Manager Metadata Services

Type : Permanent Hours : Full time Location : Wellington Business Group : Access and Collection Care Branch : Partnerships and Commissions Salary : $125,406 - $156,061

Lead the Description and Metadata Services That Unlock Aotearoas Documentary Heritage

E ngā mana, e ngā reo, e ngā karangatanga maha o ngā hau e whā, nau mai, haere mai. Greetings to the many authorities, voices, and experts of the world.

Metadata connects people to collections. In this role, youll lead a cross-institutional team responsible for creating and governing metadata and descriptive practices across the National Library, the Alexander Turnbull Library, and Archives New Zealand.

As Manager Metadata Services , you will provide strategic and operational leadership to a team of specialists who ensure that our collections are discoverable, accurately described, and accessible through digital and physical systems. You will champion best practice in metadata, support integration and innovation across institutions, and oversee critical frameworks such as Ngā Ūpoko Tukutuku (Māori subject headings). The Manager Metadata Services will play a crucial role in bringing together an overarching approach to metadata across the collections and formats of the National Library, Alexander Turnbull Library, and Archives New Zealand with the aim of improving the accessibility of all the material under our shared stewardship.

You will report to the Chief Librarian and also work closely with the Director Archives , reflecting the shared nature of metadata services across institutions.

What were looking for

We are seeking an experienced, pragmatic and technologically savvy metadata or collection access leader with:

• Demonstrated experience in metadata creation, , preferably within special collections, archives or heritage environments
• Proven ability to lead teams of professional and technical specialists through change and development
• Strong knowledge of metadata standards and emerging tools in both physical and digital library or archive settings with a focus on improving access to collections
• Familiarity with cataloguing and descriptive systems, authority control and governance, and the integration of descriptive practices across multiple formats and standards
• Ability to shape and lead strategic projects across Library and Archives with the aim of improving management and access to collections.
• Deep understanding of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and a commitment to embedding mātauranga Māori and tikanga into metadata and access practices
• A collaborative and strategic approach to leading complex work across multiple stakeholders and institutions

Experience representing institutions at national and international forums, and advocating for inclusive and future-focused metadata systems

The role will require up-to-date expertise in metadata management, awareness of current and evolving schema for published, unpublished, born-digital and digitised materials, excellent diplomatic and communication skills in order to work effectively across the entire organisation, a willingness to think creatively and strategically, demonstrated ability to navigate fluidly across domains, and a dedication to excellence in the area of librarianship, archival practice, and information science. A postgraduate qualification in Library and Information Science, Archives, or a relevant discipline is strongly preferred.

About us

At the Department of Internal Affairs, we are committed to strengthening trust in government, enabling informed citizenship, and preserving the knowledge and taonga of Aotearoa for future generations. We take pride in being part of a public service that supports democratic government and works collectively for the wellbeing of New Zealanders.

Applications close : 5pm, 11 June 2025 Contact : Jessica.Moran@dia.govt.nz Job description : Click here to view the full job description

We are an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from everyone and are committed to providing a workplace where all employees are supported to succeed.

Hikoia te whetū, hikoia te marama, ka rere, ka rere. Stride over the stars. Stride over the moon, take flight.

Information :

• Company : Department of Internal Affairs NZ
• Position : Manager Metadata Services
• Location : New Zealand
• Country : NZ