Associate Dean for Collection and Content Strategy

Location Name: Florida International University

County: Miami-Dade

Region: Central FloridaCity: MiamiZipcode: 33199

ALA accredited Masters required: No

Florida International University is a top public university that drives real talent and innovation in Miami and globally. Very high research (R1) activity and high social mobility come together at FIU to uplift and accelerate learner success in a global city by focusing in the areas of environment, health, innovation, and justice. Today, FIU has two campuses and multiple centers. FIU serves a diverse student body of more than 56,000 and 290,000 Panther alumni. U.S. News and World Report places dozens of FIU programs among the best in the nation, including international business at No. 2. Washington Monthly Magazine ranks FIU among the top 20 public universities contributing to the public good.

Associate Dean for Collection and Content Strategy

The Associate Dean for Collection and Content Strategy will oversee the library’s technical services, digital collections, cataloging, library systems, and circulation operations. This leadership role is responsible for ensuring the efficient, strategic, and forward-thinking management of all “behind-the-scenes” functions that support the library’s collections, content, and infrastructure. The Associate Dean will play a crucial part in shaping the library’s transition to support the university’s goal of becoming a top 30 institution by 2030, ensuring that the library’s collections and content strategies align with institutional priorities and the evolving needs of the academic community.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in technical services and collections management in an academic library setting, coupled with proven leadership in supervising diverse teams. While a Master’s in Library Science (MLS/MLIS) is required, an MBA is preferred to support the management and strategic oversight of large-scale content and system operations. This is an open rank librarian position with administrative responsibilities as Associate Dean.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership & Management:

• Provide strategic oversight and leadership to managers in technical services, digital collections, cataloging, library systems, and circulation.
• Ensure the smooth operation of all technical and back-end library functions that support access to collections and resources for the academic community.
• Promote a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement within the teams responsible for collection development and management.

Collection Development & Content Strategy:

• Develop and implement a long-term collection and content strategy that supports the university’s research, teaching, and learning needs, as well as the goal of becoming a top 30 university by 2030.
• Oversee acquisitions, licensing, and management of library materials in all formats, ensuring efficient workflows and cost-effective practices.
• Guide the digital preservation and accessibility strategies to support the library’s growing digital collections and archives.

Technology & Systems Management:

• Oversee the library’s integrated library system (ILS) and other key systems that manage digital content and user access.
• Collaborate with the library systems team to implement new technologies and platforms that improve service delivery and the user experience.
• Ensure the library’s technology infrastructure is robust, secure, and adaptable to future needs.

Operational Efficiency & Innovation:

• Drive the continuous improvement of technical services workflows, from acquisitions to cataloging to circulation, ensuring efficiency and best practices in library operations.
• Champion new models of content acquisition, licensing, and delivery that align with evolving academic trends and user needs.

Cross-Institutional Collaboration:

• Collaborate with other associate deans and university leaders to ensure cohesive strategies across library services, collections, and systems.
• Engage in partnerships with external libraries, consortia, and vendors to enhance the library’s content strategy and expand resource sharing opportunities.

Why Join Us:

This is an exceptional opportunity to lead the critical behind-the-scenes operations that ensure the success of a world-class R1 academic library system. As the Associate Dean for Collection and Content Strategy, you will help shape the future of the library’s collections and infrastructure, ensuring they support the university’s ambitious goal of becoming a top 30 institution by 2030.

FIU is an equal opportunity provider and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy, religion, age, disability, national origin, marital status, and veteran status in its programs and activities. For inquiries regarding nondiscrimination contact FIU’s Title IX Coordinator and Director of the Office of Civil Rights Compliance and Accessibility at 305.348.2785 or email [email protected].

Education/Qualifications:

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Library Science (MLS/MLIS) from an ALA-accredited program or equivalent.
• Extensive experience in technical services, collections management, and/or library systems, with progressive leadership responsibilities.
• Strong track record of managing teams and supervising diverse functional areas in a complex academic or research library setting.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing collection strategies, including managing acquisitions, licensing, and digital collections.
• Familiarity with integrated library systems (ILS), digital content platforms, and emerging technologies in libraries.
• Exceptional organizational, communication, and leadership skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master of Business Administration (MBA) or equivalent management experience.
• Experience in strategic planning, budget management, and resource allocation in a library setting.
• Knowledge of current trends in scholarly publishing, open access, digital preservation, and content delivery models.

Contact Person: HR

Contact Email: [email protected]

Contact Phone: 305-348-2500

How to Apply / Instructions:

Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply to Job Opening ID 534536 at careers.fiu.edu and attach a cover letter and curriculum vitae. Candidates will be requested to provide names and contact information for at least 3 references who will be contacted as determined by the search committee. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.