FW: Scholarly Communication/Government Relations Specialist

["Fyffe, Richard" <rfyffe@ku.edu>]

Posted on behalf of Ray English.

ACRL would appreciate any and all help in recruiting to fill the position
described below.  The ideal candidate would likely be in the earlier
stages of his or her career, have strong communication and organizational
skills, knowledge of scholarly communications issues and legislative
advocacy, and high energy.  The position will be based in Chicago and
will include regular travel to Washington.  The salary is negotiable.

Ray English, Chair
ACRL Scholarly Communications Committee

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Scholarly Communication/Government Relations Specialist

The Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL), a division of
the American Library Association, seeks a Scholarly
Communication/Government Relations Specialist to manage ACRL's scholarly
communication and government relations initiatives. Provide educational
programming that increases knowledge, raises awareness, and encourages
action on the part of academic librarians, faculty, and higher education
administrators in reforming the system of scholarly communication. Serve
as an advocate to help shape national policy in accordance with the
principles of scholarly communication and other issues that affect higher
education and academic and research libraries. Strengthen ACRL's existing
partnerships and liaison relationships in order to advance change in the
system of scholarly communication. Document the effects of scholarly
communication crisis on all types of academic libraries and incorporate
that information into the scholarly communication tool kit and other
educational materials and programs.

Serve as ACRL's legislative advocate. Develop strategies to influence
legislation affecting academic and research libraries. Coordinate
legislative messages with ALA Washington Office, state library
associations, higher education associations, campus legislative officers,
and other appropriate affiliates and allies. Build support for legislative
issues among ACRL members and support alliances and coalition groups that
work on issues of mutual interest. Coordinate ACRL's Legislative Network
and keep members informed on the pertinent issues. Lead the preparation of
an annual environmental scan and mega-issues white paper for the ACRL
Board. Monitor issues affecting academic libraries and higher education to
develop new initiatives, coordinate ACRL's environmental scan work, and
seek outside funding opportunities. Serve as member of ACRL senior staff
and serve as staff liaison to major ACRL committees.

REQUIREMENTS: Knowledge of the legislative process and Washington milieu,
knowledge of scholarly communication issues, a working knowledge of how
academic and research libraries function, the needs of library users and
advocates, and the various options for communicating with academic and
research librarians. Solid computer skills are necessary, particularly
Microsoft Word, Excel, Access, e-mail, and Internet research. Strong
project management and excellent communication skills (oral, written, and
electronic) are a must. A good customer service attitude is required to
navigate between diverse groups of people and develop good working
relationships with legislators and their staff. Must possess the ability
to handle multiple priorities and multiple deadlines with ease. This
position requires attention to detail, flexibility, good judgment,
maturity, and evidence of a managerial demeanor. Master of Library Science
(MLS or MLIS) from an ALA-accredited program or relevant experience. Prior
experience in an academic library, writing, and/or editing for publication
is a definite plus. Travel required.

Salary starting from mid $40s. Interested candidates should forward their
r�sum�, letter of application, and salary history to:

American Library Association
Human Resources Department
Ref. ProgOfficerACRL
50 E. Huron Street
Chicago, IL 60611
Fax: (312) 944-6763
e-mail: mpullen@ala.org

Review of applications will continue until position is filled.

The American Library Association is an equal opportunity employer.
Applications are invited from women, minorities, veterans, and people
with disabilities.