Data Management Specialist

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Department: University Libraries

Classification: Library Specialist 2

Job Category: Classified Staff

Job Type: Full-Time

Work Schedule: Full-time (1.0 FTE, 40 hrs/wk)

Location: Fairfax, VA

Workplace Type: Hybrid Eligible, up to 2 days of telework

Sponsorship Eligibility: Not eligible for visa sponsorship

Pay Band: 04

Salary: No less than $48,000, commensurate with education and experience

Criminal Background Check: Yes

About the Department:

The University Libraries fosters innovation, creativity, and imagination by facilitating and preserving access to scholarship and information, providing expert consultation in the research process, and actively teaching the effective and critical use of information. The Access & Resource Management (ARM) Division works across the Libraries to support the University's strategic goals and plan by acquiring, managing, and providing access to scholarly resources that enhance curricular and research needs. The Division manages the lifecycle of the University Libraries' scholarly collection from budget development to point of ordering to provision of access and all associated maintenance and assessment. The Division is comprised of three departments: Collection Management, Discovery Services, and Access Services.

Within ARM, the Discovery Services Department is responsible for ensuring that library resources are discoverable by users. In collaboration with other units in ARM, Discovery Services manages the print and electronic resource lifecycle for library resources, from ingesting bibliographic records and receiving physical materials to compiling usage data and performing ongoing maintenance of library databases. The Department provides in-depth cataloging and high-quality description for library resources, including print, electronic, and digital collections. Outside of ARM, Discovery Services works closely with the Special Collections Research Center, Digital Strategies & Systems, and Learning, Research & Engagement to identify areas of improvement for resource description and data discoverability. The Data Discoverability Unit in Discovery Services ensures seamless, user-centered discovery and access to the libraries' scholarly resources through structured data stewardship and dissemination. The Unit maintains a libraries-wide perspective, continually seeking to use data from the LSP and other library systems to increase efficiency and improve workflows throughout the organization.

About the Position:

The Data Management Specialist ensures the integrity of data in a wide variety of library data platforms. These include the library services platform and various digital asset management systems, as well as other related products and tools. The position collaborates with departments throughout the libraries to evaluate, create, and improve metadata using a range of library and cultural heritage standards. The position works closely with colleagues to optimize data to improve resource discovery across platforms. The Data Management Specialist works primarily with faculty and staff throughout the Access & Resource Management division, the Special Collections Research Center, and Digital Systems & Strategies, but also collaborates with departments throughout the Libraries to ensure that data integrity needs are met in a timely and accurate manner.

Responsibilities:

Data Integrity (Library Services Platform):

• Manages discrete large-scale metadata, maintenance, and enhancement projects within the Library Services Platform (LSP), utilizing advanced global and bulk editing tools, both internal and external to the system;
• Serves as a key collaborator with functional units across the Libraries to assess and meet evolving metadata and discovery needs; and
• Interprets and applies national and international cataloging standards (e.g., RDA, MARC) alongside local procedures to ensure data integrity, consistency, and alignment with institutional priorities.

Data Integrity (Digital Collections Platforms):

• Creates, edits, and transforms descriptive metadata for digital collections, including rare and special collections, in multiple digital collections platforms and in multiple formats;
• Collaborates closely with departments across the libraries to determine and meet metadata and discovery needs specific to their materials and platform use;
• Proactively explores new tools and develops workflows to reflect evolving library processes; and
• Interprets and applies national and international cultural heritage standards (e.g., Dublin Core, MODS) alongside local procedures to ensure data integrity, consistency, and alignment with institutional priorities.

Records Management:

• Acquires and batch loads MARC catalog records and other data into the Library Services Platform (LSP), ensuring data integrity, consistency, and alignment with metadata standards;
• Identifies and harvests records from external sources, executing complex bulk edits and managing large-scale data integration workflows;
• Designs and maintains import profiles to support efficient, accurate data ingestion, and conducts quality assurance reviews to ensure records meet institutional and national cataloging standards; and
• Serves as a key point of contact across multiple departments for data load operations, proactively communicating status updates, and coordinating with Access & Resource Management staff to support seamless discovery and access.

Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent;
• Library work experience (including volunteering or internships);
• Experience working with metadata for library, archival, or cultural heritage resources;
• Advanced working knowledge of spreadsheet software such as Excel or OpenRefine;
• Knowledge of library or cultural heritage metadata standards such as MARC, Dublin Core, MODs, or VRA Core;
• Demonstrated analytical, detail-oriented problem-solving, and creative thinking skills, working both independently and with others;
• Well-developed service orientation skills and understanding of functional work and its impact on other library units as well as the user community;
• Ability to work independently, but also as part of a team in a fast-paced, production- and service-oriented environment; and
• Strong organizational skills, including the ability to manage competing priorities, meet deadlines, and exercise good judgement.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in related field;
• Experience creating original metadata for library, archival, or cultural heritage resources;
• Experience working with Ex Libris Alma LSP;
• Demonstrated skill in one or more library or cultural heritage metadata standards;
• Working knowledge of batch record editing (e.g., MarcEdit); and
• Proficiency in library services platforms (e.g., Alma), discovery and access systems, bibliographic utilities (e.g., OCLC WorldShare), and related systems and tools.

Instructions to Applicants:

For full consideration, applicants must apply for the Data Management Specialist at https://jobs.gmu.edu/. Complete and submit the online application to include three professional references with contact information, and provide a cover letter and resume for review.

Posting Open Date: January 7, 2026

For Full Consideration, Apply by: January 21, 2026

Open Until Filled: Yes