Library Lead

About RUA RUA is a forward-thinking institution for cross-cultural arts education and creative innovation in the Middle East that fosters bold ideas that inspire progress and transform society by cultivating industry and academic collaboration and rethinking creative education, all while creating a space for global ideas to flourish in a culturally inspiring environment. • Our Vision • To be an inspiring beacon of knowledge for future generations, integrating culture and arts, empowering students to discover passions and develop talents while fostering creativity and cultural exchange. • Our Mission • To cultivate an innovative educational environment in culture and arts, delivering cutting-edge programs that foster cultural and artistic engagement, enriching both the Saudi and global communities. • Our Aspirations • The leading cultural university across the Middle East and North Africa. • Ranked among top 50 universities worldwide specializing in cultural education. • A global hub for cultural education and knowledge exchange. The Library Leader is responsible for providing strategic, operational, and professional leadership for the library and its services. The role leads the development and delivery of high-quality, user-centered library services that support the organization’s strategic priorities, learning, research, knowledge sharing, and institutional objectives. Key Responsibilities 1. Strategic Leadership Develop and implement the library’s strategic direction, priorities, goals, and annual operating plans in alignment with organizational objectives. Translate strategic priorities into measurable initiatives, performance indicators, and outcomes. Lead organizational change and continuous improvement initiatives across library services and operations. Monitor emerging trends in librarianship, information services, digital scholarship, technology, and user expectations to identify opportunities for innovation. Represent the library in institutional planning, governance, and decision-making processes. 2. Library Operations & Service Excellence Provide effective oversight of day-to-day library operations and ensure the delivery of efficient, accessible, and user-centered services. Establish and maintain policies, procedures, service standards, and operational frameworks. Monitor service performance and user feedback and implement improvements based on evidence and data. Ensure that physical and digital library environments support learning, research, collaboration, and knowledge creation. Promote equitable access to information resources and library services. 3. Collections & Information Resources Lead the development, evaluation, management, preservation, and accessibility of print and digital collections. Ensure that collections and information resources align with organizational, academic, research, and user needs. Oversee the selection, acquisition, licensing, evaluation, and lifecycle management of information resources. Develop sustainable approaches to resource allocation and collection development. Establish and periodically review collection-related policies and practices. 4. Digital Transformation & Innovation Lead the adoption and effective use of emerging technologies to enhance library services and user experience. Identify opportunities for digital transformation, automation, data-informed services, and innovative models of information delivery. Support the development of digital collections, digital scholarship, research support, and emerging information services where relevant. Promote responsible, ethical, and effective use of technology, including emerging artificial intelligence applications. Skills Requirements: The successful candidate should demonstrate: Strategic leadership and organizational vision Library and information services expertise People management and team development Change management and organizational development Strategic planning and execution Budget and resource management Stakeholder engagement and partnership development Data-informed decision-making and assessment Digital literacy and technology leadership Qualifications Education BC / Master’s degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS/MLS) or an equivalent qualification. Experience Significant professional experience in libraries, information services, knowledge management, or a related environment. Demonstrated experience in a supervisory or managerial role, preferably with responsibility for teams, services, programs, or organizational initiatives. Experience in strategic planning, budgeting, service development, and performance management. Why joining RUA: RUA represents a platform for discovery, a space where talent is nurtured, and a gateway for Saudi art and culture to the world. We welcome you to join us on this exceptional journey. Together, we will shape the ambitious cultural future of the Kingdom and inspire the world. As the first of its kind in the MENA region, RUA serves as a center of creativity, knowledge, and innovation, contributing to shaping the future of Saudi Arabia’s cultural ecosystem and creative economy, driving the growth of Saudi Arabia’s cultural sector in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030. Show more Show less