Dean of Libraries and University Librarian

Virginia Commonwealth University Libraries invites nominations, expressions of intent, and applications for an exceptional leader to serve as the Dean of the Libraries and University Librarian.  The Dean leads all aspects of library operations, teaching, collections, outreach, services initiatives, and fundraising.  The dean will oversee strategic planning for the library system and ensure that VCU Libraries advances the success of students and faculty throughout the university. The VCU Libraries mission statement embraces active, comprehensive engagement with the university and its partners that advances the success of VCU:  The Libraries transforms our communities by enriching scholarship, learning, creative endeavors and clinical care through inclusive and equitable teaching, collections and leadership."  The mission statement forms the basis for VCU Libraries Strategic Framework 2020:  Creating the 21st Century Research Library at VCU, available at: https://www.library.vcu.edu/about/strategy/    The framework includes a foundational statement of VCU Libraries core values: As VCU Libraries employees, we place the VCU community and all it stands for at the forefront of everything we do.  We affirm a great university is built upon a great library, and we commit ourselves to:

• Engage our communities and evolve to meet their needs
• Promote, inspire and support intellectual curiosity and lifelong discovery
• Embrace diversity and inclusion to foster excellence
• Seek new technologies and methods for our communities to convey their discoveries to the world
• Protect unrestricted access to scholarly research, creative expression and ideas representing all points of view
• Foster the open exchange of ideas and celebrate the richness of an environment shaped by many voices
• Embrace creativity, agility and energy in all our work
• Value all staff as contributors to the success of the organization
• Adhere to the highest ethical standards, cultivate transparency and safeguard privacy
• Be accountable to each other and our communities

Required Qualifications The ideal candidate will have experience as a leader in an academic research library environment, demonstrating understanding of the complexity of a large research library with a full spectrum of academic colleges and professional schools.  Additional requirements include:

• Terminal degree
• Attained distinction in and can exhibit evidence of knowledge of forward-looking 21st century academic research libraries
• Passion and skills for articulating the university libraries mission and its role in a research institution
• Evidence of creating and implementing a vision to advance academic and scholarly activities within the university and beyond
• Substantial administrative experience within a complex organization
• Evidence of promoting an environment of equity and inclusion
• Commitment to and aptitude for fundraising
• Effective interpersonal relationship skills with groups and individuals both internal and external to the library and the university
• The highest professional and personal integrity
• Outstanding listening skills
• Strong commitment to equal opportunity, diversity and inclusion
• Ability to attract, develop, promote, and retain work-class library faculty, staff and others
• Willingness to be flexible in a rapidly changing library environment
• Inclination to keep composure under stressful situations and confidence in overseeing large scale ongoing projects
• Demonstrated experience working in and fostering a diverse faculty, staff and student environment and commitment to do as a member fo the VCU community

Preferred Qualifications A degree in library or information sciences or a closely related field is desirable Position will be available July 1, 2020.  The leadership profile may be viewed at: https://uploads.provost.vcu.edu/provweb/libraries.pdf The salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience. Greenwood/Asher & Associates, Inc. is assisting VCU in this search.  For consideration, all applications must be submitted through VCU eJobs and Greenwood/Asher.  Submission of application materials  as PDF attachments is strongly encouraged.  Initial screening of applications will begin immediately, and applications and nominations will be accepted until an appointment is made; however the priority consideration date is March 17, 2020.  VCU eJobs portal: www.vcujobs.com Confidential inquiries, nominations and application materials should be directed to: Betty Turner Asher, Partner Shelly Sullivan Feather, Senior Executive Search Consultant and Library Practice Leader                    Greenwood/Asher & Associates 42 Business Centre Drive, Suite 206 Miramar Beach, FL 32550 850-650-2277 Email: bettyasher@greenwoodsearch.com Email: shelleyfeather@greenwoodsearch.com       https://uploads.provost.vcu.edu/provweb/libraries.pdf    

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