Director Library Technology Digital Strategy Jobs

New York, NY

Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Technology and Preservation, the Director of Library Technology Services (LTS) leads the planning, implementation, and daily operations of all library technology functions. This role supports the Libraries’ mission by ensuring effective access to information, advancing teaching and research, and enabling the long‑term preservation of collections and significant cultural heritage objects.The Director oversees staff, technology infrastructure, and applications, develops and executes technology strategy and provides budget recommendations. The position collaborates closely with the Leadership Council, campus partners including CUIT, external vendors, and peer academic libraries to deliver innovative, reliable, and sustainable technology services.

• The Director of Library Technology Services (LTS) leads a team of approximately 15 LTS staff (3 direct reports) in service of Columbia University’s mission for Libraries staff, Columbia affiliates and the global scholarly community, and leads development of strategic vision, assessment and budgeting of Library Technology Services. The Director will collaborate and work closely with other Leadership Council directors to plan and coordinate services for Libraries staff, engage with CUIT and other campus partners, vendors and external partners to procure and support infrastructure, applications and services.
• Oversees planning, implementation, configuration and ongoing support for enterprise Library systems and services, including CLIO, FOLIO and related applications, CUIT infrastructure and external vendor and partner infrastructure and systems. Provides technology infrastructure support for DLST-managed digital collections, digital workflows, and related applications. Plays lead role in vendor assessment and coordination, including collaborating and supporting the changing nature of library applications, databases and electronic resources.
• Oversees essential technical infrastructure in support of staff operations and workflows, including but not limited to acquisitions, cataloging, metadata, technical services, electronic resources management, circulation, inter-library loan, shared collections, digital repositories, discovery systems, preservation, reporting, and budgeting. Oversees Libraries staff technology services and support, including library-specific applications, desktop and administrative technology services, data management and records loads, networking, peripherals and staff support. Administers staff technology budget, upgrades, replacement cycles and tracks library and related technology trends.
• Plays lead role in coordinated technology strategic planning, analysis, assessment and project management, working closely with other Libraries divisions, CUIT and campus partners, external commercial vendors, library technology providers, and library community partners such as ReCAP, BorrowDirect and IvyPlus institutions.
• Communicate and collaborate broadly with Libraries staff about the division’s systems, services and support. Advocate for Library technology services at Columbia and beyond. Manages the development, implementation and maintenance of IT policies and procedures. Actively participate in professional organizations related to library technology services and represents the Libraries in campus, regional and national meetings.

• Master’s degree in Library Science, Computer Science, or a related field with a minimum of seven (7) years’ experience in library technology, library systems, or a related area; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Significant experience managing technology implementation projects.
• Demonstrated knowledge of library technology systems, standards, metadata, and services.
• Proven experience planning and implementing end‑user systems and services.
• Supervisory experience managing technical teams.
• Strong understanding of technology systems, workflow analysis, and infrastructure in library or research environments.

• Advanced academic degree in a relevant scholarly discipline.
• Experience with project and program planning and development.
• Experience developing RFPs, writing grants, and engaging with internal and external partners.
• Demonstrated experience in vendor management, contract negotiation, and procurement.
• Experience working in an academic or research library or archive.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong collaboration and relationship‑building abilities.
• Strategic thinking skills with the ability to envision and implement complex knowledge systems.

• $160,000 - $175,000

Columbia University is an Equal Opportunity Employer / Disability / Veteran

The salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, specialty, and training. The above hiring range represents the University’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the range of possible compensation at the time of posting.

Learn more about Columbia University benefits at the link below. This is an academic library position. https://humanresources.columbia.edu/benefits

The deadline for applications is September 25, 2026.