Digital Projects Specialist

Description

Under the general supervision of the Associate Dean for Academic Services, this position contributes to the success of the Digital Projects Lab (DPL) and Digital Scholarship Studio (DSS) through supporting a community of scholars who incorporate data, design, geospatial tools, and related digital technologies across a wide range of disciplines. Working collaboratively with colleagues in the library and the campus community, the Digital Projects Specialist contributes to a user-focused and service-oriented library programming informed by best practices in diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility to support digital and data-intensive teaching, learning, research, and scholarship. This includes the coordination of instruction and training workshops on data literacy, digital and data-intensive methods, as well as on platforms to share and showcase digital scholarship and creative outputs in both physical and virtual spaces. This position supports the equitable and inclusive delivery of the DSS programing at library service points and through the peer assistant model, providing training and mentorship for a team of culturally competent student employees. The Digital Projects Specialist will also collaborate on efforts to evaluate the unit’s programs and activities, as well as contribute to resource plans and budgets to fund program-specific services and resources, identifying and recommending opportunities for external funding as appropriate.

The Academic Services Department of Robert E. Kennedy Library designs and delivers user-focused programs and services to advance the scholarly and creative activities of the Cal Poly community. These programs support effective inquiry and exploration of information resources, and foster the process of creating, collaborating, and sharing scholarly work, across diverse disciplines and professional practices, supporting multiple modes of instruction and individual learning styles. The Academic Services department includes faculty librarians, specialized staff, and student employees who work collaboratively to advance the department’s goals and priorities. As a member of Academic Services, the Digital Projects Specialist contributes to specialized instructional and consultative programs and services in the existing Digital Projects Lab, and likewise in the new and expanded Digital Scholarship Studio, in development within the renovated library building.

Requirements

Required qualifications

1. Strong problem-solving and analytical skills with the demonstrated ability to provide consultation and instructional support to faculty, staff, and students on data-intensive computing applications, information resources, and concepts, including data analysis, visualization, and communication.
2. Demonstrated ability to coordinate programs and services, including public events, workshops, and training sessions, and promote them to a variety of audiences through outreach and user engagement activities.
3. Working knowledge of software tools and workflows for data analysis and presentation, such as with geographic information systems (GIS), data visualization or digital scholarship.
4. Familiarity with data literacy, information literacy, and critical thinking competencies in a higher education setting.
5. Demonstrated ability to effectively interpret, organize, and present information and ideas in written or presentation form.
6. Expertise in investigating and analyzing problems with a broad administrative impact and implications. Ability to anticipate problems and address them proactively
7. Skill in the research, development and evaluation of policies and programs, including skill in the collection, evaluation, and interpretation of data to develop sound conclusions and make appropriate recommendations.
8. Working knowledge of operational and fiscal analysis and techniques.
9. Ability to take initiative and independently plan, organize, coordinate, and perform work in various situations where numerous and competing demands are involved.
10. Experience with visual design principles to interpret and communicate data and visual information.
11. Demonstrated customer service skills that prioritize equity, including diplomacy and ability to use sound judgment.
12. Ability to initiate, establish, and foster communication and teamwork by maintaining a positive, cooperative, and productive work atmosphere in and outside the library with the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships within a diverse population of users and with those from various cultural backgrounds.
13. Ability to effectively interact and collaborate with others in a broad range of interpersonal situations and to respond appropriately to challenges and conflicts.
14. Excellent communication skills – ability to effectively communicate information clearly and understandably, both verbally and in writing.
15. Excellent organizational and time-management skills – ability to identify and set priorities to coordinate multiple assignments with fluctuating and time-sensitive deadlines.
16. Excellent computer skills and proficiency with various computer applications including word-processing, spreadsheets, databases, web-based applications, and online calendaring and email.
17. Ability to supervise, train, and mentor a diverse group of student employees to support the unit’s peer-peer service model.
18. Ability to integrate library and university workflows and policies to unit-level services, procedures, and documentation.

Preferred qualifications

1. Experience conducting data-intensive and reproducible workflows in a professional or academic setting.
2. Experience with data analysis tools, such as Python and Jupyter Notebooks, R, Tableau, MS Power BI, MS Excel, and similar tools.
3. Experience with geospatial tools and software, such as ArcGIS and similar platforms.
4. Experience with digital visual design principles and software.
5. Experience with project management involving collaborative teamwork.
6. Experience with web-based technologies for data access and automation (e.g., APIs).
7. Familiarity with and/or experience delivering workshops and instruction centered on data literacy, information literacy, and critical thinking instruction in a higher education setting.
8. Experience supervising university or college student employee and\or interns.
9. Fluent in Spanish language.