Job Description
Salary: See Position Description
Location : West Chester University, PA
Job Type: Regular / Full-Time
Job Number: 25-16
Department: Library Services
Division: Library Administration
Opening Date: 08/06/2024
Position Summary Join a vibrant equity-minded campus community whose excellence is reflected in its community, cultural engagement, and student success. West Chester University (WCU) Libraries invites applicants for the position of Associate Dean of University Libraries. WCU is a community of educators dedicated to developing graduates who succeed personally and professionally and contribute to the common good. We seek a dynamic and creative leader who has excellent organizational and team building skills to assist the Dean in leading the University Libraries in implementing its new strategic plan, fostering a culture of innovation, and positioning the University Libraries as leaders in supporting student success. The position begins in Spring 2025.
West Chester University (WCU), a member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, is a public, comprehensive institution committed to offering high-quality undergraduate education, selected post-baccalaureate and graduate programs, and a variety of educational and cultural resources for its students, alumni, and citizens of southeastern Pennsylvania. The University offers more than 100 graduate and undergraduate programs in the sciences and mathematics, business and public management, arts and humanities, health sciences, education and social work, music, and interdisciplinary studies.
We are a community of educators dedicated to developing graduates who succeed personally and professionally and contribute to the common good .
The mission of the University Libraries is to empower intellectual exploration through building connections, collections, and community. As an active partner in the University's academic programs, the libraries are a major contributor to WCU's core mission of student success. The librarian faculty members serve as both instructors of information literacy and stewards of library resources. The staff members support the operation of the libraries whether it be assisting patrons at help desks, making the various library resources ready for patron use, or providing access to library technology.
Reporting directly to the Dean, the Associate Dean is a key member of the leadership team of the University Libraries with a wide range of duties. As a visible face of the Libraries, the Associate Dean works closely with University senior management; develops and maintains collaborative relationships with internal & external constituents; may occasionally stand-in for the Dean. In partnership with appropriate University units and Libraries faculty & staff, this position coordinates events and communications.
The ideal candidate is familiar with trends in academic libraries as well as higher education in general. This individual will also mentor, develop, and supervise the professional staff and team members while overseeing daily workflow and operations. Leveraging establishing industry experience and expertise, the incumbent will identify and bring forth new ideas and opportunities that will improve operating effectiveness and efficiency. The individual will develop and maintain collaborative relationships with university partners and external entities in pursuant of the Libraries' goals and objectives.
Responsibilities include :
- Provide direct oversight and management of Public Services and Resource Services under the direction of the Dean
- Working with the Dean, provide coordination and strategic leadership for library-wide initiatives, library assessment activities, collection development, and communication
- Assist the Dean with administrative oversight, participate in policy development, and serve as the primary administrator in the absence of the Dean
- Assist the Dean in leading the development of strategic plans and annual reporting
- Collaborate with library faculty and staff to develop and implement the University Libraries strategic plan
- Serve on University committees and develop collaborative campus connections to position the libraries as partners on University initiatives and programs
- Supervise, develop, and mentor managers and professional staff
- Encourage and support professional and career development for library faculty and staff
- Participate in regional and national professional organizations to maintain knowledge of current library practices and emerging trends
- Demonstrate a commitment to the University's and Libraries' diversity initiatives by fostering a climate that values diversity, equity and inclusion
Minimum Qualifications - Master of Library Science (MLS) degree or a closely related field/discipline from an accredited American Library Association institution
- Minimum of 3 years of supervisory and/or management experience at a medium to large university library
- Experience successfully leading, evaluating, and supervising library staff in a collegial environment
- Demonstrated experience successfully managing multiple projects and priorities
- Strong experience managing competing priorities and utilizing creative problem skills to solve daily operations needs and achieve goals & objectives
- Possess functional knowledge in areas of oversight and responsibility - assessment, collection development, outreach, public services, and resource services
- Demonstrated experience serving a diverse community
- Ability to effectively communicate in writing and verbally, and present dynamically to a variety of constituents
- Experience working independently and collaboratively in a team environment
Preferred Qualifications - Possess a second Master's degree
- Administrative experience at the level of Associate Dean or other equivalent library leadership position; and/or
- Knowledge of emerging trends and issues in university libraries and higher education; and/or
- Experience in university-wide service or leadership; and/or
- Experience in strategic planning and project management; and/or
- Experience working in a collective bargaining unit environment; and/or
- Experience utilizing assessment in decision-making and building a culture of assessment; and/or
- Experience promoting library outreach, events, and activities; and/or
- Experience supporting professional development and scholarship in an academic setting
Special Instructions There is the possibility of working remote occasionally.
Starting salary is negotiable and commensurate with experience. Estimated salary ranges between $109,067 and $121,651.
Excellent benefits package including undergraduate tuition fee waiver for self and dependents.
Apply online at Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.
Required Documents for Consideration
To be considered an applicant for the position, please submit the following:
- Cover letter
- Curriculum vitae/Resume
- List of three references with contact information (Include position title, phone number, and email address). References will be contacted for finalists.
Review of applications will begin after September 30, 2024, and will continue until the position is filled.
To be considered a finalist, applicants must successfully complete the application and interview process.
Developing and sustaining a diverse faculty and staff advances WCU's educational mission and strategic Plan for Excellence. West Chester University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, minorities, veterans, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
All offers of employment are subject to and contingent upon satisfactory completion of all pre-employment background checks. WCU proudly offers comprehensive employee benefits including health, vision, and dental insurance, generous retirement plans, many wellness programs, a tuition waiver for self and family members, and training, development and advancement opportunities.
- On the first working day, new employees are eligible to enroll in medical, prescription, dental and vision benefit plans. Medical and prescription drug coverage includes PPO health, prescription drug, and hearing coverage.
- Dental and vision coverage is offered at no cost to employees.
- The Healthy U Wellness program rewards participants with reduced health care premiums and provides tools and resources to maintain good health.
- Flexible spending accounts allow employees to withhold income from their paychecks before taxes for reimbursement of approved medical and dependent care expenses.
- A University mission to support employee personal and professional growth.
- PASSHE tuition waiver lowers the cost of college expenses.
- Leave and time-off benefits include generous paid vacation, paid sick time, military leave and paid time off for most major holidays.
- Choice of two group retirement plans with generous employer contributions.
- Voluntary retirement plans offer two additional options to save and invest money for retirement and are available to all employees upon their date of hire.
- Group life insurance is provided at no cost to all permanent employees.
- Voluntary long-term disability insurance (LTD) and voluntary group life and personal accident insurance (VGLIP/AD&D) are available to employees.
- State Employee Assistance Program (SEAP) provides a wide range of free services including counseling, legal, and financial services.
The employee group for this position is Nonrepresented Employees (Managers). For additional benefit details please see the PASSHE EMPLOYEE BENEFITS PAGE .
Theinformation is provided for general purposes only. Legal Plan Documents will govern any discrepancies that may arise. Benefits, benefit levels, and eligibility rules are subject to change. The benefits described are available to most employees; however, certain eligibility requirements must be met.
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Do you have a Master of Library Science (MLS) degree or a degree from a closely related field/discipline from an accredited American Library Association institution?
Required Question
Job Tags
Holiday work, Permanent employment, Full time, Remote job, Flexible hours,