Director of Research & Strategic Insights

Oversees externally-facing OCLC research activity to deliver world-class thought leadership on the future of libraries and librarianship. Manages team of research scientists, specialists and engineers. Works closely with cross-functional teams (including Marketing/Communications and Global Product Management) to align priorities, support engagement and outreach, and provide timely insights into evolving library needs and practices.

Responsibilities:

• Oversee the OCLC Research agenda, including annual program planning and prioritization, in consultation with Research and Programming leadership and other OCLC divisions.
• Maintain research profile and leadership for OCLC Research. Serve as an expert resource for OCLC colleagues on issues pertaining to library trends (including emerging technologies), and research design and methods (including computational and AI-driven approaches).
• Manage team of research scientists and engineers, ensuring individual research portfolios are aligned with enterprise needs and emerging library priorities. Equip and enable team to collaborate within Research and Programming organization and across OCLC divisions including Global Product Management, Global Technologies, and Marketing/Communications. 
• Develop team members through coaching and mentorship and cultivating a diverse, collaborative work environment.
• Facilitate collaboration between the Research team and other OCLC division colleagues to inform the OCLC Research agenda and ensure timely sharing of research findings aligned with enterprise goals.
• In consultation with Research and Programming leadership, agree on key member priorities/concerns to be addressed in external research and public programs/events. 
• Collaborate closely with OCLC Communications to maximize the visibility, coherence, and cumulative impact of OCLC Research outputs. 
• Represent OCLC in professional and academic research networks, and through conference presentations and public speaking.
• Travel domestically and internationally as required.

Qualifications:

• Ed.D or Ph.D. (or equivalent experience).
• 10 years or more of research and research management experience with professional standing to garner the respect of the constituencies OCLC serves

• Record of effective management of research teams, including engineers/technologists.

• Demonstrated ability to lead through change – team assessment, provide opportunities for professional growth.

• Strong technology foundation ideally in a B2B environment with expertise in metadata standards and frameworks, including linked data, and related systems and technologies.

• Strong background in conducting primary and secondary research in an information-science related field, as evidenced by a publication record or other highly visible thought leadership.

• Integration of quick research projects into brand pieces (working collaboratively with marketing) and into product strategies where appropriate.

• Advanced knowledge of research methods, including computational analysis and emerging AI-driven models and approaches.

• Consumer research or applied leadership background with proven skill connecting research to applied practice in public institutions (like universities, libraries, or others).

• Expertise in data collection and analysis, with extensive experience using qualitative and quantitative data analysis software programs. Advanced knowledge of statistical analysis and data science preferred.

• Demonstrated ability to communicate complex technical material, both orally and in writing.