Position Description

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Stony Brook University invites applications and nominations for the Dean of University Libraries. This is a unique opportunity for a visionary, dynamic, and collaborative leader to join a flagship SUNY research university with ambitious goals. The Dean will work with a talented and dedicated staff to strengthen the Libraries’ diversity, inclusion, and equity efforts; further position the Libraries as the hub of collaboration, digital innovation, and scholarly endeavors; and center the Libraries as an essential partner in the University’s mission of global leadership in research, discovery, and learning.

Using their strategic and visionary leadership, the successful candidate will navigate the evolving needs and ever-changing roles of libraries in our modern society, and facilitate the implementation of the University Libraries strategic goals and core services. This position requires a dynamic leader, effective operations manager, innovative fundraiser, and transparent communications partner. The Dean serves as the advocate for the library and information services and resources within the institution, the SUNY system of 64 campuses, and the greater community; thus, the ability to build strong partnerships across campus will be critical to success. As the chief administrator for the library, the Dean will be a change agent, tasked with continuing the innovation practices and adaptability initiatives that have been the hallmark of libraries in recent years.

The Dean will oversee the Libraries throughout the University. As such, the Dean will be expected to form partnerships among the campuses in support of intra- and extra-campus research and educational activities in a multitude of disciplines in support of teaching, learning, research, and clinical care. Furthermore, the Dean of University Libraries will help establish collaborative relationships with other campus entities to address future data retention and dissemination matters related to digital preservation, intellectual property, scholarly communication, and unique institutionally-created information.

About the Position

Reporting to the Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Dean of Libraries is a member of the senior leadership team, partnering with Deans, Vice Provosts and Vice Presidents to advance the University’s vision for excellence in learning, discovery, and engagement. The Dean will lead the Libraries in strategic planning and is responsible for overseeing collections in multiple formats; library research integration into the curriculum for student success, remote access to digital resources; library technologies; physical facilities and operations, including branches on three campuses; financial and human resources; and fundraising. The ideal candidate will play a crucial role in positioning University Libraries as the intellectual and cultural hub of the campus. They will be well-connected within the profession and active in professional associations for research libraries.

Leadership Agenda/Key Priorities

• Lead the vision, strategizing, and goal setting for the Libraries in alignment with the University vision, mission, values, and strategic plan
• Harness the strengths of a dynamic and evolving library organization and achieve strategic recruitments and resources to meet the needs and vision of a responsive 21st century academic library at an R1 research university
• Be the chief advocate for recognizing the Libraries’ value and impact on learning and student success, research productivity, clinical care, and campus engagement
• Advance diversity, inclusion, and equity in all aspects of policy, planning, operations, and services
• Integrate a structured assessment and evidence-based decision making to planning, operations, and programs
• Encourage and support innovation, creativity, and collaboration within University Libraries, across Stony Brook University, and across SUNY
• Shepherd the Libraries’ initiatives on diversity, equity, and inclusion, open access, scholarly communication, digital projects (including digital humanities), research data management, and dynamic campus engagement
• Manage and oversee the Libraries’ financial and human resources
• Lead fundraising and grantsmanship for the Library

Required Qualifications

• Masters of Library and Information Science (foreign equivalent or higher) or equivalent terminal degree from an American Library Association-accredited institution
• Demonstrated evidence of improving diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of library services, collections, workplace culture, and campus engagement
• Distinguished national and international reputation for sustained professional engagement
• Record of excellence in teaching, research, and service appropriate to appointment at the rank of Full Librarian at a major research university
• Minimum of 10 years of professional library experience in an academic library, including 5 years of proven administrative and managerial experience
• Excellent organization skills and oral and written communication skills

Preferred Qualifications and Attributes

• Additional advanced degree;
• Experience working in a large, complex, multi-campus system and consortial partnerships;
• Experience working with a complex multi-source budget environment;
• Dynamic leadership in strategic planning, resource allocation, and personnel management;
• Demonstrated experience in leading transformational change;
• Exceptional communication, supervisory and management skills;
• Demonstrated record of successful stewardship of physical, fiscal, technological, and human resources;
• Ability to work effectively with university senior leadership, colleges, schools, in implementing an ambitious strategic plan;
• Success in creating a culture of continuous professional development and learning among library faculty and staff;
• Experience with a collective bargaining environment and faculty status for librarians;
• Strong evidence of leadership in advancing equitable scholarly communication practices, implementation of library technologies, and management of library spaces;
• Thorough understanding of the libraries’ value and impact on student learning and success, faculty research productivity, clinical care, and campus engagement;
• Demonstrated knowledge of emerging areas of librarianship, including the capabilities and future trends of service models, library technologies, and systems to maximize discovery and access to scholarly resources;
• Understanding of the unique role and value of special collections;
• Expertise in grants management;
• Fundraising and donor relations experience;
• Personal qualities: integrity; transparency; an openness to diverse perspectives; empathy; humility; good sense of humor.

To Apply:

For best consideration, please apply by April 26^th

To be viewed by the search firm, you must apply directly at: https://acesrch.applicantstack.com/x/detail/a21esjyjkvg0

Please do not email applications.

Applications will be reviewed as they are received and should include a cover letter and curriculum vita. All applications are treated confidentially.

Inquiries, referrals, and nominations are treated confidentially:

• Inquiries and questions: Please send to stonybrooklibraries@acesrch.com
• Nominations and referrals: Please send to nominations@acesrch.com