160 · Representative Documents: 2012 Position Descriptions
Smithsonian Institution
Associate Director, Digital Services Division
heads, determines the mission, objects and goals for digital services and web-related projects and
develops policies, procedures and workflow that will achieve these goals. Regularly reviews
division success in meeting SI and SIL mission and goals. Within authority delegated by the
Director, establishes personnel policies for the division and makes recommendations for
selections, promotions, awards, and other personnel actions including disciplinary actions.
Establishes performance standards and evaluates performance following SI and SIL guidelines
and schedules. Determines staff training and development needs and makes recommendations to
meet these. Vigorously promotes two-way communication with all division staff as a means to
maintaining high morale and achieving excellent service.
Administers the information technology program of the Libraries and coordinates it with other
programs within and external to the Smithsonian. Determines the mission, objectives, and goals
for information technology and leads staff in formulation of needs and selection of appropriate
technologies to meet those needs most effectively. Establishes broad policies, procedures, and
priorities for information technology that will lead to achievement of goals. Works with
subordinate staff to interpret policies and solve problems, and adjusts priorities, schedules, and
resources to meet changing requirements. Plans, implements, and monitors program to ensure
security of all SIL automated systems.
Manages large-scale national and international digitization projects, such as the Biodiversity
Heritage Library, in which SIL is engaged, frequently attending international meetings and
workshops and making presentations as requested.
Represents information technology needs and concerns, but with an overview of the entire
Smithsonian Institution Libraries system and a thorough understanding of the program
requirements of the Institution for library services and technology use. Participates fully in the
overall administration and management of the Libraries through membership in the SIL
Executive Committee and may serve as Acting Director in the Director’s absence. Shares
equally in development and documentation of SIL’s long- and short-range planning efforts, fund-
raising activities, budget decisions, personnel policy formulation, and major organizational
changes.
Working closely with staff from all SIL units, plans and develops SIL’s online presence, SIL’s
digital publications (digital editions, online exhibitions, etc.) as well as new modes of electronic
outreach (blogs, wikis, etc.). Recognizing the rapid pace of change to standards, policies, and
procedures in the digital arena, the lack of standard policies, procedures, and practices regarding
digital applications, draws in best thinking from the larger community and the Institution in
general and guides formulation of SIL strategies and approaches. Provides guidance and
leadership to SIL staff in all areas of digital engagement.
Works closely with the staff of the Smithsonian Institution Scholarly Press to develop new
publishing platforms for Smithsonian scholarly content and to streamline workflow and provide
readers with the optimum reading experiences.
Maintains strong cooperative relationships with the Chief Information Officer and other senior
administrators in the Institution concerned with information technology policy, planning and
implementation. Serves as SIL’s representative to Institution-wide planning groups and
Smithsonian Institution
Associate Director, Digital Services Division
heads, determines the mission, objects and goals for digital services and web-related projects and
develops policies, procedures and workflow that will achieve these goals. Regularly reviews
division success in meeting SI and SIL mission and goals. Within authority delegated by the
Director, establishes personnel policies for the division and makes recommendations for
selections, promotions, awards, and other personnel actions including disciplinary actions.
Establishes performance standards and evaluates performance following SI and SIL guidelines
and schedules. Determines staff training and development needs and makes recommendations to
meet these. Vigorously promotes two-way communication with all division staff as a means to
maintaining high morale and achieving excellent service.
Administers the information technology program of the Libraries and coordinates it with other
programs within and external to the Smithsonian. Determines the mission, objectives, and goals
for information technology and leads staff in formulation of needs and selection of appropriate
technologies to meet those needs most effectively. Establishes broad policies, procedures, and
priorities for information technology that will lead to achievement of goals. Works with
subordinate staff to interpret policies and solve problems, and adjusts priorities, schedules, and
resources to meet changing requirements. Plans, implements, and monitors program to ensure
security of all SIL automated systems.
Manages large-scale national and international digitization projects, such as the Biodiversity
Heritage Library, in which SIL is engaged, frequently attending international meetings and
workshops and making presentations as requested.
Represents information technology needs and concerns, but with an overview of the entire
Smithsonian Institution Libraries system and a thorough understanding of the program
requirements of the Institution for library services and technology use. Participates fully in the
overall administration and management of the Libraries through membership in the SIL
Executive Committee and may serve as Acting Director in the Director’s absence. Shares
equally in development and documentation of SIL’s long- and short-range planning efforts, fund-
raising activities, budget decisions, personnel policy formulation, and major organizational
changes.
Working closely with staff from all SIL units, plans and develops SIL’s online presence, SIL’s
digital publications (digital editions, online exhibitions, etc.) as well as new modes of electronic
outreach (blogs, wikis, etc.). Recognizing the rapid pace of change to standards, policies, and
procedures in the digital arena, the lack of standard policies, procedures, and practices regarding
digital applications, draws in best thinking from the larger community and the Institution in
general and guides formulation of SIL strategies and approaches. Provides guidance and
leadership to SIL staff in all areas of digital engagement.
Works closely with the staff of the Smithsonian Institution Scholarly Press to develop new
publishing platforms for Smithsonian scholarly content and to streamline workflow and provide
readers with the optimum reading experiences.
Maintains strong cooperative relationships with the Chief Information Officer and other senior
administrators in the Institution concerned with information technology policy, planning and
implementation. Serves as SIL’s representative to Institution-wide planning groups and
