Director, Research Library Partnerships Programs

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.   Why join OCLC?   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.  The job details are as follows: The Research Library Partnership (RLP) Director provides strategic and operational leadership for OCLC’s Research Library Partnership, an established global partnership rooted in research libraries. In this role, the Director will explore and evaluate options to support a more inclusive library partnership model, including potential new affiliation models that could encompass additional library types (such as public and national libraries) and inform future evolution of the programming portfolio. Working in close partnership with Senior Program Officers (SPOs) who lead specific program areas, such as Metadata Leadership & Innovation, Resource Sharing, and the SHARES Community, the RLP Director ensures that RLP activities are well coordinated, strategically aligned, and delivered in a consistent, high quality manner. The RLP Director is also responsible for managing up to two Innovation Fellows, domain experts on 18-24 month contracts. This role serves as the organizational and connective center of the RLP, setting overall direction, translating strategy into execution, supporting SPOs in their work with partners, and ensuring that the program functions smoothly as a coherent whole. The RLP Director reports to the Executive Director of Research and Programming, and plays a key role in sustaining strong relationships with partner libraries across regions and domains. Key Responsibilities Program Leadership and Coordination: Provide day‑to‑day leadership for the overall RLP program, ensuring that activities across multiple focus areas are aligned, complementary, and delivered on schedule. Develop and maintain an integrated annual calendar of RLP engagements—such as webinars, partner forums, focus group meetings, and working group milestones—in collaboration with Senior Program Officers. Act as the central point of coordination to prevent duplication, manage dependencies, and ensure a consistent partner experience across the program. Operational Management and Delivery: Oversee the operational planning and execution of RLP activities. This includes managing logistics for virtual and in-person events, coordinating platforms and tools, supporting communications and materials, and ensuring appropriate follow-up and documentation. The RLP Director acts as the operational anchor for the RLP, enabling SPOs to focus on content leadership and partner engagement while ensuring that program delivery is reliable and effective. Team Leadership and Support: Lead and support a small team of program staff, including Senior Program Officers, by facilitating regular coordination meetings, supporting shared planning, and encouraging cross-program learning. Provide guidance on project planning, partner engagement practices, and internal collaboration. While SPOs lead substantive agendas within their domains, the RLP Director helps prioritize work across the portfolio, balancing strategic goals with available capacity and resources. Membership and Partner Management: Serve as the business and operational manager for RLP membership. Maintain accurate records of partner institutions, contacts, and engagement history, and coordinate closely with OCLC colleagues on billing, renewals, and membership status. Support partner recruitment and onboarding efforts by working with Member Relations and responding to inquiries from prospective partners, articulating the value and structure of the RLP program. This role emphasizes relationship stewardship and continuity rather than sales. Engagement Metrics and Program Assessment: Establish and maintain a systematic approach to tracking partner engagement and program performance. Define and monitor key indicators—such as participation levels, attendance, feedback, and collaborative outputs—and use this data to inform planning and improvement. Work with SPOs and the Executive Director t