Associate Director for Instruction and Research Services

Description

Job Summary

The Furman University Libraries seek an Associate Director to guide the Instruction and Research Services Division, (6 library faculty and 5 staff), in developing a vision in alignment with the University’s Priorities and Strategic Plan. The person in this library faculty position reports to the Director of Libraries and serves as a member of the Library’s Leadership Team. The Associate Director leads the Instruction and Research Services Division in the many services they offer to the campus community, which include course-integrated library instruction, research assistance, collection development, circulation, and resource sharing.

The successful candidate will be motivated, adaptable, and forward thinking and will demonstrate initiative and the ability to thrive in a changing and collaborative environment. This individual will contribute to the advancement of “thriving communities that honor inquiry, promote diversity, strive for equity, appreciate beauty, and act as responsible stewards of our planet” in alignment with the University’s Vision.

 

Reports to

Director of Libraries

 

Responsibilities

1. Contributes to overall management of the Furman University Libraries as a member of the 4-person Library Leadership Team.
2. Works with members of Instruction and Research Services to develop and execute a strategic vision for the division; builds on current strengths and seeks out new opportunities to serve the university community.
3. Directs the course-integrated library instruction program, research assistance, and departmental liaison work; serves as librarian for one First Year Writing Experience, is active in the liaison program, and may occasionally serve a shift at the Research Assistance Desk.
4. Manages the hiring, mentoring, and evaluation of direct reports; encourages, seeks, and facilitates professional development opportunities for self and division members.
5. Is transparent in leadership, fosters a collegial work environment, builds unity and encourages open dialog within the division.
6. Values and nurtures the diversity of strengths, contributions, viewpoints, and work styles of library colleagues and those within the broader campus community; cultivates an environment that prioritizes and bolsters diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
7. Collects, assesses, and disseminates data related to Instruction and Research Services for internal use and external reporting.
8. Participates in regional and national professional associations and advances knowledge of current higher education and academic library issues, trends, standards, and emerging technologies.
9. As a member of the university faculty, participates fully in faculty governance to provide a voice for the Libraries. This includes activities such as attending faculty meetings and serving on university committees.

 

Supervises

The Coordinator for Circulation and Research Services and six Research and Instruction Library faculty members, including the Science Librarian and the Music Librarian.

 

Salary & Benefits

The minimum salary for this position is $80,000 annually. Salary commensurate with experience. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, life plans, and a retirement plan (TIAA). Conference and professional development support is a part of this position.

 

Application Procedure

To be considered for this position, applicants must submit the following:

1.      a cover letter

2.      a résumé or curriculum vitae

3.      the names and contact information of three references

4.      a diversity statement of no more than 750 words addressing the applicant’s

                              i.            awareness and understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion

                              ii.           experience promoting these values

                              iii.          plans to help the Furman University Libraries achieve their vision of becoming a “campus leader in the advancement of diversity, equity, and inclusion by creating a welcoming environment where every member of the Furman community can connect, discover, and learn.”

 

Applications received by October 12, 2024 will be given preferred consideration. Questions may be e-mailed to Caroline Mills at [email protected]. Transcript requests and background checks will be conducted in the final stage of the hiring process.

 

Greenville

An award-winning city, Greenville and the surrounding area is the third-largest urban area in South Carolina and the fastest growing. Nationally recognized for our urban development, sustainability, beauty, food and campus, Greenville continues to top lists of destinations to visit. Our city has the highest foreign manufacturing investment per capita in America, with Fortune 500 companies like BMW, General Electric and Michelin leading the way. With several hundred restaurants, music and theater and arts venues, Greenville has gained recognition in various national publications such as CNN Money, which ranked Greenville as one of the "Top 10 Fastest Growing Cities in the U.S." Bloomberg named Greenville the 3rd Strongest Job Market, and Forbes named Greenville the 13th Best City for Young Professionals. Strategically located in the Southeast, Greenville’s bustling downtown is minutes from the Blue Ridge Mountains, beaches, other small towns and big cities.

 

The Furman Advantage

The Furman Advantage guarantees every student an unparalleled education that combines classroom learning with real-world experiences and self-discovery. Our unique approach to education is highly personalized and includes engaged learning, reflection, belonging and mentoring. Each element helps to prepare students for lives of purpose and accelerated career and community impact. Furman graduates know how to do the work, in the classroom and in the world, and they are uniquely attuned to how they will make their impact after their four-year journey.

Requirements

Attributes

• Experience mentoring, coaching, or evaluating colleagues.
•       Holds a proven record of project, organizational, analytical, time management, and communication skills.
•       Demonstrates flexibility and creativity in navigating change.
•       Adept at conflict management, diplomacy, and problem solving.

 

 Required Qualifications

• Master of Library Science (and/or Information Science) from an ALA accredited library school or international equivalent.
• Five or more years of professional academic library experience and the qualifications for appointment at the associate or higher rank.
• Two or more years of progressive leadership and supervisory experience, such as strategic planning, hiring, mentoring, or evaluation of direct reports.
• Experience fostering a collegial work environment, encouraging open dialogue, and facilitating compromise.
• A demonstrated record of developing, delivering, and assessing information literacy instruction.
• Experience working collaboratively with library colleagues and university faculty and staff.
•  A proven record of scholarship in the field.
• Familiarity with circulation, collection management, and resource sharing.
• A demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
• Familiarity with standard data collection and assessment techniques.
• Knowledge of a broad variety of academic research resources and databases.

 

Preferred Qualifications

• Service on university committees and/or a record of active participation in shared faculty governance
• Familiarity with accessibility best practices.
• Experience in event programming and/or multiphased project management.
• Experience with SpringShare products or other web authoring tools.