Assistant Director Ref 21721
School/department: Library
Hours: Full time. Requests for flexible working options will be considered (subject to business need).
Location: Brighton, United Kingdom
Contract: Permanent.
Reference: 21721
Salary: Grade 9 normal salary range £56,021- 64,914 rising to £73,039 for an exceptional candidate, pro-rata if part time.
Placed on: 25 September 2023
Closing date: 23 October 2023. Applications must be received by midnight of the closing date.
Expected interview date: 17 November 2023
Expected start date: To be confirmed.
Job description
About the role
This is an exciting opportunity to join the Leadership Team of the University Library. Alongside the Librarian and the Deputy Librarian you will set the vision for our division and ensure our strategic objectives are resourced, delivered, and aligned with the University’s value-based culture. It is a wonderful time to have a senior role at the University of Sussex with a new VC and Provost as well as a new University Executive Team who will lead on shaping a new University Strategy in 23/24. There will be lots of opportunities to input into all strands of this new strategy as well as a requirement for the postholder to fully engage with sector organisations such as RLUK, Sconul and LIBER.
As well as playing a full part in the leadership of the Library Division, you will be a key contact for our ambitions around Open Research and Digital Development with strong engagement in the Academic Schools (including the Sussex Humanities Lab) and with University Leadership. You will also have a close working relationship with other senior colleagues in Professional Services, in particular those in Finance, HR, Research & Enterprise and in IT Services.
The role will also be expected to make a full contribution to our substantial Library Refurbishment Project and the Library Accessibility Project (as part of the Libraries and Study Environment Programme) in their areas of responsibility as part of the Steering Group.
About you
We are looking for an experienced, talented, and compassionate individual who will demonstrate the University values of collaboration, integrity, courage, kindness, and inclusion in their work. We need someone who understands the challenges of leading libraries and working in our sector, who is committed to finding solutions, and who understands the importance of actively celebrating our achievements with all our stakeholders, particularly library workers. Our colleagues in the library are our most important asset and we need someone who understands how crucial it is to bring them all with us. We are proud of the quality of all our services, and it is key that the postholder understands this and can deliver strong and effective engagement with all our stakeholders.
About the Library
Founded in 1961, the University Library is an important research facility in the UK with exceptional services and internationally significant collections. Today the Library is far more than a building and a collection of printed materials. It plays a central role in the creation, publication, application and preservation of knowledge and research at our thriving University. As a crucial partner in the University’s learning and research agendas, the library constantly seeks ways to be as closely connected as possible to the changing nature of the work of Schools to contribute fully to the enrichment of the lives of their students and the advancement of their research.
Our recently approved Strategic Plan 2030 sets out our ambitions for the future and maps out how expect to achieve these.
There are several teams, within the Library Division, that work together to provide excellent services and support for students, academics and other members of our community https://www.sussex.ac.uk/library/about/contact.
Our Special Collections and the team supporting the delivery and curation of this material are based at The Keep, located close by to the University. They work in partnership with East Sussex Record Office and Brighton and Hove Royal Pavilion and Museums to provide services, teaching, and outreach to the public and the University community.
Why work here…
Our university is situated just off the A27, next to the beautiful South Downs where you will enjoy everything that our 150-acre campus has to offer. We are easily accessible by public transport; a 5-minute walk from the train station and bus stops within the campus. We have dedicated cycling paths and encourage our staff to cycle to work with our offering of a cycle to work scheme.
Sussex is a renowned, research-led international university and this is only possible because of the people that work here. Whether you are faculty, student, or a member of a Professional Services Team, it is our people that make us great, and we want you to be part of that.
The benefits that you will receive from day one:
- Generous pension scheme.
- Life insurance of up to 3 times your annual salary for any pension-enrolled employees.
- Purchase additional annual leave though our scheme for a great home and work life balance.
- Discounts of public transport, Cycle-to-Work-Scheme, and special rates in hotels in Brighton and the Sussex region.
- Discounts on high-street shops through our Rewards partner, along with a Cashback Health Plan.
- Considerable discount on our on-site gym facilities because we care about our employees’ health and wellbeing.
Please contact Jane Harvell, University Librarian (j.harvell@sussex.ac.uk) for informal enquiries
For full details and how to apply see our vacancies page
The University of Sussex values the diversity of its staff and students, and we welcome applicants from all backgrounds.
Download Job Description and further specification Ref 21721 [PDF 185.27KB]
The University requires that work undertaken for the University is performed from the UK.
How to apply
Download our professional services application form and Personal Details and Equal Opportunities Form and fill in all sections.
You must email your completed application, and personal details and equal opportunities form, to jobapps@sussex.ac.uk
You should attach your application form and all documents to the email in PDF format (we are unable to accept applications as google.docs or .pages) and use the format job reference number / job title / your name in the subject line.
You can also send your application by post to Human Resources Division, Sussex House, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton, BN1 9RH.