Job Description
Dean of Libraries
THE OPPORTUNITY
The University of Northern Colorado (UNC) invites nominations and applications for the position of Dean of University Libraries. The University seeks a proven leader with a strong commitment to, and understanding of, the educational mission of UNC. University Libraries is dedicated to the highest quality of education for all students. The Dean serves as the chief spokesperson and advocate for the libraries both within and outside of the University and ensures that the University Libraries serve as a vital resource to the campus, state, and region.
THE LIBRARIES
https://www.unco.edu/library/ is proud to be an innovative partner in realizing the UNC’s academic vision and strategic plan. We foster intellectual discovery and empower a diverse community of learners and researchers through collections, education, outreach, services, and learning spaces. The University Libraries’ collections include over 200 databases, 120,000 e-journals, 1.7 million e-books, more than 10,000 LPs and CDs, over 1 million other physical items, andhttps://www.unco.edu/library/digital-unc/, which contains digital archival materials and our institutional repository. Physical spaces are comprised of two buildings, the James A. Michener Library and the Howard M. Skinner Library.
Since 2021, University Libraries has undertaken a series of changes including: developing https://www.unco.edu/library/about_us/dei.aspx and https://www.unco.edu/library/about_us/dei.aspx; developing and implementing a https://www.unco.edu/library/strategic-plan/; partnering with an architectural firm for renovation planning; and reorganizing personnel and departments to streamline workflows and better support emerging campus needs. University Libraries are organized into six departments: Libraries Administration, Archives & Special Collections, Collections & Discovery, Scholarly Communication, Teaching & Learning, and User & Delivery Services.When fully staffed, personnel include 2 administrators, 3 exempt staff, 19 state classified staff, 18 faculty, and over 50 student employees. The staff and the faculty of the University Libraries work together to offer the UNC community exemplary services and learning environments, whether they be face-to-face or online. Each member of the University Libraries brings value and quality to the services offered, whether working directly with constituencies or working behind the scenes in efforts to support our students and researchers.
Responsibilities of the Dean
The Dean is a member of the https://www.unco.edu/provost/about_us/ and provides strategic, collaborative leadership at the institutional and College levels. The ideal candidate will be a creative, inspiring, and energetic leader who can advance University Libraries' mission, vision, and values; a skilled administrator who values collaborative governance and student-centeredness; and a visionary who is well-informed about emerging trends in academic libraries. The Dean leads the libraries’ efforts focused on community engagement, including representing the University Libraries as a public advocate. The Dean advances and upholds the institution’s lived commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion at all times. The Dean is responsible for the University Libraries’ revenue diversification, seeking donations from individual donors as well as corporate and foundation partners. As the chief academic officer of the College, the Dean is responsible for supporting a culture of collegiality, continuous improvement, and evidence- and data-informed decision-making. Strategic budgeting and advancing institutional strategic priorities are key responsibilities of the Dean, who must also be committed to serving a diverse student population with integrity.
Qualifications
The Dean must have demonstrated significant achievement in leadership and administration.
Required Qualifications
• A terminal degree in library science or a closely related field and a record of scholarly and professional accomplishment consistent with appointment at the rank of full professor with tenure;
• A minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible administrative experience in an academic or research library setting, including experience in an assistant/associate dean/director and/or dean/director role;
• Experience working in a shared governance environment;
• Demonstrated experience fostering faculty and staff engagement and success in evidence-based pedagogy, scholarship, and service;
• Demonstrated ability to lead effectively and empathetically in support of diversity, equity, and inclusion, preferably in higher education.
Preferred Qualifications
• Record of successful, relevant experience in library administration, personnel management, strategic budget preparation and oversight, and other aspects of strategic enrollment management;
• a proven ability to raise financial resources and build the financial infrastructure of the Libraries;
• an ability to develop a shared vision through open communication and transparency;
• Knowledge of strategic planning, which takes into account best practices and understanding of current national trends in university libraries;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• Aptitude for interpreting qualitative and quantitative data and use them in the decision-making process;
• Evidence of the capability to manage change, innovate, and make difficult decisions with empathy and diplomacy and in a collaborative and inclusive manner;
• Demonstrated knowledge of and/or experience with the full range of library and archival operations.
NOMINATION & APPLICATIONS
The Search Committee will begin reviewing candidates immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Anticipated salary range: $150,000-$180,000. Priority consideration will be given to materials received by December 31st, 2023. Applications should include 1) a curriculum vitae and 2) a letter of interest that addresses the responsibilities and requirements described above, as well as the applicant’s motivation to apply. To receive the full position profile, as well as to submit inquiries, nominations, and applications, please contact:
Chelsie Whitelock
Buffkin/Baker
unclibrariesdean@buffkinbaker.com
HR Info
Chelsie Whitelock
Buffkin/Baker
unclibrariesdean@buffkinbaker.com