Research Programs and Services Coordinator

at  University of Waterloo

Overview:
The University of Waterloo Library is the campus’s partner in learning, research and innovation. Its two main locations and three satellite spaces act as interdisciplinary hubs, bringing together the knowledge, expertise and resources needed by our diverse campus community. The University was built for change and the Library exemplifies Waterloo’s agility as we continuously transform our approaches to creating, discovering, using, sharing and preserving information. With a commitment to open and equitable access to information, we equip researchers and students with the critical research skills to improve our world as active citizens, creative problem solvers and agile leaders. All of our work is done with a strong commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility.
Reporting to the Head, Davis ISR, the Research Programs & Services Coordinator supports critical functions within the Library and the (ISR) departments: contributing to the delivery of research services, delivering physical and virtual reference, facilitating strategic communications and implementing knowledge and content management processes and tools. This role works collaboratively with all members of ISR and Library staff engaged in research and reference services, the critical appraisal of information sources and knowledge management.
Responsibilities:

Research Services

• Synthesizes information about library-led, specialized research workshops and stakeholder programming focused on research training, collaboration and supports. Facilitates processes for workshop/program coordination, communication, promotion, and registration for audiences within and beyond the University of Waterloo
• Co-develops materials that complement or are companion to workshops/programming
• Keeps abreast of academic library research services trends and reports regularly on findings
• Serves as the ISR contact with the Communications Team to facilitate strategic communications
• Provides support for the development and implementation of services to meet existing and emerging researcher needs
• Manages LibGuides, one of the Library’s primary user-facing applications supporting research & learning, working with subject authors to ensure accessibility and usability best practices are followed

Knowledge and Content Management

• Manages web content for the ISR departments to ensure that internal and public facing sites are effectively organized, accurate, relevant, and align with best practices and guidance from the Library’s web and usability teams and in partnership with the Communications Team
• Orients and trains staff on the use of collaboration and knowledge management tools such as SharePoint, Teams and Confluence
• Coordinates cross-departmental knowledge management activities
• Stays current with knowledge management best practices and upgrades to the Library’s collaboration tools to provide effective guidance and support
• Troubleshoots and triages issues arising for staff in the use of knowledge management and collaboration tools
• Manages the information architecture of collaboration tools such as SharePoint and Confluence to align with knowledge management best practices

Reference service delivery

• Participates in the Library’s virtual reference services, assisting patrons via chat and/or email with locating, critically appraising and using library resources and services
• Serves on the Team overseeing virtual reference services
• Serves as a member of the team providing in person services at the Library’s Adaptive Technology Centre
• Maintains awareness of library accessibility services and related technologies

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in education/experience
• Experience finding, and synthesizing information and making recommendations to users
• Experience using library services and resources, preferably with experience working in an academic or public library setting
• Experience using collaboration and knowledge management tools such as Sharepoint, Teams and/or Confluence
• Experience organizing/coordinating user facing programs or events
• Experience with communications best practices
• Experience managing web content
• Experience with Springshare’s LibGuides content management platform
• Experience with basic productivity software (i.e. Microsoft 365)
• Demonstrated ability to clearly and positively communicate complex concepts; excellent oral and written communication skills
• Outstanding interpersonal skills and good judgement, with a demonstrated ability to maintain respectful, and constructive working relationships across multiple levels and diverse stakeholders
• Demonstrated ability to provide excellent customer service and interact with patrons in a respectful and sensitive manner
• Knowledge of current trends, best practices, tools and technologies related to accessibility
• Ability and aptitude to learn and use new technologies to enhance and deliver services
• Demonstrated ability to independently, as well as collaboratively, lead, plan, coordinate, implement and assess effective services, including managing multiple and simultaneous projects
• Demonstrated aptitude for organization and planning with proven ability to develop and implement procedures, workflows and process improvements
• Proven ability to take initiative and manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines
• Demonstrated ability to keep current in areas of responsibility
• Proven problem solving and critical thinking skills
• Familiarity with data visualization
• Inclusive design/universal design for learning and usability testing knowledge
• Knowledge of accessibility standards, including web accessibility standards and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act

Equity Statement:
The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is co-ordinated within the Office of Indigenous Relations.
The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti-racism and inclusion. As such, we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as First Nations, Métis and/or Inuk (Inuit), Black, racialized, a person with a disability, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.
Positions are open to qualified candidates who are legally entitled to work in Canada.
The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application, interview, or workplace accommodation requests, please contact Human Resources at hrhelp@uwaterloo.ca or 519-888-4567, ext. 45935

Please refer the Job description for details