Head Cataloger

TL;DR

Head Cataloger (ILS Migration): Leading a major Integrated Library System migration to the Ex Libris Alma platform with an accent on complex metadata projects and system transitions. Focus on mapping legacy data models, executing post-migration cleanup, and ensuring metadata standard compliance.

Location: On-site, 5 days/week in Washington, DC. U.S. Citizenship Required.

Company

hirify.global is a purpose-driven team providing innovative, mission-critical solutions across diverse professional projects.

What you will do

• Lead the implementation and migration to Ex Libris Alma, Primo VE, and Alma Digital platforms.
• Extract and map bibliographic, holdings, and digital object data from legacy SirsiDynix and Knowvation systems.
• Collaborate with vendor and internal teams to validate transformation rules and manage test data loads.
• Conduct post-migration record cleanup, resolving broken links, duplicates, and incomplete entries.
• Apply advanced metadata standards including MARC21, RDA, AACR2, LCSH, and LC Classification.
• Document cataloging workflows and provide knowledge transfer to library staff.

Requirements

• U.S. Citizenship is strictly required.
• Must be based in or able to work on-site in Washington, DC.
• Master of Library Science (MLS/MLIS) from an ALA-accredited institution.
• Professional experience as a Head Cataloger or at a senior level in academic or research libraries.
• Proven expertise in MARC21, RDA, AACR2, LCSH, and LC Classification.
• Experience with ILS production environments and large-scale metadata migration projects.

Nice to have

• Experience with Ex Libris Alma, Primo VE, or Alma Digital.
• Familiarity with SirsiDynix and Knowvation system functionality.
• Experience working in academic, military, or federal library environments.
• History of developing local cataloging policies and metadata documentation.

Culture & Benefits

• Opportunity to work on diverse, meaningful, and mission-critical projects.
• Collaborative environment working alongside industry experts.
• Engagement in high-impact roles that challenge and inspire professional growth.