Program Director for User Research & Strategy

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Salary Range

Overview
The Program Director serves as the strategic leader and subject matter expert for all user research initiatives at Yale Library. This role is responsible for establishing and executing comprehensive user research programs that identify patron needs, preferences, and behaviors to inform data-driven decision-making across the library organization. Working collaboratively with the impact analysis function, the Program Director ensures seamless integration of user insights into organizational strategy and service development.

For full consideration, please submit a research portfolio, in addition to CV and cover letter. The research portfolio can be a link in your CV to an online portfolio or a document uploaded separately.

Key Responsibilities
1.    Research Strategy and Leadership. Develop and implement comprehensive user research strategies that align with organizational priorities. Establish research frameworks, methodologies, and best practices for user experience evaluation across library systems and services. Serve as the primary user research expert, providing guidance and consultation to stakeholders throughout the organization.  Lead cross-functional collaboration to ensure user insights are effectively integrated into decision-making processes.

2.    Research Design and Execution. Design and conduct rigorous qualitative and quantitative research studies to gather data on user interactions, experiences, and needs. Plan and facilitate user testing sessions to evaluate library systems, services, and interfaces. Develop and deploy survey instruments, interview protocols, and other research tools to capture comprehensive user feedback. Conduct ethnographic research, usability studies, and other advanced research methodologies as appropriate.

3.    Analysis and Insights Development. Analyze complex research data to identify patterns, trends, and actionable insights about user behavior and preferences. Evaluate user interface designs and digital experiences to ensure optimal usability and accessibility. Synthesize research findings into clear, compelling narratives that drive organizational understanding and action. Develop evidence-based recommendations for service modifications, new service development, and user experience improvements.

4.    Collaboration and Implementation. Partner closely with impact analysis colleagues to create holistic assessments of organizational initiatives and their user outcomes. Collaborate across library departments to drive implementation of approved user experience improvements. Work with stakeholders to prioritize user needs and experiences in all initiatives, ensuring services meet high standards of usability and accessibility. Contribute to the development of common data collection definitions and evaluation practices organization-wide.

5.    Reporting and Communication. Compile comprehensive reports that document research findings and provide actionable insights to leadership and stakeholders. Engage with and contributes to national conversations relating to user experience research in academic libraries and higher education. Maintain current knowledge of user research trends, methodologies, and best practices in library and academic environments.

Required Skills and Abilities

1. Master's degree in Anthropology, Human-Computer Interaction, User Experience, Psychology, Library and Information Science, or related field
2. Experience leading user research and/or user experience design in a complex organizational setting
3. Knowledge of human subjects research requirements and experience with Institutional Review Board (IRB) protocols and approval processes
4. Demonstrated expertise in both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies
5. Proven ability to translate research findings into actionable recommendations and organizational improvements. Excellent communication skills with ability to present complex findings to diverse stakeholders

Preferred Skills and Abilities
1.    Experience in academic library environments
2.    Knowledge of accessibility standards (WCAG, Section 508) and inclusive design practices
3.    Familiarity with research tools and platforms (e.g., survey tools, analytics platforms, usability testing software)
4.    Knowledge of user-centered design principles
5.    Experience with participatory design methods and community-engaged research approaches
6.    Understanding of library systems, discovery tools, and academic research workflows
 

Principal Responsibilities

Required Education and Experience

Master’s Degree in a related discipline and two years of experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Required License(s) or Certification(s)

Required License(s) or Certification(s):

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Background Check Requirements

All candidates for employment will be subject to pre-employment background screening for this position, which may include motor vehicle, DOT certification, drug testing and credit checks based on the position description and job requirements. All offers are contingent upon the successful completion of the background check. For additional information on the background check requirements and process visit "Learn about background checks" under the Applicant Support Resources section of Careers on the It's Your Yale website.

Health Requirements

Certain positions have associated health requirements based on specific job responsibilities. These may include vaccinations, tests, or examinations, as required by law, regulation, or university policy.

Posting Disclaimer

Salary offers are determined by a candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education in relation to the position requirements, along with the role’s grade profile and current internal and external market conditions.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the essential functions that will be required of the position and should not be construed as a declaration of specific duties and responsibilities of the position. Employees will be assigned specific job-related duties through  their hiring department.

The University is committed to basing judgments concerning the admission, education, and employment of individuals upon their qualifications and abilities and seeks to attract to its faculty, staff, and student body qualified persons from a broad range of backgrounds and perspectives. In accordance with this policy and as delineated by federal and Connecticut law, Yale does not discriminate in admissions, educational programs, or employment against any individual on account of that individual’s sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, disability, status as a special disabled veteran, veteran of the Vietnam era or other covered veteran.

Inquiries concerning Yale's Policy Against Discrimination and Harassment may be referred to the Office of Institutional Equity and Accessibility (OIEA).

Note

Yale University is a tobacco-free campus.