Head (Software Engineering Leader), Digital Collections Software Development

Indiana University
Indiana University

Software Engineering

Bloomington, IN, USA

Posted on Sep 23, 2026

LIBRARIES (BL-LIBR-IUBLA)

The Indiana University (IU) Libraries' mission is to support and strengthen teaching, learning, and research by providing the collections, services, and environments that lead to intellectual discovery. Our materials are digital, visual, audio, and print. They are curated from our campuses, our country, and our world. As a result, they are in 450 different languages, are world-renowned, and are ready to connect students and researchers with limitless possibilities. We are also proud to be home to Indiana University Press, an academic press serving the world of scholarship and culture as a professional, not-for-profit publisher.

We offer meaningful work that inspires and empowers students and faculty to excel in research, teaching, and learning. We promote professional development, career advancement, and flexible work schedules.

Department Specific Responsibilities

  • Manages the software development team that builds and supports Digital Collections , Avalon Media System , and other applications in support of digital content preservation and access.
  • Serves as a member of the leadership team for the Library Technologies division of Indiana University (IU) Bloomington Libraries and participates in department, division, and organization-wide planning efforts.
  • Leads and contributes to efforts to explore and responsibly adopt AI/ML technologies in support of library digital collections discovery and access.
  • Engages in collaboration with peers in other IU departments, including University Information Technology Services and other IU libraries, to coordinate development and support of software applications and adoption of AI technologies.
  • Represents IU in national and international technical collaborations in efforts such the Samvera open-source digital repository community and International Image Interoperability Framework (IIIF) standards community.
  • Serves in software architect, high-level technical design, and project management roles on other projects as needed.

General Responsibilities

  • Provides highest level of operational leadership and coordination of assigned staff members to define software engineering methodologies and standards; provides direction and guidance on high priority software engineering projects/initiatives.
  • Establishes short-term business plans and long-term operational objectives, including managing project timelines/deliverables and developing resource plans for multi-project/multi-phase software engineering initiatives.
  • Conducts a variety of personnel actions to include, but not limited to hiring, promotion, performance management, and dismissal.
  • Manages high level assignments and allocation of technical resources, including negotiating and coordinating initiatives that involve staff in other departments/areas/teams; may coordinate large-scale software development projects with a wide audiences in support of academic initiatives.
  • Makes budgetary recommendations/proposals based on resource needs and ensures cost containment.
  • Researches and stays up-to-date on new industry software engineering standards, emerging technology, User Experience (UX)/User Interface (UI) design/philosophy, and accessibility standards; responsible for the implementation of new protocols/procedures to address business needs.
  • Works collaboratively with other software engineering leaders across departments in recommending standards, best practices, and related policies/procedures.
  • Prepares management reports and summaries for senior administration, executive, steering and advisory committees; acts as advisor to executive committees; serves on various university committees, communities of practice, and task forces related to software engineering.

Combinations of related education and experience may be considered. Education beyond the minimum required may be substituted for work experience. Work experience beyond the minimum required may be substituted for education.

EDUCATION

Required

  • Bachelor's degree (preferably in computer science, business systems, or related field.)

WORK EXPERIENCE

Required

  • 4 years of software development or related experience.
  • 1 year of management experience.

Preferred

  • Experience working with open-source software and communities.
  • Experience in development projects using AI/ML tools and technologies.

SKILLS

Required

  • Proficient written and verbal communication skills.
  • Maintains a high degree of professionalism.
  • Demonstrates time management and priority setting skills.
  • Demonstrates a high commitment to quality.
  • Excellent organizational skills.
  • Excellent collaboration and team building skills.
  • Effectively coaches and delivers constructive feedback.
  • Instills commitment to organizational goals.
  • Demonstrates excellent judgment and decision making skills.
  • Effective conflict management skills.
  • Builds and manages effective teams.

Preferred

  • Demonstrates skill in developing complex web applications.
  • Knowledge of library software applications and standards.
  • Knowledge of digital repository software such as Fedora, Samvera, or DSpace.
  • Knowledge of image, audio and video file formats and delivery technologies.

This role requires the ability to effectively communicate and to operate a computer and other standard office productivity equipment. The position involves sedentary work as well as periods of time moving around an office environment and the campus. The person in this role must be able to perform the essential functions with or without an accommodation.

Herman B Wells Library

Bloomington, Indiana

This position may be eligible for remote work or to work a hybrid schedule (mix between remote and in-person work), subject to change in the future based on university policy and business needs.

$91,000 - $105,000 per year

For full-time staff employees, Indiana University offers a wide array of benefits including:

  • Comprehensive medical and dental insurance
  • Health savings account with generous IU contributions
  • Healthcare and dependent care flexible spending accounts
  • Basic group life insurance paid by IU
  • Voluntary supplemental life, long-term disability, critical illness, and supplemental accidental death & dismemberment insurance
  • Base retirement plan with generous IU contributions, subject to vesting
  • Voluntary supplemental retirement plan options
  • Tuition subsidy for employees and family members taking IU courses
  • 10 paid holidays plus a paid winter break each year
  • Generous paid time off plans
  • Paid leave for new parents and IU-sponsored volunteer events
  • Employee assistance program (EAP)

Learn more about our benefits by reviewing the IU Benefit Programs Brochure.

Career Level: Sr. Operational

FLSA: Exempt

Job Function: Information Technology

Job Family: Software/App Design, Dev & Eng

Click here to learn more about Indiana University's Job Framework.

This posting is scheduled to close at 11:59 pm EST on the advertised Close Date. This posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University, but will remain open for a minimum of 5 business days. To guarantee full consideration, please submit your application within 5 business days of the Posted Date.

If you wish to include a cover letter, you may include it with your resume when uploading attachments.

Indiana University is an equal opportunity employer and provider of ADA services and prohibits discrimination in hiring. See Indiana University Notice of Non-Discrimination here which includes contact information.

The Annual Security and Fire Safety Report, containing policy statements, crime and fire statistics for all Indiana University campuses, is available online. You may also request a physical copy by emailing IU Public Safety at iups@iu.edu or by visiting IUPD.

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