Job Description
The University of Missouri (“Mizzou” or “MU”) seeks a dynamic, innovative, and visionary leader to serve as the next Vice Provost for Libraries & University Librarian. The next Vice Provost will be joining the institution during a period of incredible growth and opportunities. During the past three years, the University of Missouri has achieved historic highs in student success (retention, graduation, and placement rates), research expenditures, state appropriations and alumni support. The next Vice Provost will have the opportunity to support these areas of excellence by enhancing the opportunities, activities, and initiatives of MU Libraries and acting as an advocate and catalyst for an integrated libraries vision for one of the most comprehensive universities in the United States. MU is a member of the AAU and is designated as a Carnegie R1 and Land-Grant University. It is home to numerous major research centers and the world’s first journalism school. The University is also one of only six public universities in the country with schools or colleges of engineering, medicine, veterinary medicine, agriculture, arts and science, law, and a powerful research reactor all on one campus. MU is centrally located in Columbia, Missouri, a place consistently ranked as one of America’s best places to live.
For more information, see the search’s full Leadership Profile and/or Mizzou’s Home Page.
KEY OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES FOR THE NEXT VICE PROVOST
- Develop, communicate, and execute a vision for strategic impact and growth for MU Libraries. MU Libraries strive to serve an increasingly critical role in the facilitation of the University's mission and research endeavors. Our next Vice Provost for Libraries will work with faculty, staff, and students to develop a forward-seeking strategic vision that move us closer to our goals.
- Lead space planning and collection modernization positioning the libraries for long-term success. At a pivotal moment in space planning, we seek a leader to guide current efforts and identify the next major initiatives that will help us align seamlessly with the university's mission.
- Capitalize on recent interest and support for MU Libraries. Significant developments continue through our strong relationship with the Office of the Provost, and budgetary support has been gradually increasing. These strides reflect opportunities and momentum for future growth and new partnerships on our campus that we must pursue and realize.
- Lead fundraising efforts with alumni, partners, and donors
- Enhance collaboration opportunities with faculty and students. MU Libraries seek a leader who brings ideas and a proven track record of successful collaboration with faculty and students amidst the swiftly changing technological landscape.
- Advance the University’s system-level library efforts. This position offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact at the system level, working closely with UM system libraries to streamline operations and drive efficiencies.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
A Master's degree in a relevant area and 10 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired, or a Bachelor's degree in a relevant area and 12 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.
In addition to these minimum qualifications, the committee will evaluate candidates based on the presence of some or any of the following:
- Master’s degree from a program accredited by the American Library Association (ALA) or from a program in a country with a formal accreditation process as identified by ALA.
- Demonstrated experience in academic and research libraries or other setting from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired.
- A record of increasingly responsible positions as a library administrator.
NOMINATIONS & APPLICATIONS
The Search Committee will begin reviewing candidates immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Priority consideration will be given to materials received by March 13th, 2024. Applications should include a CV/resume and a letter of interest that addresses the opportunities described above; we invite you to visit APPLY HERE for that process. Nominations and inquiries of interest may be sent in confidence to the University’s executive search partners:
Patrick Arens
Lead HR Consultant
University of Missouri System
umhrexecutivesearch@umsystem.edu
https://www.umsystem.edu/ums/hr/tmr/mu-vice-provost-libraries-university-librarian-search
The University of Missouri System is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Equal Opportunity is and shall be provided for all employees and applicants for employment on the basis of their demonstrated ability and competence without unlawful discrimination on the basis of their race, color, national origin, ancestry, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, or protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable state or federal law. This policy applies to all employment decisions including, but not limited to, recruiting, hiring, training, promotions, pay practices, benefits, disciplinary actions and terminations. For more information, visit https://www.umsystem.edu/ums/hr/eeo.
Benefits & Additional Compensation Info
https://www.umsystem.edu/ums/hr
The Community
The University of Missouri Libraries comprise a network of libraries, with the main and largest being Ellis Library, alongside several specialized libraries. To review a full list of Libraries & Collections, please see - https://library.missouri.edu/libraries/. These facilities collectively house extensive resources, including books, electronic journals, articles, streaming media, and more. Designed to support the instruction, research, service, and economic development missions of the University of Missouri, the Libraries play a crucial role.
Links
External Job Ad
https://universityofmissouri.applytojob.com/apply/VZkuyDz4hv/MU-Vice-Provost-For-Libraries-University-Librarian?source=Library+JobLine
HR Info
Patrick Arens
Lead HR Consultant
University of Missouri System
umhrexecutivesearch@umsystem.edu
https://www.umsystem.edu/ums/hr/tmr/mu-vice-provost-libraries-university-librarian-search