Dean of Library and Instruction Services

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. The successful candidate will be an ethical academic leader who will respect the culture and history of this institution while demonstrating a strong commitment to the educational role of 21st century libraries. They will embrace the practice of effective learning, the impact of research on the education of our students, and the role of professional service and mentoring. The successful candidate will be a strong team member who values students, advocates for library faculty and staff, and serves the needs of the university community, cultivating impactful relationships internally, locally, nationally, and globally. The successful candidate appreciates and demonstrates accountability and utilizes data to inform decisions and measure success. They will foster a strong commitment to the educational role of libraries informed by reflection and a forward-thinking vision. The Dean reports directly to the Provost and Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs. The appointment is a 12-month academic administrative position.

Responsibilities:

Leadership

Lead vision development, strategizing, and goal setting for the Library in alignment with the University’s vision, mission, values, and strategic plan

Hold primary responsibility for strategic planning, annual report submission, accreditation, and program review; hiring, mentorship, professional development, and supervision of direct reports

Lead the design, implementation, marketing, and assessment of Library policies, services, and programs

Make appointment, reappointment, and rank and tenure recommendations concerning Library faculty

Budget Planning and Fiscal Management

Collaborate with the Chicago State Foundation to cultivate and steward donor relationships

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

Lead fundraising and grantsmanship for the Library

Communication and Advocacy

Advocate, represent, and serve as the voice of the Library, both internally and externally.

Coordinate timely Library communications with the University community.

Serve as chief advocate and spokesperson for the academic support provided by the Library.

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. Represent the University at the annual Council of Directors of State University Libraries in Illinois (CODSULI ) Conference.

Coordinate the Library’s information technology planning with the University’s Chief Information Officer.

Library Programs and Services

Oversee the ongoing maintenance and assessment of the Library’s programs.

Collaborate and regularly consult with faculty and staff to develop Library collections, programs, and services. Receive advice and counsel as appropriate.

Minimum Qualifications

Master of Library Science or Master of Library and Information Science from an ALA accredited program AND a Master’s degree in another discipline.

Minimum of five years of progressively responsible administrative/leadership experience in an academic library

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

A record of scholarly or other appropriate professional activity

Preferred Qualifications

Experience working in a collective bargaining/unionized faculty environment

Ability and experience in management, strategic planning, budgeting, and collaborative leadership to guide an accomplished faculty and staff

Demonstrated experience and success in fundraising

To Apply:

Individuals interested in being considered for this position must submit an on-line application and attach the following supporting documents: 1) cover letter, 2) curriculum vitae, and 3) names, email addresses and telephone numbers of three references who can provide current assessments of the candidate's qualifications for the position. See the full job posting and apply online at:

https://chicagostate.peopleadmin.com/postings/15464

Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Questions may be directed to the search committee co-chairs: 

Charisse Johnson, Interim Dean, College of Health Sciences and Pharmacy, via email at [email protected]

Steve Rowe, Ph.D., Dean, Honors College, via email at [email protected]