Associate Dean, Collections, Discovery, and Information Technology Services

Company: Kansas State University Foundation
Location: Manhattan
Posted on: June 24, 2022

Job Description:

About This Role:

Kansas State University Libraries seek an innovative, collaborative, and accomplished leader to join our administrative team as Associate Dean for Collections, Discovery, and Information Technology Services. Reporting to the new Dean of Libraries, this position will provide strategic direction and support for the work of staff engaged in acquiring and making accessible research and teaching resources in all formats and will have administrative responsibility for Metadata, Preservation and Acquisitions; Content Development; and Information Technology Services. The associate dean collaborates closely with the Associate Dean for Research, Education, and Engagement and actively contributes to the shaping and advancing of library initiatives through service on the Libraries' Administrative Team and the Strategic Leadership Council.

This is a full-time tenure-track academic appointment carrying full faculty status and responsibilities. To be successful in this position, the incumbent must demonstrate excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills to establish and maintain productive working relationships with colleagues in an environment where flexibility and collaboration are essential. The ideal candidate will possess a strong commitment to providing excellent user service, a demonstrated ability to develop productive partnerships within and across organizations, and an ability to use technology in creative ways to solve problems and create efficiencies. We seek a candidate with the capacity to thrive in an environment of change and to foster that capacity in others with a deep knowledge of current issues and best practices for managing research collections and awareness of major trends in higher education, scholarship, and research libraries.

In May 2018, water and smoke from a fire at Hale Library damaged about 80% of the building. A massive renovation was undertaken with the goal of restoring the facility as well as modernizing it for the 21st century. New features include the Butler Digitization Lab, Sunderland Foundation Innovation Lab, collaboration rooms, a large instruction room, and a campus/community meeting space. All library collections were removed, cleaned, and stored outside the building and are now returned. The building renovation was completed in January 2022.

Areas of emphasis and main responsibilities:

* Provide leadership through shared decision-making for library-wide planning, personnel decisions, budget allocation, resource management, organizational effectiveness, and program and policy development through active participation and collaboration with the senior Administrative Team and the Strategic Leadership Council.


* Oversee the development of holistic collection strategies in the context of emerging trends and new definitions of collections that ensure the Libraries' collection budget aligns with university priorities for teaching and research.


* Analyze and plan for human and financial resources to meet current needs and anticipate future priorities.


* Assist the dean with overall library administration, assist as requested with fundraising and donor relations, represent the libraries at professional organization membership meetings, and act in the dean's absence.


* Foster professional growth and provide mentoring, guidance and empowerment to Libraries' faculty and staff with evolving work roles.


* Serve as the Libraries' representative on university councils as needed.


* Contribute to the profession through scholarly research, publications, presentations, and participation and leadership in relevant professional associations.



Why Join Us:

Kansas State University offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes health insurance, life insurance, retirement plans, paid time off - vacation, sick, and holidays. To see what benefits are available, please visit: https://www.k-state.edu/hcs/benefits

We Support Diversity and Inclusion:

Kansas State University embraces diversity and inclusion. The university actively seeks individuals who foster a collegial environment and cooperative interactions with coworkers, students, and others. The University is dedicated to promoting our Principles of Community.

What You'll Need to Succeed:

Minimum Qualifications:

* Master's degree in library or information sciences from an accredited American Library Association program or international equivalent.


* Minimum of five years' progressively more responsible supervisory, managerial, and administrative duties with demonstrated ability to support, mentor and develop faculty and staff, and work effectively with others in an academic or research library.


* Demonstrated leadership capability and extensive experience in one or more of the following areas: metadata, preservation, collections/acquisitions, information technology, and digital libraries.


* Strong evidence of effective fiscal management within a complex structure of public and private resources.


* Demonstrated project management and organizational skills, including flexibility in meeting objectives and implementing creative solutions.


* A demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion in supporting and serving a diverse population and workforce.


* Demonstrated management style that is flexible, inclusive, user service-oriented, and committed to staff development.


* A record of scholarly and professional achievement that qualifies for tenure and promotion to associate professor on appointment.



Preferred Qualifications:

* Experience in acquiring, participating in and/or managing grant-funded projects.


* Experience with vendor relations, including negotiation of licenses, pricing, and contracts.


* Ten years of progressively responsible experience, five of which should be in a leadership role in an academic or research library or an equivalent combination of education and experience.



Other Requirements:

* Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States at the time of employment



How to Apply:

Combine the following documents into a single PDF file and upload it along with your completed application:

* A letter of application. To greatly strengthen your application, please apply your communication skills to clearly address the position responsibilities and qualifications listed above, and demonstrate how your work style, vision, and other distinctive qualities would enhance our organization.


* A curriculum vitae.


* Names and contact information for three professional references.



Screening of Applications Begins:

Immediately and continues until position is filled. For best consideration, apply by May 16, 2022.

Equal Employment Opportunity:

Kansas State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, disability or status as a protected veteran.

Background Screening Statement:

In connection with your application for employment, Kansas State University will procure a Background Screen on you as part of the process of considering your candidacy as an employee.

Advertised: Apr 15, 2022 Central Daylight Time

Applications close:

Keywords: Kansas State University Foundation, Manhattan , Associate Dean, Collections, Discovery, and Information Technology Services, Accounting, Auditing , Manhattan, Kansas