Work with the Alliance

Available Positions

Electronic Resources Specialist

This is an exciting opportunity to join a collaborative team at the Orbis Cascade Alliance, a consortium of 38 member institutions and over 50 affiliate institutions in the Pacific Northwest, as the full-time Electronic Resources Specialist.

The E-Resources Specialist supports the Alliance E-Resources Program (ERP). The position reports to the Program Manager for Shared Content & Scholarly Communication (PM-SCSC) and works closely with the Alliance’s Finance Manager. 

This position is primarily responsible for a variety of electronic content acquisitions-related functions on behalf of member and affiliate libraries. Responsibilities also include regular communication with a variety of content providers.

The E-Resources Specialist coordinates timely and accurate electronic resource subscription renewal information, supports the acquisitions and subscription management process, and maintains consistent data related to orders and renewals. 

The incumbent assists with order processing and management of annual e-resources renewals on behalf of the consortium, statistical data reporting as required, and electronic record management. Responsibilities include website and Trello updates, and maintenance of the ConsortiaManager e-resource management system.

The E-Resources Specialist works closely with the Alliance acquisitions and collections communities, other member library staff, and Alliance central staff. The incumbent supports the PM-SCSC to ensure ongoing access to shared electronic content for participating Alliance member and non-member libraries, and acts as a resource to the Finance Manager in the processing of purchase orders and invoices. Work is conducted according to established cycles and requires ongoing, regular communication with participating libraries, vendors, and Alliance staff colleagues.

Essential Functions

Analyzes Offers from Content Providers (20%)

  • Independently coordinates complex subscription renewals through the process of negotiating and accepting pricing, confirming subscribers, and tracking orders and invoices; 
  • Analyzes pricing structures and identifies inequities in offers; 
  • Exercises independent judgment when reviewing subscription increases and understands when to involve supervisor for resolution.

Communicates with Subscribers about Consortial Offers (25%)

  • Responds to subscriber and content provider inquiries related to subscription trials, quotes, orders, and renewals;
  • Sets timetables for review of pricing and renewal confirmation by library staff, which is maintained in ConsortiaManager; 
  • Compiles relevant information for subscriber review of resource renewal and potential trial access; 
  • Helps members route their technical questions to appropriate vendor contacts;
  • Coordinates with content providers to schedule, organize, and promote hosted webinars as needed.  

Manages Communication Regarding Subscriber Needs (30%)

  • Assembles, reviews, and confirms all ordering data submitted to vendors, including verification of information in ConsortiaManager and Trello; 
  • Facilitates the ordering, invoicing, and payment of electronic resources;
  • Tracks and maintains library contact and IP information;
  • Monitors overdue account statements and contacts vendor and/or library staff as appropriate to ensure that payments are made and accounts adjusted;
  • Monitors library and vendor communications regularly to ensure standards for response time and escalation are met;
  • Escalates cases to PM-SCSC as needed.

Innovates Process of E-Resources Management (15%)

  • Supports and maintains software to streamline centralized electronic resources management in a shared system;
  • Coordinates with the Alliance’s Electronic Content Group to devise and implement best practices related to consortial e-resource management.

Manages Consortium-level Statistical Reporting (5%)

  • Proactively collects and, when possible, collates Alliance statistics from content providers;
  • Prepares statistical reports for subscribers as necessary;
  • Organizes and maintains central electronic files of Alliance e-resources statistics (when available).

Other duties as assigned (5%)

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
  • Demonstrated written and verbal communication skills.
  • Significant experience managing data in Excel or Google Sheets.
  • Demonstrated interest in learning new skills, tools, and systems.
  • Demonstrated ability to create and maintain documentation.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience in an academic library and/or library consortium setting.
  • Experience managing electronic and/or knowledge of library resource acquisitions. 
  • Experience working with an Integrated Library System, especially Ex Libris’ Alma.
  • Experience with project management software (e.g., Trello).
  • Familiarity with electronic resource statistical reporting and format standards (e.g., Project COUNTER).  
  • Experience using ConsortiaManager or a library Electronic Resource Management System (ERMS).
  • Experience with a Customer Relation Management (CRM) system.
  • Experience with electronic resource licensing in a library setting.
  • Experience in effectively working remotely.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

  • Ability to excel in a distributed and collaborative environment, including interaction with colleagues who represent a wide array of academic libraries and diverse professional responsibilities. 
  • Demonstrated excellence in business communication. 
  • Project management knowledge.

Physical Conditions

  • Requires use of a computer (including keyboard and screen) nearly 100% of the time. Most meetings are virtual, primarily via Zoom or other meeting software (e.g., MS Teams).
  • Extensive travel is not required, but incumbent may occasionally participate in regional and/or national events directly related to Orbis Cascade Alliance services, and travel locally to meet with other local Alliance colleagues.

Appointment and Salary

Orbis Cascade Alliance is a 501(c)(3) serving 38 academic libraries in the states of Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. This position is a full time, twelve-month position. The Alliance does not use a rank or tenure system. Employee will work remotely from their home. 

Regular business hours are 8:00 to 5:00, Monday to Friday (Pacific Time), with some flexibility possible.  

The salary range for this exempt position is $47,000-$64,000 per year. The Alliance offers an exceptional benefits package including comprehensive medical and dental insurance for you and your dependents, monthly contributions to an HSA account, 401(k) retirement plan with 12% employer contribution, paid holidays, and 20 days of paid vacation.

The Alliance does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, marital status, family status, national origin, age, mental or physical disability, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or based on an individual’s status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. The Alliance values diversity and encourages everyone who is interested in employment with the Alliance to apply.

Application Instructions

Applicants located in the region Pacific Northwest are preferred. Candidates from outside the region may be considered and relocation is not a requirement. Please submit a cover letter and resume/CV to jobs@orbiscascade.org. Finalists will be required to submit three professional references.

Questions about the position may be sent to Jesse Holden: jholden@orbiscascade.org.

For priority consideration, submit applications materials by June 6, 2025.