The Association of Research Libraries (ARL) seeks a knowledgeable, passionate leader to advance the Association’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) priorities. This is a unique opportunity to advance DEI and social and racial justice for and with 125 of the major research library leaders in Canada and the United States. In this moment, we believe in our leadership responsibilities across the broader cultural heritage community to identify, highlight, challenge, and address the long-standing impact of institutional racism. We also see the urgent need to assess and restructure our systems to include marginalized and underrepresented perspectives, and to create pathways for recruitment, retention, and leadership advancement of Black, Indigenous, and other people of color (BIPOC). The successful candidate will build on ARL’s long-standing commitment to DEI.
The Association has a strong history of establishing programs to recruit into our organizations and develop individuals who identify as BIPOC or are from historically underrepresented racial and ethnic groups. The senior director of DEI will build on the strength of this foundation as a partner with ARL’s senior director, Leadership and Organizational Development, to shape the path forward for research libraries and the Association. The successful candidate will demonstrate an ability to engage ARL member leaders through a consultative, inclusive approach with the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee, while working strategically with the executive director, and with other members of the staff, to increase the Association’s capacity for anti-racist work and for building strong, inclusive, research library cultures and encouraging best practices across all 125 institutions.
Through their leadership, presentations, and scholarship, the successful candidate will inform ARL member leaders and organizations on national and global efforts, policies, and practices to reconstruct cultures of oppression. They will lead, network, and participate in the DEI community across the academic and research library profession; participate in national and international forums; and act as ARL’s media spokesperson on DEI. We are looking for a forward-thinking, experienced individual who recognizes this position at ARL as an opportunity to bring sustainable, positive changes that advance research libraries well into the 21st century. ARL is a diverse collective of leading libraries and archives in Canada and the United States and is committed to strengthening its members’ capacity to shape their path forward in this moment. We know this takes work, commitment, and resolve and we invite those who have prepared for this moment. We are looking forward to reviewing your application.
More Information and Application
For more details about the position and requirements, see the full position announcement. To apply, complete the online application form and attach a letter outlining interest and relevant experience, a résumé, and a list of three references.
With questions about the position, contact Mary Lee Kennedy, executive director (mkennedy@arl.org).
ARL is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in the professional workplace. We are firmly committed to providing opportunities for outstanding persons of every race/ethnicity, gender, creed, and background. We encourage candidates to apply who thrive in an environment that embraces diversity and inclusivity.
About the Association of Research Libraries
The Association of Research Libraries (ARL) is a nonprofit organization of 125 research libraries in Canada and the US whose mission is to advance research, learning, and scholarly communication. The Association fosters the open exchange of ideas and expertise; advances diversity, equity, and inclusion; and pursues advocacy and public policy efforts that reflect the values of the library, scholarly, and higher education communities. ARL forges partnerships and catalyzes the collective efforts of research libraries to enable knowledge creation and to achieve enduring and barrier-free access to information. ARL is on the web at ARL.org.
