Content Strategist

The American Library Association (ALA) is the oldest and largest library association in the world.

The Association of College & Research Libraries (ACRL) seeks a Content Strategist to identify and acquire content that meets the professional development needs of academic and research librarians. ACRL is a division of the American Library Association with more than 11,000 members interested in all types of academic and research libraries.

• Reporting to the executive director of the ACRL and the editor & publisher of CHOICE, the Content Strategist is responsible for identifying and acquiring content that meets the professional needs of academic and research librarians as well as for identifying and developing new content models that are in keeping with ACRL’s mission and strategic goals.
• This includes responsibility for the acquisition and development of titles important to and timely for the academic and research library field and expansion of the monographic publishing program (approximately 20 titles annually).

• The successful candidate will also be charged with the development of new monographic publishing models and vehicles and the management and expansion of eBook and digital monographic content, including the development and management of contracts with eBook vendors.

• The successful candidate will also acquire and develop professional development eLearning content through close team work with the ACRL manager of professional development and the monitoring of professional trends in academic librarianship.

• Possible work in this area might also include the development of learning frameworks to guide people to the appropriate events for their needs, creating linkages among disparate pieces of ACRL produced content such as books, articles, and eLearning.

• This person teams with other members of the ACRL and CHOICE staff to identify the appropriate format for content delivery and works closely with member advisory groups.

• This person is also responsible for the full breadth of book development from acquisition through contracting, author support, and editorial process, as well as working with the senior production editor to bring the book projects to fruition regardless of format.
• The content strategist will also work closely with the director of marketing and communications to develop and coordinate marketing for book publishing and eLearning efforts.
• This person has responsibility for generating net revenue from the sale of non-serial publications and webinars to ensure that new programs developed generate positive net revenues.

• Bachelor’s degree required with 5-7 years work experience in academic and research librarianship with background in curriculum design and/or content acquisition preferred.
• MLIS a plus.
• Preference will be given candidates with a background in book acquisitions, particularly in a university or academic press environment who demonstrate knowledge of academic and research library issues.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team and handle projects and negotiations with tact and diplomacy.
• Also must be able to manage multiple, competing priorities using sound decision-making.
• The ideal candidate should have a large network of individuals with expertise in the academic and research library profession, possess strong communication and organization skills as well as excellent judgment and problem solving skills.
• Knowledge of issues and trends in academic librarianship (including MLIS curricula and continuing education) and in higher education in general, particularly with respect to how information is created, disseminated, stored, and retrieved. Understanding of how academic and research libraries function.
• Ability to identify timely research in academic librarianship and to create publishing and/or professional development opportunities around them.
• Demonstrated leadership, project management, and problem-solving experience. Legal and financial acumen in a publishing context a plus.
• The position requires a team player who is an excellent communicator and writer.
• Should be flexible, organized, motivated and able to work independently.
• Must have verifiable success in these areas.