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- Tasks: Lead the Digitisation team and manage SOAS Digital Library's ambitious digitisation programme.
- Company: SOAS University of London specializes in Asia, Africa, and the Near and Middle East studies.
- Benefits: Enjoy 44 days holiday, flexible working options, and a defined benefit pension scheme.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team to innovate digital solutions and support research with impactful collections.
- Qualifications: Experience in digitisation, project management, and collaboration with diverse stakeholders is essential.
- Other info: We encourage applications from underrepresented groups to promote diversity in our workforce.
The predicted salary is between 44000 - 72000 £ per year.
Job title: Head of Digitisation
Department: Digitisation Centre, Library Services
Contract Type: Permanent
Grade: 8
Salary: £51,248.57 – £60,268.57 per annum inclusive of London Allowance
Location: Bloomsbury, London
Hours: Full time, 35 hours per week
SOAS University of London is the leading Higher Education institution in Europe specialising in the study of Asia, Africa and the Near and Middle East. SOAS University of London is positioned to play a leading role in reimagining higher education globally, with a new strategic plan in place as the basis for the renewal and revitalisation of the School which commits SOAS to both student responsiveness and research intensity.
About the Role:
The Head of Digitisation will lead the Digitisation team, delivering the Library’s ambitious digitisation programme and managing the SOAS Digital Library. The role holder will ensure that SOAS Library provides its internal and external users with a digital library service, providing access to the Library’s digitised collections. Through collaboration with the Library’s collection managers and with the SOAS academy, Research and Advancement teams, the role holder will develop and deliver digitisation programmes drawing on the Library’s collections, including developing innovative digital solutions for delivering content and engaging with and supporting SOAS’ users. This will include developing and contributing to fundraising proposals, liaising with external stakeholders, and engaging with commercial vendors. The role holder will support the research use of SOAS’ collections by providing a reprographics service to users and play a crucial role in managing various projects within the library, specifically focusing on the digitisation of materials.
About the Department:
Collections Care & Digitisation (CCD) is a unit within the SOAS Library and is closely allied with Special Collections but also serves general collections. This unit is responsible for conservation and digitisation of library and gallery collections.
CCD was preceded by a Digitisation unit in existence since 2013 that grew from funded digitisation projects. Addition of conservation in 2022 was intended to create a seamless core for care of physical collections and their digital transformations.
What we offer:
- 44 Days holiday (including 30 days annual leave, 8 bank holidays, and 5 closure days – 4 at Christmas and 1 at Easter)
- Flexible working option
- Defined benefit career average revalued earnings pension scheme (CARE)
- Cycle to work scheme, free eye tests and season ticket loan
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and partner leave.
- Employee assistance programme: Staff Support Service
- Discounted gym membership. Please visit this link to find out more.
How to Apply:
Please complete the online application form and upload your CV and a supporting statement.
Closing date: 16 March 2025
Interviews to be held: 31 March 2025
Further information:
If you have any questions or require any assistance with regard to the application process, please contact us via the HR Contact Form | SOAS .
Successful candidates will need to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK or have limited leave to remain in the UK and associated right to work for the duration of their employment with SOAS, in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006.
For information on how and why SOAS processes personal data about its job applicants, please read our Job Applicant Notice.
We are not able to offer sponsorship for candidates who do not currently possess the right to work in the UK.
We would particularly welcome applications from candidates from working class, first generation Higher Education, Black, Asian, other minority ethnic and underrepresented groups from within the UK and beyond. All appointment decisions will be made on merit, following a fair and competitive process.
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Head of Digitisation employer: SOAS, University of London
Contact Detail:
SOAS, University of London Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Digitisation
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the latest trends in digitisation and digital library services. Understanding current technologies and methodologies will help you stand out as a candidate who is not only knowledgeable but also forward-thinking.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the field of digitisation and library services. Attend relevant conferences or webinars to connect with others and gain insights that could be beneficial for your application and future role.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills by discussing any previous experience managing teams or projects. Highlight how you have successfully led initiatives that align with the goals of digitisation and user engagement.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience with fundraising and collaboration with external stakeholders. Being able to articulate your strategies for securing funding and building partnerships will demonstrate your capability to drive the digitisation programme at SOAS.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Digitisation
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Take the time to thoroughly read the job description for the Head of Digitisation position. Understand the key responsibilities and required skills, as this will help you tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences.
Craft a Strong Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is crucial. Clearly articulate how your experience aligns with the role's requirements. Use specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your leadership in digitisation projects and your ability to engage with diverse stakeholders.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV, emphasize any previous roles related to digitisation, library services, or project management. Include details about successful projects you've led, particularly those involving digital solutions or collaboration with academic institutions.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and supporting statement. Ensure there are no spelling or grammatical errors, and that your documents are formatted professionally. A polished application reflects your attention to detail.
How to prepare for a job interview at SOAS, University of London
✨Understand the Digitisation Landscape
Familiarize yourself with current trends and technologies in digitisation, especially in library services. Be prepared to discuss how you can leverage these trends to enhance SOAS's digital library offerings.
✨Showcase Leadership Experience
As a Head of Digitisation, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership skills. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams or projects in the past, particularly in a library or educational context.
✨Engage with Fundraising Strategies
Since the role involves developing fundraising proposals, think about your previous experiences with fundraising or grant writing. Be ready to share ideas on how you would approach this aspect of the job.
✨Highlight Collaboration Skills
Collaboration is key in this role. Prepare to discuss how you've worked with various stakeholders, such as collection managers and external vendors, to achieve common goals in digitisation projects.
