Dean of Library

Chicago State University (CSU) invites applications and nominations for a dynamic visionary to serve as Dean of the Gwendolyn Brooks Library. The successful candidate should be an administrative leader, collaborator, communicator, and a successful teacher scholar. They will be an ethical academic leader who respects the culture and history of this institution while demonstrating a strong commitment to the educational role of 21st century libraries. The Dean will embrace effective learning practices, the impact of research on student education, and the role of professional service and mentoring. They will value students, advocate for library faculty and staff, and serve the needs of the university community, cultivating impactful relationships internally, locally, nationally, and globally. The Dean appreciates accountability and utilizes data to inform decisions and measure success. This position reports directly to the Provost and Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs and is a 12-month academic administrative position.

Diversity and Inclusion

Chicago State University values diversity and inclusion, recognizing the unique value of its students, faculty, and staff. CSU strives to provide equality of opportunity in all areas of campus life and fosters a supportive campus community.

Responsibilities:

Leadership

1. Lead vision development, strategizing, and goal setting for the Library in alignment with the University’s vision, mission, values, and strategic plan.
2. Hold primary responsibility for strategic planning, annual report submission, accreditation, and program review; hiring, mentorship, professional development, and supervision of direct reports.
3. Lead the design, implementation, marketing, and assessment of Library policies, services, and programs.
4. Facilitate collegial governance and healthy morale within the Library.
5. Make appointment, reappointment, and rank and tenure recommendations concerning Library faculty.

Budget Planning and Fiscal Management

1. Collaborate with the Chicago State Foundation to cultivate and steward donor relationships.
2. Manage the financial activities of the Library, including the development and monitoring of the annual operating budgets and the strategic and effective allocation of resources.
3. Lead fundraising and grantsmanship for the Library.

Communication and Advocacy

1. Develop and maintain professional relationships and proactive communication with faculty, staff, students, and other constituents.
2. Advocate, represent, and serve as the voice of the Library, both internally and externally.
3. Coordinate timely Library communications with the University community.
4. Serve as chief advocate and spokesperson for the academic support provided by the Library.
5. Represent Library and Instruction Services on University committees.
6. Participate in professional organizations and network with state and national groups as well as individuals in the fields of library and information science and faculty and student enrichment.
7. Coordinate the Library’s information technology planning with the University’s Chief Information Officer.

Library Programs and Services

1. Oversee the ongoing maintenance and assessment of the Library’s programs.
2. Collaborate and regularly consult with faculty and staff to develop Library collections, programs, and services.

Minimum Qualifications

1. Master of Library Science or Master of Library and Information Science from an ALA accredited program AND a Master’s degree in another discipline.
2. Minimum of five years of progressively responsible administrative/leadership experience in an academic library.
3. Experience with library initiatives including information literacy, open education resources, scholarly communication, undergraduate research, promotion, tenure, program accreditation, community engagement, student success, or professional development.
4. Excellent organizational skills and excellent oral and written communication skills.
5. Ability to think creatively and to demonstrate creative problem solving.
6. Commitment to shared governance, embracing and supporting faculty status for librarians.
7. Professional commitment to a user-focused service orientation.
8. A record of scholarly or other appropriate professional activity.
9. Ability to create a supportive and nurturing learning environment to ensure student success and retention.
10. A demonstrated ability to foster an inclusive workplace.
11. A demonstrated commitment to advancing equity in higher education.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Experience working in a collective bargaining/unionized faculty environment.
2. Ability and experience in management, strategic planning, budgeting, and collaborative leadership to guide an accomplished faculty and staff.
3. Demonstrated experience and success in fundraising.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

May require extended periods of sitting or standing at a time.

Work Environment

1. Plan, organize, direct, administer, review, and evaluate assigned programs and services.
2. Learn, use, and implement new technologies as tools for learning, teaching, administering, and generally improving the work area or scope of work.
3. Communicate effectively with diverse constituencies, within and outside the university.
4. Demonstrate strong interpersonal communication skills and networking capabilities.
5. Exercise sound judgment in the performance of duties.
6. Motivate and deal with issues related to instruction and the needs of students and staff.
7. Demonstrate a sensitivity to and interest in the academic success of university students, faculty and staff.
8. Understand the critical role of the Library in a comprehensive university setting.
9. Foster a collegial working environment and demonstrate effective personnel and resource management capabilities as well as visionary, creative leadership with strong management skills.
10. Demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills.
11. Demonstrate a high degree of professionalism and integrity.
12. Demonstrate commitment to community and campus activities.