will showcase a rich variety of content, such as student and faculty produced work, international news, films and documentaries, and interactive video walls. Sample activities include creating and displaying student projects, hosting design jams, displaying international news/documentaries/short films, interactive and real time interaction with students studying abroad, and hosting performances, exhibits and presentations.

The successful candidate is expected to combine an ALA-accredited MLS or equivalent advanced degree in a related field with significant relevant professional experience in exhibit and program planning; outstanding interpersonal and presentation skills including demonstrated ability to represent programs to the campus and wider community; excellent organizational skills; experience creating web-based exhibits; the ability to work effectively as part of a team in a collaborative technology-rich environment accompanied by initiative, self-direction and a commitment to innovation, creativity, and excellence.

Working directly with North Quad and Library colleagues, and under the direction of the Director of the Undergraduate Library and Head of Graduate Library Research & Education Services, the successful candidate will assume these responsibilities:
• Develop vision, plan, and implement programming within the Media Gateway and 2nd floor collaborative space
• Oversee scheduling, coordinating and promoting of programs, services, and events
• Collaborate with building stakeholders (the Sweetland Writing Center, the Language Resource Center, the Department of Communication Studies and the Department of Screen Arts and Cultures in LSA; the School of Information; University Housing; the International Center, and the Global Scholars Program) and the University Library to provide rich learning environments and programs
• Provide exhibits and programs that cultivate students’ media and visual literacy, enhance their ability to communicate effectively and work across disciplinary boundaries, advance their capacity to evaluate information critically and produce their own media, and expand their global horizons
• Advance the vision and mission of North Quad through educational outreach and programming initiatives, including creating/designing a broad array of high-quality educational and social learning programs and events
• Collaborate on special projects, participate in long-term planning and service assessment, and serve on committees and task forces, as appropriate
• Participate in regional, national, or international professional and scholarly organizations
• Work with other North Quad staff (i.e. facilities manager and various IT positions) to collaborative support the Media Gateway and 2nd floor collaborative space
• Supervise hourly staff, as appropriate

This is a term appointment through June 30, 2012. Further information about the University and community may be found at http://www.lib.umich.edu/node/15221

QUALIFICATIONS
• ALA accredited master’s degree in library or information science, or an equivalent combination of experience and relevant advanced degree beyond the baccalaureate level
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience with education and event programming
• Ability to communicate a strong vision of how discipline-based scholarship is changing in response to new technologies and support spaces for this vision to be explored by students and faculty; demonstrate expertise in creating and promoting the use of technology-rich learning environments
• Ability to think creatively in developing programs, such as workshops, course-integrated instruction, conferences, and outreach efforts, that meet the needs of a diverse user community
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate with faculty, students, and academic administrators in a culturally diverse environment
• Demonstrated ability to supervise hourly staff

BENEFITS, RANK, & SALARY
Position is anticipated to be filled at the Associate Librarian or Senior Associate Librarian level; final rank and salary is dependent on experience and qualifications. Professional positions receive 24 days of vacation a year; 15 days of sick leave a year with provisions for extended benefits, as well as opportunities for professional development and travel.

RETIREMENT OPTIONS: TIAA-CREF or Fidelity Investments

APPLICATION PROCESS
Individuals with interest in and appropriate qualifications are encouraged to apply by e-mailing a cover letter & resume to libhumres@umich.edu directed to Robert Campe; Library Human Resources; 404 Hatcher Graduate Library North; University of Michigan; Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1205. For further information, call 734 764-2546.

APPLICATION DEADLINE
Review of applications will begin on 3/5/10 and continue until the position is filled.

The University of Michigan is a non-discriminatory, affirmative action employer.