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Deputy University Librarian

Deputy University Librarian

University of British Columbia Job Location: British Columbia Apply By: 07/15/2019 Date Created: 06-13-2019

Deputy University Librarian
UBC Library | Vancouver Campus
(Full-time, ongoing, Librarian position, five year renewable administrative term as Deputy University Librarian)
Anticipated Start Date: September 1, 2019

Opportunity
The University of British Columbia seeks a senior leader to serve as Deputy University Librarian, a key member of the leadership team who will be instrumental in the implementation of the UBC Library’s Strategic Framework.

UBC Library
Established in 1908, UBC has consistently ranked among the top fifty universities in the world. It is a publicly supported, comprehensive university comprising 18 faculties and several schools across two campuses. UBC’s sees its purpose as preparing students to become exceptional global citizens, promoting the values of a civil and sustainable society, and conducting outstanding research to serve the people of British Columbia, Canada, and the world.
The UBC Library is among the three largest academic research library systems in Canada and has 16 branches and divisions at 11 library locations. There are 250 full-time equivalent employees – librarians, management and professional staff, and support staff – and a temporary hourly staff complement of over 200 students work in the UBC Library system. The UBC Library participates in the broader research library community as a member of both the Canadian Association of Research Libraries and the Association of Research Libraries.

Position Overview
Reporting to the University Librarian, the Deputy University Librarian is a key member of the Library’s Executive team and a leader of change. Working collaboratively with the University Librarian and other colleagues in the Library and the larger University community, the Deputy University Librarian provides leadership in the implementation of the Library’s strategic framework, including reconfiguration and implementation of services based on outcomes of the strategic framework. The Deputy University Librarian supports the University Librarian in the administration of the Library including development and assessment of services and spaces, budget management and assessment of librarianship/teaching, research, and service activities of the Library.
The Deputy University Librarian will assume overall responsibility for a portfolio including Finance & Facilities, Assessment and University Archives. Leadership of public service and other areas will be required as well as general flexibility in taking on new responsibilities in a changing environment. The Deputy University Librarian collaborates with department heads; provides oversight of operations and budgets; and provides leadership for projects and other initiatives supporting the strategic direction of the Library.

QUALIFICATIONS
Required
  • A graduate degree from an accredited school of Library, Archival and Information Science.
  • A successful record of leadership, planning, developing and managing library programs and services.
  • Proven administrative, public relations, and managerial skills, gained through at least five years of experience in library management positions.
  • Experience with organizational change and change management best practices. Ability to develop and implement strategic change enablement plans
  • Creative yet practical in finding new solutions, developing processes, reconfiguring services.
  • Proven planning, budgeting, and project management skills.
  • Experience with large scale renovations of library spaces.
  • Success with donor relations, experience in fundraising.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to function effectively as a member of a senior management team working within a collegial environment and experience in building and managing relationships at all levels of the organization.
  • Excellent oral and written communication and presentation skills, and proven research abilities.
  • Demonstrated familiarity with developments in higher education and the issues facing research libraries, especially in North America, and an understanding of academic and scholarly processes.
  • A proven commitment to service excellence and a vision of research library services in the 21st century and the skills to advocate for and communicate that vision.
  • Ability to exercise a high level of diplomacy, tact and discretion when working with information of a confidential and/or sensitive nature and in dealing with various levels of senior administration and external agencies.
  • Dedicated to cultivating an inclusive environment that recognizes barriers faced by people and encourages and incorporates contributions from diverse groups and individuals.
  • Contributes to the Library’s sense of community and achievement of common goals through cooperation across units/groups and encouragement of equitable and balanced involvement in decision making.
  • Promotes and fosters a supportive environment built on appreciation, recognition, learning and professional growth.
  • Works to build a team environment built on positive working relationships, provides guidance and resources to teams while trusting them to excel.
  • Creates a supportive and open environment where everyone is able to listen, contribute and engage with colleagues and ideas and provide and receive timely, constructive feedback.
  • Creates an environment that embraces curiosity, ideas, creativity and innovation and provides opportunities and flexibility to explore new initiatives.
  • An additional graduate degree with an emphasis on management is preferred.

WORKING RELATIONSHIPS:
Works under the general direction of the University Librarian and in collaboration with other members of the Library Executive Team, division/branch heads and managers, and other staff including at UBC Okanagan.

DUTIES:
Library Leadership 
  • Working closely with the University Librarian and other Library stakeholders, the Deputy University Librarian collaborates with the Library Executive Team and Heads on the implementation of the strategic plan.
  • Provision of strategic leadership and stewardship to the realization of the vision of the Library, and portfolio goals.
  • In consultation with the University Librarian, oversees management of Library budget and makes recommendations to the University Librarian on budget reallocations, opportunities for efficiencies and cost reduction opportunities.   Supports the University Librarian in the securing of grants, foundation support, industry partnerships and philanthropy.
  • Works with Associate University Librarians to assess, review and identify funding sources for new services, new programs and changes in the delivery of existing services to the Library’s communities of users.
  • In consultation with the University Librarian and in collaboration with the Library Executive Team, the Deputy University Librarian will develop strategic recommendations and system-wide policies related to the operation and development of the Library and its services.
  • In consultation with the University Librarian and the Library Executive Team, the Deputy University Librarian will be involved in the assessment of Library program and services as they related to the evolving needs of Students and Faculty.
  • Provides the leadership necessary to develop programs within the portfolio. Keeps portfolio informed of the Library's policies, plans, and priorities, and fosters understanding of and support for these.  Keeps the University Librarian and colleagues in Library Administration informed of developments in the portfolio.
  • Works with Library Facilities to ensure that the University provides appropriate space for reporting branches/units and, in consultation with Heads/Assistant Directors, ensures that the spaces are appropriate for an evolving service model.
  • Maintains a comprehensive understanding of developments affecting academic librarianship
  • Represents the University Librarian, at his/her request and in his/her absence in the capacity of Acting University Librarian
  • Represents the University Librarian in meetings with representatives of the Faculty Association.
  • Participates actively in the Library’s fundraising and donor stewardship activities.
  • Represents the University Librarian on Senate committees and other university committees as required.

Portfolio Leadership
  • With input from Heads/Directors/Assistant Directors, prepares budget requests and allocates/monitors resources to ensure portfolio priorities are met.  May work to secure grants, foundation support, and industry partnerships. Ensures that expenditures are managed and controlled.
  •  Ensures that the needs of library users and opportunities for new programs, systems and services are assessed regularly through consultation with Heads/Directors/Assistant Directors, and through them with students, staff, faculty, and other stakeholders.  Ensures that curriculum changes and program developments affecting the portfolio are reviewed.
  • Leads and participates in projects, working groups and committees related to areas of responsibility.
  • In consultation with Heads/Assistant Directors, determines the skills needed for reporting branches/units and plans for staff development and training.  Works to enable a highly supportive work environment.
  • Maintains good working relationships with Deans, Associate Deans, senior UBC administrators, community groups, and others to support the work of the Library and portfolio.  Participates in departmental, faculty, and other meetings as necessary.
  • Strategic leadership in the effective use of the physical facility and all related operational and administrative matters.
TERMS OF APPOINTMENT AND SALARY
This position will be filled as a full-time, ongoing Librarian position with a five year renewable administrative term as Deputy University Librarian. If eligible and qualified, the successful applicant may be appointed with a confirmed appointment. Otherwise, there will be an initial three-year probationary appointment.  Normally, such an appointment is reviewed by the end of the second year of the appointment, and a recommendation is made at that time to grant or not to grant a confirmed appointment.

Salary will be commensurate with experience and academic/professional qualifications.

Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence. An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Metis, Inuit, or Indigenous person. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority.

To view the complete job description and to submit an application, please visit the UBC Careers page at http://www.hr.ubc.ca/careers-postings/faculty.php by July 15th, 2019. The application package should include a statement illustrating how a candidate’s experience relates to the requirements of this position.

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