The University of Arizona Libraries (UAL) seeks an experienced, strategic leader to join its organization as Vice Dean. The ideal candidate will be a forward-thinking, enthusiastic leader who embraces the evolving roles of academic libraries in higher education. With a concurrent search for UAL's next Associate Dean underway, the new Vice Dean will have an opportunity to begin at UAL at the same time as another senior administrator who works very closely with their position.
The Vice Dean oversees the day-to-day operations of the library system, collaborating with other library administrators and department heads, and serves as the lead administrator in the absence of the Dean. Direct reports to this position are Access and Information Services department, Special Collections department, Technology Strategy and Services department, User Experience group, and Analytics and Assessment Librarian. The Vice Dean also plays a key role in the recruitment and professional development of faculty and staff.
This position is a member of Dean’s Working Group (Dean, Vice Dean, Associate Dean, Assistant Dean for Finance and Administration, and Senior Information Resources Officer) and Cabinet (Dean’s Working Group members, department heads, and representatives from shared governance groups for library faculty, university/classified staff, and Diversity, Social Justice, and Equity Council). Within these groups, the Vice Dean exercises collaborative leadership in policy development and decision-making that span the organization. The Vice Dean also serves as administrative liaison to the Library Faculty Assembly and conducts the administrator third-year reviews for Continuing Eligible faculty.
In fulfilling these duties, the Vice Dean considers how the Libraries’ strategic plan is being advanced, including its foundational principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and antiracism; Hispanic serving; Native American serving; and default to open.
The Vice Dean will also be appointed to a continuing-status track, academic professional position at the rank of Associate or Full Librarian. Incumbents are members of the general faculty and are entitled to all accompanying rights and privileges granted by the Arizona Board of Regents and the University of Arizona. Retention and promotion are earned through achieving a record of excellence in position effectiveness, scholarship, and service.
Characteristic Duties:
- Works closely with the Dean in the overall administration of the Libraries, overseeing day-to-day operations and serving as the lead Libraries administrator in the absence of the Dean.
- As a member of the Dean’s Working Group and Cabinet, participates in the development and implementation of a shared vision for the Libraries that significantly advances the mission of the University.
- Provides administrative oversight and support to department heads in a supervisory capacity, for Access and Information Services department, Special Collections department, Technology Strategy and Services department, User Experience group, and Analytics and Assessment Librarian.
- Supports and engages with the Libraries’ efforts in diversity, equity, inclusion, and antiracist strategies and activities.
- Serves as administrative liaison to the Library Faculty Assembly.
- Participates in budget decisions, strategic planning, and policymaking at an organizational level. For more information about our strategic plan, please visit the link provided in Special Instructions to Applicant.
- Advocates for Libraries’ initiatives, services, expertise, and partnerships by developing strong relationships with University faculty and administrators.
- Works with the Dean on fundraising strategies and donor development.
- Plays a key role in the recruitment of library faculty members and university staff.
- Facilitates the development of a diverse, forward-thinking faculty and staff.
- Anticipates, initiates, and responds to changes in the environment, and keeps abreast of trends that impact higher education and the library profession to ensure that the Libraries are fully engaged in charting their collective future.
- Embraces agility in a changing environment and is committed to continual professional development, improvement, and learning.
- Other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities:
- Collaborative leadership and impeccable integrity.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
- In-depth knowledge in one or more of the following areas: access and information services, special collections, information technology, user experience, assessment and analytics.
- Excellent analytical, time management, organizational, and creative problem-solving skills.
- Ability to balance consultation with efficiency and accountability.
- Ability to identify opportunities and capitalize upon them, including how diversity, equity, inclusion, and antiracism can be advanced in the Libraries.
- Ability to promote and advocate for the Libraries’ essential roles in support of the university’s mission and strategic directions.
- Ability to work in a highly collaborative and inclusive environment, one that values and leverages the benefits of diverse perspectives.
- Initiative, optimism, flexibility, and follow through.
- Positive attitude and strong demonstration of Our Values: Collaboration, Continuous Learning, Diversity, Innovation, and Integrity.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Master's degree in Library/Information Science from an ALA-accredited institution, or other relevant advanced degree.
- At least three years of experience within an academic or research library at the Dean or Associate Dean level or its equivalent.
- Experience and expertise in one or more of the following areas: access and information services, public services, special collections, information technology, user experience, assessment, and analytics.
- Experience in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts within an academic or research library.
- Scholarship and professional service sufficient for appointment at the Associate or Full Librarian level.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Budget management experience.
- Experience recruiting and facilitating the development of faculty and staff.
- Experience in shared governance within an academic or research library.