Director of Library Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Diversity, equity, and inclusion and associated issues of racial justice continue to be major academic and campus commitments at Brown University. These commitments are integral to the Library’s mission and activities, as well as its growth and development as an organization. Every member of the Library’s administration and staff is responsible for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the Library. The Library’s specialized skills, resources, and services are being increasingly called upon to support DEI and racial justice programs on campus and in the classroom. At the same time, the Library is also identifying new programmatic opportunities to expand the Library’s contributions to equity and social justice on campus and in the community The Director of Library Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion provides professional expertise, strategic leadership, administrative oversight, and collaborative guidance for this work, with both Library-wide and University-wide impact. Reporting directly to the University Librarian, working closely with other senior Library leaders, and serving as a member of the Library’s key leadership committees, the position is responsible for directing organizational and programmatic initiatives, expanding outreach, and contributing expert knowledge and skills for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion at the Library. The Director will also join a vibrant and supportive community of diversity officer colleagues in major campus units at Brown. Responsibilities include:

• Lead and participate in Library-wide initiatives to examine current practices and strengthen policies that advance diversity, equity, and inclusion goals, and provide guidance to individual Library departments
• Represent the Library in meetings, committees, and other project work undertaken by diversity officers across campus under the leadership of the University’s Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity.
• Serve as the senior administration’s representative on the Library’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, providing expert knowledge and guidance for efforts to improve climate and accountability
• Direct the Library’s Diversity and Inclusion Action Plan working closely with senior leadership and in coordination with the Library DEI Committee and Library, including internal goal-setting/accountability/data collection, and preparation of the annual report to the Office of Institutional Equity and Diversity
• Advise and monitor search processes to strengthen hiring, contribute to building diverse outreach and recruitment networks, and work with Library leadership to ensure retention and wellbeing of the Library’s increasingly diverse staff.
• Participate in strategic planning, budget planning, and other high-level Library decision-making processes.
• Work with Library Human Resources, DEI Committee, and University offices to identify training needs and opportunities for Library staff.
• Promote and advise on strategies for Library accessibility (physical, digital, and educational) in a collaboration with campus offices overseeing accessibility
• Establish practices and metrics for evaluating progress on DEI goals and initiatives in collaboration with Library Planning and Assessment staff
• Lead, coordinate, or participate in programs and initiatives with campus partners, including academic departments and centers, student groups, and programs engaging the wider community beyond the University.
• Manage participation in fellowship opportunities and similar programs sponsored by library organizations to increase diversity in the profession
• Represent the Library in professional organizations and meetings, and contribute to knowledge in the field through professional publications and forums

Job Qualifications

• Graduate degree in librarianship or related fields, or combination of an advanced degree in a relevant subject area and experience with libraries, archives, museums, or similar institutions
• Minimum of 5 years of related professional work experience
• Prior work in diversity or multicultural affairs, and/or successful implementation of DEI initiatives
• Academic or professional training in, or demonstrated knowledge of, current critical/theoretical approaches and best practices for advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion within institutions
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion in the workplace, and to advancing these values in instruction, engagement, and professional practice.
• Intercultural sensitivity and cultural competence/cultural humility
• Strong written and oral communication skills

General Physical Demands

• Requires ability to read
• Typically lifts less than 10 pounds
• Limited exposure to chemicals
• Must remain in stationary position for long periods of time at desk or computer
• Requires moving around campus
• Requires occasionally standing, sitting, walking; using hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reaching with hands and arms; climbing stairs; hearing; talking
• Requires frequently moving about inside the office to access printer, files, and other materials/equipment
• Operates a computer and other office equipment
• Some travel may be required

 

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