Senior Manager Library and Knowledge Translation

Summary of program and its objectives: The Research and Policy Centre (RPC) is one of eight divisions at the Brotherhood of St Laurence (the Brotherhood) and has responsibility for seeding new approaches to social policy, programs and practice that help shape a better future for individuals, families and communities experiencing poverty, inequality and social exclusion.   Main responsibilities of the role:   The BSL Library is an established organisational service that has historically acted as a key internal information hub, with responsibility for record management, preservation of archival collections and supporting research activities. The Library is also an important channel for the BSL’s engagement with the wider-sector through its on-line presence, which curates RPC publications and grey-literature relevant to our research and policy work. The BSL’s library is also one of the a few remaining specialist libraries in the social sector in Victoria. The BSL has recently finalised its Strategic Plan for 2019-2023 which affirms the organisation’s approach to driving systems change that improves the lives of those experiencing poverty and exclusion. In this context, there is a unique opportunity to reimagine the Library as a core enabler of organisational learning that drives evidence-based practice and service design. The role of the Senior Manager Library & Knowledge Translation is to envisage a strategy and lead a change program that will modernise the Library to achieve this vision. Working within the MEL Unit of the RPC, the Senior Manager Library & Knowledge Translation will foster a culture of learning by enabling staff across the organisation to access and understand research and evidence to inform the service design, delivery and associated advocacy. The position will be responsible for knowledge management and supporting the dissemination of relevant research and findings to both internal and external audiences. The role will also oversee management of the Library’s catalogue and specialised archival collections. The incumbent will work to the Head of MEL and manage library staff and volunteers. The position is located in the Research and Policy Centre, which is characterised by a lively culture that values debating evidence and exploring the relevance of theory for practices that can mitigate social exclusion and end poverty.    To meet the selection criteria, candidates will require: Skills:

• An ability to think strategically, prioritise goals and develop, manage and deliver work programs on-time and on-budget
• A high level of technical competence and ability to work with or quickly learn a range of ICT systems and applications
• Excellent communication skills including an ability to develop written content using appropriate mediums for a range of publications and audiences
• An ability to build high-functioning teams and demonstrate sensitivity and respect for staff with diverse backgrounds, skills and levels of experience
• Capacity to develop effective working relationships across functional areas and with key external stakeholders and lead collaborative efforts to advance work
• Resourcefulness and dexterity to lead change in an evolving environment while balancing the interests and priorities of different stakeholder groups

Experience:

• Extensive experience in managing a specialised library service / information centre with responsibility for setting a strategic direction and executing operational plans
• Proven experience in leading a multi-disciplinary team, including management of recruitment, performance management and professional development
• A track record of successfully delivering a change / transformation initiatives and experience managing a portfolio of projects
• Experience with web publishing and maintaining project-based websites and a working knowledge of social media tools and applications

Knowledge and Qualifications Required:

• A recognised degree in library and information studies or information management, which confers eligibility for professional membership of the Australian Library and Information Association
• Understanding or capacity to quickly acquire understanding, of the not-for-profit sector and the areas in which the BSL works
• An understanding of Australian Copyright law in a Special Library setting • Research experience is highly-desirable
• Prior experience working with KOHA and / or DSpace would be beneficial

Wisdom and Valuing:

• A passion for knowledge management and enabling organisational learning
• Integrity, maturity and strong personal and business ethics combined with sound judgement and a commitment to transparency and accountability
• Recognising and valuing the strengths of different working styles and sensitivity to design of processes and actions the account for them
• A strong commitment to developing the capacity and capabilities of staff and colleagues and to release the full-potential of their skills and knowledge
• A curiosity and drive to explore better ways of working by adapting new tools or technologies based-on a complete understanding of the current state

This is a part-time position working ~30 hours per week (0.8 FTE) based in Fitzroy. Annual salary range from $90,000 – $95,000 (FTE) based on skills and experience plus superannuation. Attractive salary packaging provisions are also available to increase take home pay.