Technology Support and Consulting Lead

The Libraries IT unit is responsible for supporting the programs and services of the Libraries with information technology resources, including but not limited to application development and maintenance, hardware and software purchasing and maintenance, digital preservation, digital accessibility and content strategy, and coordination with the University's Office of Information Technology (OIT).

Salary Range: $70,000 - $85,000 annually, dependent upon the selected candidate's relevant qualifications, experience, and internal equity.

Work Arrangements: 80% on-site required.

*Please note, this position is not eligible for H-1B or Green Card sponsorship.

Position Overview:

At the University of Minnesota Libraries, we expand access to information, strengthen research and teaching, and enrich communities throughout Minnesota, the region, and the world. Within the Libraries' Technology Support & Consulting (TSC) department, we provide systems, service, and consultation to support library-specific needs for staff and public computing. We integrate technology into library user spaces, consult on relevant technologies, and work closely with the University's Office of Information Technology to support the needs of Libraries staff at all Twin Cities campus library locations (except the Law Library).

As the Technology Support and Consulting Lead, you will provide technology support across the TSC portfolio by serving in the role of lead technician, providing proactive user support for specialized software and other technologies, and developing strategies and operational plans to address staff technology needs. This position reports to the Director of Information Technology.

Key Responsibilities/Duties:

Lead technician for Libraries staff and public computing and associated technology - 45%

• Provide Tier 3 support for Libraries-specific technologies, including but not limited to:
  • Specialized desktop software for Libraries staff.
  • Specialized software for public computers.
  • Makerspace equipment and specialized software.
  • A/V equipment in Libraries spaces.
  • Collaborate with the Office of Information Technology (OIT), the Bookstores, and vendors as appropriate on ordering, delivery, and deployment of staff and public computers.
  • Manage Active Directory and network printers for staff.
  • Lead and/or coordinate Libraries internal staff web, file, and network management services, including chairing staff groups where appropriate.

Technology Support and Consultation Planning - 20%

• Assess technology needs for staff and spaces across the Libraries and develop strategies and operational plans to address them that align with service area and Libraries goals.
• Support TSC budget activity including anticipating needs, requesting funds, tracking and managing a budget, and keeping leadership informed.
• Monitor and coordinate with the University's Office of Information Technology (OIT) to ensure efficient and effective distribution of responsibility for technology and services in the TSC portfolio.
• Proactively communicate plans and progress reports, implementations, technology changes, and issues through appropriate communication channels.

Staff Training - 10%

• Provide hands-on and remote training for staff on systems supported by TSC.

Audio/Visual Conference, Event, and Meeting Support - 10%

• Work with Libraries colleagues to support conference, webinar and meeting organizers and/or departmental teams by planning and practicing audio/visual conference scenarios; ensuring events are conducted with security best practices and accessibility for all participants.
• When necessary, perform direct and in-person support of high-profile meetings and events.
• Provide secondary support to on-premise and virtual conferences, webinars and meetings that require audio/visual elements and support.
• Research, discover and share new and/or improved capabilities of audio/visual components and applications with colleagues.
• Regularly test and evaluate system configurations and practices to ensure optimum performance.

Professional Development - 10%

• Actively and continuously develop leadership and technical skills; seeks and receives appropriate training.
• Establish and enhances professional relationships with counterparts at the University; this may include opportunities to serve on campus-wide IT committees or work groups.
• Share improved or newly developed skills with others as appropriate.

IT Unit Planning & Management - 5%

• Contributes to the management of the IT unit through leadership of the TSC department's work, and active participation in IT unit planning.
• Contributes to the achievement of unit-wide goals, including collaborative approaches that reach across the division, Libraries, and the University.

The University of Minnesota is committed to fostering local talent through employment opportunities. This position utilizes a predominately on-site work modality, prospective applicants must be located either in the state of Minnesota or within a commutable distance of the Twin Cities Campus.

Required:

• BA/BS plus at least four years of experience in technology support, or a master's degree plus at least two years of experience.
• Demonstrated experience supporting computing hardware and software.
• Demonstrated ability to work productively with colleagues to provide technology solutions that adhere to enterprise policies and procedures.

Preferred:

• IT support experience for Libraries and/or Higher Education.

Service Unit Overview:

The Libraries IT unit is responsible for supporting the programs and services of the Libraries with information technology resources, including but not limited to application development and maintenance, hardware and software purchasing and maintenance, digital preservation, digital accessibility and content strategy, and coordination with the University's Office of Information Technology (OIT).

Working at the University

At the University of Minnesota, you'll find a flexible work environment and supportive colleagues who are interested in lifelong learning. We prioritize work-life balance, allowing you to invest in the future of your career and in your life outside of work.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Competitive wages, paid holidays, and generous time off
• Continuous learning opportunities through professional training and degree-seeking programs supported by the Regents Tuition Benefit Program
• Low-cost medical, dental, and pharmacy plans
• Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
• University HSA contributions
• Disability and employer-paid life insurance
• Employee wellbeing program
• Excellent retirement plans with employer contribution
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) opportunity
• Financial counseling services
• Employee Assistance Program with eight sessions of counseling at no cost
• Employee Transit Pass with free or reduced rates in the Twin Cities metro area

Please visit the Office of Human Resources website for more information regarding benefits.

Applications must be submitted online. To be considered for this position, please click the Apply button and follow the instructions. You will be given the opportunity to complete an online application for the position and attach a cover letter and resume.

Additional documents may be attached after application by accessing your "My Job Applications" page and uploading documents in the "My Cover Letters and Attachments" section.

To request an accommodation during the application process, please e-mail employ@umn.edu or call (612) 624-8647.

The University recognizes and values the importance of diversity and inclusion in enriching the employment experience of its employees and in supporting the academic mission. The University is committed to attracting and retaining employees with varying identities and backgrounds.

The University of Minnesota provides equal access to and opportunity in its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, gender, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression. To learn more about diversity at the U: http://diversity.umn.edu

Any offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check. Our presumption is that prospective employees are eligible to work here. Criminal convictions do not automatically disqualify finalists from employment.

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC)

The University of Minnesota, Twin Cities (UMTC), is among the largest public research universities in the country, offering undergraduate, graduate, and professional students a multitude of opportunities for study and research. Located at the heart of one of the nation's most vibrant, diverse metropolitan communities, students on the campuses in Minneapolis and St. Paul benefit from extensive partnerships with world-renowned health centers, international corporations, government agencies, and arts, nonprofit, and public service organizations.

At the University of Minnesota, we are proud to be recognized by the Star Tribune as a Top Workplace for 2021, as well as by Forbes as Best Employers for Women and one of America's Best Employers (2015, 2018, 2019, 2023), Best Employer for Diversity (2019, 2020), Best Employer for New Grads (2018, 2019), and Best Employer by State (2019, 2022).