Digital Learning Services Officer

The Digital Learning Services Officer will lead on the design, delivery and evaluation of offerings that showcase innovative technology-enhanced spaces and services within the library such as the Digital Scholarship Studio, Digital Maker Space, Library Recording Studio, the podcast and sound recording facilities and all technology-enhanced spaces in development. They will drive the library’s efforts in adopting new technologies and spaces for innovative pedagogy and digitally-enabled research, integrating these into the teaching, learning and research activities of the University. Additionally, they will partner with colleagues within the library and beyond to make use of new technologies to visualise, consume and experience library collections and services.

The Digital Learning Specialist will develop educational resources and outreach services for digital, information and new media literacies in collaboration with the Library’s Learning & Teaching team. They will also drive the Library’s vision for Open Education Resources across the University, leading the development of new services and outreach to support the digital transformation of teaching, learning and spearhead library initiatives to enhance digital education.

Role Responsibilities and Activities

Area of accountability

Core Responsibilities & Typical Activities

Service Excellence

• Oversee the Library’s academic technology services, spaces and activities, including the operations of the Digital Scholarship Studio and Digital Maker Space, podcast and audio recording facilities, one-touch video recording studio, as well as future technology-enhanced creative studios and labs developed as part of the Library’s space master plan vision.

• Lead exceptional programmes, events and workshops as part of core service offerings from the Academic Technology Team.

• Drive the Library’s vision for Open Education Resources across the University, leading the development and implementation of services and initiatives to support OERs and digital education.

• Evaluate and implement new instructional technologies to promote active learning and enhance learning environments.

• Collaborate with library staff to promote the use of library collections using new technologies.

• Contribute to the strategic planning and development of technology-rich spaces and services in UCC Library.

• Develop, embed and maintain a culture of continuous evaluation and improvement of UCC Library’s academic technology services and technology-enhanced learning spaces.

• Contribute to library initiatives in response to, and in support of, the University’s Digital Education Principles and wider Academic Plan.

• Monitor trends, devise policies and operations related to digital education. Prepare improvement proposals, compile impact reports and other analytics demonstrating quality and impact.

Academic Engagement

• Create and evolve partnerships with a diverse range of colleagues, internally and externally, to position the library as an important partner in digital education within the University.

• Lead on embedding the library’s academic technology spaces and services in the teaching, learning and research activities of the University.

• Drive initiatives and programmes for wide-scale adoption of open education resources as part of the Library’s vision to support digital transformation within the University.

• Adopt Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles in academic technology services and activities.

• Foster strong relationships with key stakeholders, in particular the Centre for the Integration of Research, Teaching & Learning (CIRTL), Centre for Digital Education, Skills Centre, academic partners, student representatives, central services and other appropriate stakeholders.

• Proactively represent the University both internally and externally, developing strong networks and building alliances to meet Library objectives.

• Maintain awareness of current developments and innovation in academic technologies and digital education and engage in professional development activities.

Leadership & Management

• Provide leadership and effective management of the Academic Technology Team.

• Promote employee engagement and improve personal, team and operational effectiveness through development, recruitment and performance-related review of staff.

• Model an inclusive, flexible, positive approach to leadership and management.

• Work under broad direction with a high degree of autonomy to achieve work goals.

• Exercise independent judgement and apply extensive professional know-how to make decisions, provide sound advice and make recommendations.

• Ensure good governance in respect of health and safety, data protection, business continuity, risk management and any other relevant areas.

Planning & Project Management

• Provide expert advice, lead and/or actively contribute to projects that support the Library’s strategic objectives and align with the broader University strategic direction, including chairing work groups as required.

Workplace Culture

• Lead, encourage and promote a culture that embraces change, equity, collaboration, communication, continuous improvement, user-focus and accountability.

Expected Behaviours

The role is expected to display personal qualities and behaviours consistent with the values of the University as outlined in the Strategic Plan 2023–2028:

• Compassion

• Agility

• Integrity

• Respect

• Discovery

• Equity

• Accountability

• Sustainability

Health & Safety

In addition to the statutory safety duties of all employees (as prescribed in safety legislation and the relevant local safety statement) each staff member is responsible for:

• Discharging any safety functions delegated to them by their Head of College/School/Department/Centre/Unit, in relation to the areas/activities under their control.

• Co-operating and assisting the University and the Head of College/School/Department/Centre/Unit in the discharge of their statutory safety responsibilities.

• Ensuring that all work under their control is undertaken safely, without risk to health and complies with all relevant statutory legislation.

Note: As the University continues to expand and evolve, flexibility in the allocation of specific duties may be necessary. Duties may be added or withdrawn, but any changes will take place after consultation with the appointee.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Essential Criteria

A third-level qualification (NQF Level 8 or above) and at least three years’ professional experience in the workplace.

Awareness of new and emerging technologies, creative technologies, maker spaces and other educational technologies, and their role within a modern library service.

Demonstrated ability to plan, lead and manage significant strategic projects.

Experience delivering instruction or leading other public programmes and events.

Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with diverse stakeholders.

Evidence of the skills required to effectively lead, manage and motivate staff and improve team performance.

Ability to perform to a high standard in a busy and changing environment, including prioritising in line with changing needs.

Exceptional written and oral communication and presentation skills with proven influencing and negotiation abilities.

Desirable Criteria

9. A recognised qualification in Librarianship and Information Studies.

10. Experience designing and developing user-centred services in an academic setting.

Candidates must assess themselves against these criteria before applying.

Candidates who do not demonstrate that they meet the criteria will not be shortlisted.

The University may make additional appointments following this competition.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Salary: Admin III Salary Scale €60,260–€71,946 (Scale B) / €57,375–€68,462 (Scale A).

Placement will follow public sector pay policy.

New entrants are generally appointed to the first point of the scale.

Hours: 35 hours per week, normally 9:00–17:00 Monday to Friday with 1-hour lunch.

Due to seniority, hours may vary as required.

Annual Leave: 29 days per year (exclusive of public holidays and Good Friday).

Four days must be reserved for Christmas closure.

Sick Leave: Granted in line with University policy.

Tenure: Permanent whole-time, subject to:

• 12-month probation;

• One month's notice by either party (except in cases of gross misconduct);

• Appointee must give one month’s notice.

Pension: Membership of the Single Public Service Pension Scheme (post-2013 entrants), unless eligible for the UCC Pension Scheme based on prior service.

Other provisions include:

• Pension abatement rules

• Supplementary Life Assurance Scheme

• Group Personal Accident Scheme

• Income Continuance Plan (ICP)

• Specified Illness Cover

• PRSI Class A1

• Access to voluntary health insurance schemes

• Campus facilities, training opportunities and work–life balance policies.

Additional notes:

• Non-EEA applicants require a valid Work Permit.

• Certificates/testimonials submitted only when requested.

• References required before appointment.

• Interviews may be online or in person.

• Birth certificate, proof of qualifications, medical exam, Garda vetting or international police clearance may be required.

• Any inaccurate information invalidates the application.

• Restrictions may apply for former public service employees based on prior schemes or pensions.