Assistant Director for Research and Instruction

Join The New School 

At The New School, we redefine the boundaries of education, creativity, and innovation. Founded in 1919 and located in the heart of New York City, we are home to approximately 9,000 students from over 100 countries, offering more than 135 degree and diploma programs across our renowned colleges, includingParsons School of Design and the College of Performing Arts (Mannes, Jazz, and Drama), Lang College and the New School for Social Research, and Parsons Paris. Our progressive, interdisciplinary approach has earned us recognition as one of the most forward-thinking institutions in the world.

Reporting to the Director of Research & Instructional Services (RIS), the Assistant Director provides leadership in the planning, management, assessment, and strategic development of research and instructional services. Position duties are concentrated in supporting departmental assessment and analytics, developing and advancing strategic initiatives, and serving as liaison in subject areas related to management and entrepreneurship.

POSITION/ROLE OVERVIEW

The Assistant Director of Research & Instructional Services is a key member of the department's leadership team, balancing operational leadership with opportunities to strengthen and evolve library services in response to the changing needs of the university community. Working collaboratively with library colleagues, faculty, and academic programs, the Assistant Director supervises the Research Unit, leads assessment efforts that inform decision-making, and helps identify and implement new initiatives, including emerging areas such as scholarly communication. The successful candidate will bring strong leadership, analytical thinking, and a collaborative approach to enhancing research, teaching, and learning while contributing to the Libraries' long-term goals. This is a full-time position.

CORE CAPABILITIES, PRIMARY DUTIES, AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Supervisory Duties

• Supervise Research & Instructional Services in the absence of the Director.

• Supervise assigned Subject Librarians. 

• Lead “Research Unit” and oversee areas of focus:

  • Assessment and analytics

  • Data visualization

  • Scholarly communication and open publishing

Assessment Duties

• Make budget recommendations for collection management.

• Ensure processes are effective, regularly assessing services and recommending revisions. 

• Develop assessment strategies and actively participate in the implementation of strategic planning and goals. 

• Generate and analyze departmental statistics, incorporating data visualization tools.

Operational Duties

• Jointly oversee and carry out research and instructional services (in-person, by phone and virtually) for library locations. 

• Serve as liaison for programs within management and entrepreneurship (e.g., Fashion Communication, Fashion Management, and Media Management) by providing: outreach, instruction, research assistance, reserves and new program support, collection development, online guides and tutorials. 

• Develop and coordinate services that support scholarly communication, including open publishing, and provide guidance to faculty and researchers on evolving publishing practices.

• Support the development and assessment of new services, resources, and initiatives that enhance research, teaching, and library services.

Collaboration Duties

• Partner with other library units to ensure excellent internal/external customer service standards.

• Collaborate with faculty, academic programs, and library colleagues to advance teaching, learning, and equitable access to library-supported course materials.

• Cultivate partnerships across the Libraries and the New School community to identify and advance scholarly communication initiatives and other emerging services.

• Participate in local and national forums in order to stay current with trends regarding research and instruction services in academic libraries.

• Participate in working groups, e.g., Stats and Analytics.

Other duties as required. 

QUALIFICATIONS

• Relevant Bachelor’s degree from a four-year program.

• ALA-­accredited MLS.

• Strong understanding of research data management, statistical analysis, scholarly publishing and open access.

• Supervisory and/or project management experience.

• Excellent interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills. 

• Ability to thrive in constantly evolving environment and eager to facilitate innovative change. 

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.

• 3+ years experience in an academic library environment.

• Master’s in relevant subject area.

• Exemplary teaching skills or training experience.

• Demonstrated knowledge of current technologies related to research and instruction.

WORK MODE

This position is primarily in-person and is based on campus to support effective in-person collaboration and engagement. #LI-ONSITE

SALARY RANGE

$77,000 - 80,000 per annum

WHY JOIN US?

This is an extraordinary opportunity to work closely with a visionary leader and contribute meaningfully to a forward-thinking institution that’s reshaping the future of higher education. You’ll be at the nexus of strategy, operations, and innovation in a role that grows with your impact.

BENEFITS AT THE NEW SCHOOL

The New School is committed to supporting the well-being and success of our faculty and staff. We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to meet the diverse needs of our employees and their eligible dependents. Highlights include:

Health & Wellness

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Financial Wellness 

• Retirement plan administered by TIAA

• Qualified Transportation Expense Plan

Work-Life Balance

• Paid vacation and sick leave, with accruals starting on your first day

• Paid holidays and floating holidays

• Workmode & Telework Policy (if applicable)

Professional Growth

• Career advancement and professional development opportunities

• Access to university programs, lectures, and events featuring world-renowned speakers and organizations

• Tuition waiver benefit for eligible employees and dependents

Additional Perks

• Employee discounts with local vendors and service providers

We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, creed, religion or belief, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, marital or domestic partnership status, sexual orientation, sex, gender identity or expression, age, disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. The New School recognizes and values the benefits of a diverse workforce.