What are the responsibilities and job description for the Executive Director, Coalition for Networked Information (CNI) position at Association of Research Libraries?

Executive Director, Coalition for Networked Information (CNI)

Coalition for Networked Information (CNI) Job Location : washington_dc Apply By : March 31, 2025 Date Created : 03 / 06 / 2025

CNI Overview

The Coalition for Networked Information (CNI), a joint initiative of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) and EDUCAUSE, is dedicated to supporting the transformative promise of information technology for the advancement of scholarly communication and the enrichment of intellectual productivity. For over three decades, CNI has been at the forefront of key developments in digital scholarship, higher education technology, and the changing role of research libraries in the digital age.

Position Overview

ARL and EDUCAUSE seek a visionary and collaborative leader to serve as CNI's next Executive Director. Reporting to the executive director of ARL, this position offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of digital scholarship and academic technology while fostering collaboration across libraries, IT organizations, and the research and scholarly enterprise. The Executive Director will guide CNI through a critical transition period, building upon its strong foundation while adapting to emerging challenges and opportunities in higher education, technology, and digital scholarship.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

Develop and articulate a clear vision for CNI's future that advances its core mission, closely aligning with and supporting ARL's strategic priorities and Action Plan
Guide the organization's response to emerging technologies and trends in higher education
Foster collaboration between libraries, IT organizations, and other agencies in the research and scholarly enterprise
Strengthen CNI's role in national and international discussions about digital scholarship and academic technology
Lead strategic CNI planning efforts with input from diverse stakeholders

Program Development and Management

Oversee CNI's signature membership meetings and executive roundtables

Identify and develop programming that serves diverse institutional needs

Expand CNI's reach beyond traditional constituencies, for example higher education offices of research or organizations focused on AI and cybersecurity

Guide the organization's response to ongoing and emerging issues such as artificial intelligence, research computing, cybersecurity, and digital preservation

Ensure that programming remains relevant to both established and emerging stakeholders

Relationship Management

Build and maintain strong relationships with member institutions

Collaborate effectively with ARL and EDUCAUSE leadership

Engage with national policy makers, leaders in advocacy, and the academies

Develop and maintain partnerships with aligned organizations

Foster international connections and collaborations

Organizational Management

Work with the CNI Steering Committee to broaden and strengthen governance processes

Manage CNI's budget and ensure financial sustainability

Lead and develop 4.5 FTE staff

Ensure efficient operations and effective member services

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

Minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible leadership experience

Demonstrated understanding of technology's role in research, scholarship, and academic operations

Proven track record of successful leadership in higher education, libraries, academic technology, or related field

Strong communication and relationship-building skills

Ability to synthesize complex information and articulate clear strategic directions

Experience working with diverse stakeholders in academic environments

Understanding of the higher education and research landscape and key challenges facing academic institutions

Proven ability to build coalitions and work collaboratively across organizations

Desired Qualifications

Experience working with national and international advocacy and public policy organizations

International perspective on digital scholarship and academic technology

Track record of innovative program development

Experience with organizational change management

Understanding of diverse institutional needs, from R1 to liberal arts colleges

Personal Qualities

Intellectual curiosity and broad interests

Collaborative and inclusive leadership style

Strong listening and relationship-building skills

Ability to work effectively with multiple stakeholders

Forward-thinking, visionary, and innovative mindset

Commitment to transparency and shared governance

Demonstrated comfort with public speaking and the role of organizational spokesperson

Committed to the development of a trusting and inclusive culture

Location & Travel

Washington, DC, metro area residency is preferred. Remote work, subject to ARL's mobile-first policy, may be negotiated. Significant travel—30%—is required, particularly in the first 1–2 years, to build relationships with member institutions and key stakeholders. Non-DC-based incumbents will be expected to travel occasionally to ARL / CNI headquarters in Washington, DC, in addition to other work-related travel.

Salary & Benefits

The expected salary range for this position is $225,000–$275,000. ARL offers competitive compensation and benefits packages which include a 35-hour work week, 13 paid holidays, 35 paid vacation and sick days, an employer retirement contribution of 15% of annual salary, and a wide selection of employer paid health insurance options.

To Apply

Please submit a CV and cover letter to cni-search@arl.org . Applications will be accepted through March 31, 2025. Candidate nominations and questions can also be sent to cni-search@arl.org .

ARL and CNI are committed to building a diverse and inclusive environment. Candidates from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

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Salary : $225,000 - $275,000

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