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Associate University Librarian for Administration

Associate University Librarian for Administration

Northwestern University Libraries Job Location: Illinois Date Created: 10-12-2021

Associate University Librarian for Administration Northwestern University Libraries

REPORTS TO: Dean of Libraries/University Librarian

POSITION TYPE: Full-time Librarian Faculty

LOCATION:

Evanston Campus Join our team and help shape a new strategy for research information services! Lead and implement change and innovation as we benefit from lessons learned during the past couple of years. Our shared approach to strategic leadership is an opportunity for creative and multi-functional library professionals. Northwestern University Libraries invites applications for a full-time, faculty appointment as Associate University Librarian for Administration.

SUMMARY:

The Associate University Librarian for Administration (AUL Admin) advances the libraries’ mission and contributes to the achievement of library and university strategic goals within a highly collaborative, user-focused research and learning environment. Provides organization-wide leadership as part of the senior leadership team, advising and assisting the dean and other leaders in all aspects of library management and planning. Formulates and implements evidence-driven and environment-appropriate strategies for managing financial, facilities, and technology resources as well as overall communications and outreach efforts. Leads and supervises staff engaged in a range of key organizational support operations, including assessment and planning; IT infrastructure and desktop support; marketing and communication; business, facilities, and security. Represents the university and the libraries in groups and cooperative programs related to assigned responsibilities and in other situations as appropriate.

KEY ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Organizational Leadership:

The AUL Admin advances the libraries’ mission and contributes to the achievement of library and university strategic goals within a highly collaborative, user-focused research and learning environment. Northwestern University is committed to building a culture of inclusivity and equity; the AULs contribute toward that culture, integrating principles of inclusion, diversity, and accessibility into all levels of leadership and decision-making. The AUL Admin serves on the executive committee, which is the libraries’ senior leadership group. Assists the dean and works with other members to carry out the mission of the organization, ensuring its effective services and operations and shaping its strategic success. Also serves on the leadership team, which is a forum that focuses on leadership development and the library’s commitment to learning organization principles. Represents the university and the libraries in groups and cooperative programs related to assigned responsibilities and in other situations as appropriate. Coordinates cross-unit initiatives and programs, especially, but not limited to, those related to administration. 

Strategic Portfolio:

Within a context of library-wide leadership and professional flexibility, the AUL Admin focuses on developing and implementing strategies for managing financial, facilities, and technology resources, assessment initiatives, and external communications. Matches emerging goals and priorities with currently available resources; also devises plans to expand librarian faculty and staff expertise, update technology, transform spaces, and develop funding opportunities in anticipation of future needs. Current support challenges include those related to research impact and bibliometrics; usability and accessibility services; digital collections curation and preservation infrastructure; staff diversity and inclusion. The AUL Admin provides advice and assistance on matters relating to administration throughout the organization. Screens, approves, and helps shape research grant and other outside funding proposals; oversees the accomplishment of sponsored projects in compliance with funding agency requirements and university policy. Works closely with alumni relations and development staff on matters of gift and endowment fund stewardship. As the libraries’ senior administrator for business, finance, and infrastructure, the AUL is also actively engaged in several university- wide planning and advisory groups, communicating on a regular basis with university administrators and with counterparts in the schools and major administrative units of the university, including NU Information Technology.

Supervision and Management:

In the libraries’ current organizational configuration the AUL Admin has supervisory and management responsibility for the staff and activities of the assessment and planning, business operations support, IT infrastructure, and marketing and communication departments. This responsibility includes direct supervision of the unit heads; providing vision, support, and guidance to all the staff; and participating directly in some administrative operations, e.g., performing official approvals and compliance assurances as part of formal university workflows and signing some contracts on behalf of the university. The AUL coordinates very closely on human resources matters with the Director of Organizational Development & Diversity. The AUL promotes communication and cooperation among the units of the University Libraries and between the library organization and other campus groups, including libraries on the Chicago and Qatar campuses.

QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES

  • Master’s degree in a relevant field (library or information science, management, public administration, etc.) combined with significant experience working in an academic or research library.
  • Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience leading operations or projects in an academic library or other not-for-profit organization with a higher education or cultural heritage-related mission.
  • Significant knowledge and understanding of at least two of these areas of administration: budgeting and financial management; information technology support; marketing and communications; facilities operations and project management. Readiness to gain expertise in other areas sufficient to supervise staff effectively and to plan, lead, and assess progress.
  • Record of success in change management; ability to envision future possibilities, match needs with opportunities, formulate strategy, and realize projects.
  • Demonstrated expertise in supervising, developing, and coaching professional and managerial staff, record of support for staff development and continuing education.
  • Demonstrated commitment to inclusivity, diversity, equity, and access.
  • Record of scholarship, professional involvement, and service expected experience with grant proposals and projects helpful.
  • Evidence of ability to develop and maintain successful collaborative relationships with colleagues required; experience with successful collaborations involving multiple organizations helpful.
  • Excellent communication skills: ability to listen actively, speak and write clearly, and effectively present information and ideas to groups.
  • Enthusiasm for learning organization principles and readiness to embrace Northwestern University Libraries Organizational Vision and Values.

Library Environment:

Northwestern University is a highly selective private university with campuses in Evanston and Chicago, Illinois and in Doha, Qatar. One of the leading private research libraries in the United States, Northwestern University Library serves the educational and information needs of the NU community as well as scholars around the world. Its collection contains more than 7 million volumes, a full array of digital resources, and collections of distinction in Africana, transportation, and 20th-century and contemporary music. Northwestern is a member of the Association of Research Libraries (ARL) and the Big Ten Academic Alliance (BTAA). See more information about University Libraries at: http://www.library.northwestern.edu

First consideration for applications received by November 12, 2021. All librarians at Northwestern are benefits-eligible, non-tenure-track faculty and represented in the Faculty Senate. Please apply for this position on the NUHR Recruitment Website (https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/careers/index.html) In accordance with Northwestern University policy, successful applicant will need to submit to a criminal background check prior to employment. https://careers.northwestern.edu/psp/hr857prd_er/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&Action=U&FOCUS=Applicant&SiteId=1&JobOpeningId=42086&PostingSeq=1

Equal Opportunity:

Northwestern University is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer of all protected classes, including veterans and individuals with disabilities. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply. Hiring is contingent upon eligibility to work in the United States.

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