Dean of the University Library

Job no: 526300 Position type: Staff Full Time Benefit Status: Benefited-Non-Union Campus: UMass Lowell Department: Library Salary: Salary commensurate with experience and grade/range Applications Open: Jan 28, 2025 Applications Close: Open until filled

General Summary of Position:

The University of Massachusetts Lowell invites applications for the position of Dean of the University Library. This senior leadership role offers the opportunity to guide the strategic vision, management, and operations of a dynamic library that plays a pivotal role in supporting the university's mission of teaching, learning, and research. The Dean of the University Library reports to the Senior Vice Provost for Academic Affairs, and is a member of the Chancellor’s Senior Cabinet.  The Dean of the University Library provides strategic and forward-thinking leadership to advance the library’s mission of supporting teaching, learning, and research at UMass Lowell. The library is located at three different locations including the Center for Lowell History in downtown Lowell, a critical resource for preserving Lowell’s historical and cultural heritage. As the university transitions to R1 status, this is an exciting opportunity to lead a dynamic library at a nationally ranked research institution that values innovation, collaboration, and student success.

The working environment at UMass Lowell is collaborative, with a strong sense of community and a committed team in place. The right leader will view position this as an opportunity to think creatively and strategically about how to maximize the library’s impact in a period of limited resources. The successful candidate will work collaboratively across campus to elevate the library’s role and foster a culture of innovation, inclusion, and shared purpose. This role demands both vision and pragmatism, with an emphasis on elevating library services, advancing an inclusive environment, and maintaining operational excellence within a complex organization.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications (Required):

Education:

•MLS degree at an ALA accredited institution.

Experience:

•At least seven years of library administrative experience at the university level including strategic planning, fiscal management, project management, personnel management, and experience with relevant technologies. •Demonstrated experience leading structural, personnel, and cultural change in a large and complex academic environment. •Record of creative leadership and strong interpersonal, communication, and supervisory skills. •A history of managing a large and complex budget.  •Successful experience cultivating relationships and partnerships within and outside of the library and university.

Skills:

•Knowledge of current issues, developments, innovations, and challenges in academic libraries and archives, information technology, scholarly communications, and higher education. •Ability to make strategic and data-informed decisions. •Demonstrated commitment to developing a diverse and equitable library culture and evidence of work with a diverse community. •Proven ability in providing reference and research services. •Strong understanding of digital technologies, scholarly communication, open access initiatives and emerging trends in library and information science.

Preferred Qualifications:

•Experience in a collective bargaining environment. •Additional master’s degree or doctorate. •Record of engagement in professional associations and/or achievement in scholarly productivity. •Successful experience with grant writing, development, and fundraising activities.

Additional Considerations:

We are committed to helping our colleagues develop professionally throughout their time at UML; we do not expect all applicants to possess all of the preferred qualifications we list here. We welcome applications from people who embrace lifelong learning and are passionate about providing meaningful and equitable access to information, resources, and services that enable the success of a diverse and engaged community. If you are excited by the prospect of leading a team that is seeking the best path forward to serve the current needs and future goals of our community, we hope you consider submitting your application to this position.

Full/Part Time

Full Time

Education

MLS/Masters

Salary Range$170,000.00 - $198,000.00  / year

Salary Notes

Salary commensurate with experience and grade/range

Closing Date

Open until filled

How to Apply

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Initial review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.  Applications submitted by March 7th will receive first consideration. However, the position may close when an adequate number of qualified applications is received.

This is a Non-Unit, Professional position, Grade P26.

Please include a resume and cover letter with your application. Names and contact information of three references will be required during the application process. 

**Apply at: ** Dean of the University Library

The University of Massachusetts Lowell is committed to increasing diversity in its faculty, staff, and student populations, as well as curriculum and support programs, while promoting an inclusive environment. We seek candidates who can contribute to that goal and encourage you to apply and to identify your strengths in this area.

The University of Massachusetts Lowell is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action, Title IX employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age over 40, protected veteran status, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, marital status, or other protected class.