Director, Research & Strategic Insights

Together we make breakthroughs possible.

At OCLC, we build technology with a purpose: to connect libraries and make knowledge accessible worldwide, because we believe that what is known must be shared. Our teams work with complex global datasets, AI and machine learning, hybrid cloud solutions, and other technologies that connect people and organizations to the information they need. We value the power of unique perspectives and experiences to unlock innovation.

At OCLC, your ideas matter, whether you have two years of experience or 20. You’ll learn, create, and problem-solve with technologists, product developers, librarians, researchers, marketing pros, and support teams around the world.

OCLC is consistently recognized as a best place to work by several independent programs. We recognize and reward people and results with a comprehensive Total Rewards package. This means competitive compensation that reflects your unique contributions—performance, experience, and skills—along with exceptional benefits, including best-in-class health coverage, retirement plans with generous company contributions, and a commitment to your overall well-being.

• We know the best ideas don’t always happen at a desk. Take a walking meeting around our 100-acre campus or enjoy lunch on the patio. We’re committed to your success—both personally and professionally. Hybrid work environment:
  For many roles, three days a week on-site, with occasional additional days based on business needs.
• Free use of our on-site fitness center, gym sports, group exercise classes, and game room
• Onsite catering and cafeteria subsidized by OCLC
• Health and wellness events
• Work environments with individual and team spaces and the latest technology tools
• Paid parental leave and adoption assistance
• Tuition reimbursement and Public Service Loan Forgiveness eligibility
• Company-subsidized pricing on local tickets and memberships

Join us in transforming how people everywhere access information and be part of a mission-driven team that makes a global impact.

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…