Assistant/Associate Director of Library and Digital Resources

About Unity:
At Unity Environmental University we are on a mission to make environmental education accessible and affordable to all. Our unique model combines a functional hierarchy and project-based structure through our four Sustainable Education Business Units (SEBUs) to promote collaboration and innovation (Distance Education, Sustainable Ventures, and In-Person Education). We prioritize our students' needs above all else, offering a variety of modalities, including in-person, and online. Our innovative and inclusive culture prepares students to tackle real-world challenges and cultivate the next generation of environmental professionals and leaders who can make a positive impact on our world.
 

Our Mission:
We are dedicated to delivering quality education and experiences that produce outstanding environmentally competent professionals and inspire individuals from all walks of life to steward sustainable ecosystems.
 

About The Enterprise Model:
In 2017, Unity Environmental University pioneered a shift in organizational structure by embracing the Enterprise Model. This innovative model strategically segments the university into several Sustainable Education Business Units (SEBUs), each functioning with a high degree of autonomy. Designed akin to a matrix organization, the Enterprise Model combines the benefits of both centralized and decentralized management, enhancing the university's agility and responsiveness to the dynamic needs of its students and broader societal challenges.

This entrepreneurial framework fosters an environment where each SEBU operates as an independent entity yet is interconnected with the university's core mission. The SEBUs are empowered to develop specialized programs, services, and products that directly meet the unique demands of their specific audiences.

Leadership within the Enterprise Model is both collaborative and authoritative; decisions are made efficiently at various levels, from the President to the Heads of SEBUs and Chief Officers, all incorporating feedback from relevant stakeholders. This model abolishes traditional silos and eschews the need for consensus, ensuring that no single entity can veto the decisions of another, thereby maintaining a streamlined and effective decision-making process. In this model, every faculty member reports to a Dean who oversees their daily work and performance evaluations.

The Opportunity:
Unity Environmental University is seeking an Assistant/Associate Director of Library and Digital Resources to manage the planning and operations of the university’s library resources. This position plays a critical role in supporting the academic mission of the university by ensuring the effective delivery and continuous improvement of library services and digital resources. The position will oversee access to both physical and digital collections, support library technologies, and provide responsive service to students, faculty, and staff across modalities. The ideal candidate will bring professional experience in library services, a collaborative and service-oriented approach, and a strong interest in contributing to the development and enhancement of library programs in a dynamic academic environment. This full-time role is based in the Library Learning Commons at the New Gloucester, Maine campus and may require some evening and weekend hours, as well as occasional travel to other Unity locations.

Day to day responsibilities:
Work with academic leadership and library staff to:

• Plan, implement, and manage day-to-day library services and digital resource operations to support the academic and research needs of students, faculty, and staff.
• Develop and evaluate library collections, programs, instructional resources, and outreach efforts, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities and user needs.
• Provide backup support for the Media Lab, including training users on equipment and software, and ensuring the lab meets the evolving needs of students and employees.
• Serve as the backup administrator for the Canvas Learning Management System, assisting with system maintenance, user support, and integration of library resources into the LMS.
• Oversee the acquisition, licensing, and maintenance of print and digital resources, including books, journals, databases, e-books, and streaming media.
• Maintain and enhance digital tools and platforms, including the online catalog, discovery services, digital repositories, and the library’s web presence.
• Develop and implement operational policies, procedures, and best practices that support effective library services and digital resource management, including circulation and interlibrary loan.
• Supervise the Digital Learning Specialist and coordinate their contributions to digital resource support, user assistance, and instructional efforts.
• Supervise work-study student positions, including scheduling, task delegation, and basic training.
• Deliver reference and research support in person and online, providing timely, accurate, and user-friendly service across modalities.
• Provide additional support for Hy-Flex classrooms and manage operations of the Library Learning Commons on the New Gloucester campus.
• Provide training and technical support to students, faculty, and staff on accessing and using digital resources and classroom technologies.
• Monitor usage data, user feedback, and industry developments to evaluate the effectiveness of services and recommend improvements.
• Track and report annual IPEDS data.
• Troubleshoot technical issues related to library systems and digital platforms, working directly with vendors and Unity’s IT team as needed.
• Collaborate with other university functions and units to ensure seamless integration of library resources with academic programming.
• Stay current with trends and best practices in academic librarianship, digital tools, and educational technologies.
• Proactively communicate challenges, successes, and failures with leadership.

Do you have the skills?

• Master’s degree in Library Science or Library and Information Science. 
• At least two years of professional experience in an academic, research or specialty library, or a closely related information services environment.
• Practical experience with library systems, digital resource platforms, and technology tools used in library or educational settings.
• Demonstrated knowledge of current and emerging trends in library services, digital resource access, and academic user support.
• Experience with digital tools and platforms for information discovery, delivery, preservation, and assessment.
• Experience with collection development, cataloging, metadata, licensing, and access of print and digital materials.
• Demonstrated commitment to student success and excellent customer service skills.
• Excellent problem-solving, communication, interpersonal, and organizational skills.
• Proven ability to manage multiple tasks and projects effectively while meeting deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic team-based, service-focused environment.
• Technical fluency and ability to learn new systems and tools quickly.
• Commitment to continuous learning and professional development.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple projects and priorities and meet deadlines
• Ability to function effectively within a matrix organizational structure, maintaining open lines of communication while being discreet, courteous, and well poised.

Preferred skills:

• Familiarity with budget planning and management.
• Experience providing instruction or leading workshops in face-to-face, online, or hybrid learning environments.
• Knowledge of instructional design principles or educational technologies, including learning management systems (e.g., Canvas).
• Background in library services that supports nontraditional students.
   

Are you thinking about applying but unsure if it's the right fit? We encourage you to reach out anyway. We recognize that everyone brings different experiences and skills to the table. Take a chance and submit your application; you might be exactly who we're looking for.


Location: Pineland Farms, New Gloucester, Maine
Just a half hour from Portland, Unity Environmental University Headquarters, Unity Environmental University Distance Education, Unity @ Pineland & Sustainable Ventures are based at the Pineland Farms campus. The facilities are within easy access to one of the fastest-growing cities for startups in the country.
 

Work Schedule:
Work hours are specific to the requirements of this position and can include days, evenings, and weekends. Working extended hours required as needed. Must be flexible and cooperative in fulfilling responsibilities and meeting the Institution’s needs. Although Unity Environmental University employees are generally scheduled to work at their specifically assigned locations, there are times when travel is necessary and employees are required from time to time to attend events, meetings or work temporary assignment at any Unity Environmental University location.
 

Physical Demands:
While performing the duties of this job, it is regularly required to sit and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stand or walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The use of either hand for repetitive movements such as grasping, grasping and turning, and fine manipulation is required as is the ability to use the telephone for internal and external communications.
 

Company Perks:
Unity Environmental University offers a comprehensive and competitive compensation and benefits package for its faculty and staff. Benefits for eligible employees include:

• Paid holidays off
• 4 weeks of PTO
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• Short- and Long-term disability
• Life Insurance
• Retirement Plan with up to 8% match
• Relocation Assistance