The Open Society Foundations work to build vibrant and inclusive democracies whose governments are accountable and open to the participation of all people. We are active in more than 120 countries, making us the world’s largest private funder of independent groups working for justice, democratic governance, and human rights.
The role
Do you want to help make the world a better place with your descriptive metadata and research skills? We are seeking a Metadata and Research Support Specialist, based in New York, to facilitate efficient discovery and access to information.
As part of the Strategy Unit, Research Services is a rapidly evolving research and knowledge management resource, working to ground and enhance OSF’s living strategy practice. By tracking, curating, facilitating access to, and preserving authoritative resources, Research Services assists staff in staying current in their fields and making informed decisions, which in turn better positions them to improve upon the development, implementation, and assessment of their programmatic strategies.
Key roles and responsibilities
- Maintain and improve the discovery, usage, and preservation of a diverse array of information resources;
- Provide secondary research support through consultations and user-friendly service;
- Collaborate with research and data-focused colleagues to promote knowledge sharing and dissemination;
- Support trainings and information sessions on research and information practices;
- Prepare reports on pricing, usage, resource inquiries, and other metrics to support collection development, budget processes, and reporting requirements for Research Services.
Experience and skills
- Three to five years of experience in creating, enhancing, and updating metadata, ideally in an academic library or research institution;
- Knowledge of metadata standards, taxonomies, controlled vocabularies, database structures, and Linked Data concepts, with exquisite attention to detail;
- Demonstrated proficiency with contemporary software systems and applications, including Excel, PowerPoint, Google, OCLC, CRM, and digital asset/information management systems;
- Excellent writing, verbal, analytical, and problem-solving skills;
Familiarity with copyright, preservation, and ethical issues related to research publications and practices; - Excellence in service delivery and relationship management.
Desirable (but not required):
- Subject experience in global human rights and justice, law, social sciences, and/or international affairs;
- Experience working in complex, hierarchical, and multi-stakeholder organizations;
- International or cross-cultural experience and proficiency in more than 1 language.
Other useful information
What we offer:
- Ample opportunities to learn and grow, from annual professional development allowances to onsite trainings and brown bag lunches with visiting experts;
- Top-notch benefits and perks designed for your well-being and a healthy work-life balance; with some variability according to location (this includes generous time off, flexible work arrangements, employer-paid health insurance, generous retirement savings plan, progressive paid parental leave, reproductive and family planning support, sabbatical opportunities, and much more);
- A commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that enables everyone to bring their full self to work and make a positive impact on the world.
If this sounds like the position you have been looking for, please submit your cover letter and CV as a single document; we look forward to learning more about you.
Please note, this position is not eligible for work authorization sponsorship.
We aim to build an inclusive workforce that is reflective of the populations we support, and actively seek applications from those who are marginalized and underrepresented. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and colleagues with disabilities.