Dean of Libraries
The College of Charleston, located in Charleston, SC, seeks a Dean of Libraries who is a visionary leader to develop and promote the libraries’ significant contributions to the intellectual vibrancy of the College’s student body, researchers, faculty and the greater Charleston community. The Dean develops and articulates the strategic mission of the libraries into concrete objectives for the students, faculty, the College, and the community through collaboration and consensus-building. The Dean advances the implementation of innovative approaches to library management and services; advocates strongly for the essential role of the libraries as a core component of the College’s academic mission; works with external agencies, donors and related groups to secure funding and resources for the Libraries; and demonstrates a deep commitment to diversity and intercultural goals of the institution.
Reporting to the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Dean provides strong, effective advocacy on academic and administrative councils of the College, including advising on strategic planning and policy development. The Dean represents the libraries not only within the College, but also regionally, nationally and internationally. Professionally active and engaged, the Dean encourages faculty and staff in their pursuit of new knowledge and dissemination of scholarly work.
The College of Charleston Libraries are comprised of the Marlene and Nathan Addlestone Library, the Avery Research Center for African American History and Culture, the John Rivers Communications Museum, the Marine Resources Library, and the North Campus Library. The combined annual budgets exceed $5.6 million with a staff of 20 librarians and archivists, 30 full time employees, and 35 student and temporary employees.
The ideal candidate will
- Translate vision into action;
- Manage the libraries’ human, fiscal and physical resources effectively and creatively with a management style fostering openness, cooperation, independence and collegiality;
- Articulate the libraries’ resource needs and support those needs through successful fundraising, grant-writing, and partnerships;
- Build and sustain connections college-wide, integrating library resources and services with academic departments and campus services while advocating for and assisting multiple constituencies with differing needs, including students and faculty;
- Maintain and grow a comprehensive collection of scholarly materials and library services consistent with the institution's present and anticipated instructional and research requirements;
- Develop and maintain physical and digital collections of unique, rare and historically significant materials;
- Establish and sustain the library as the cornerstone of campus life by designing and maintaining technology-rich learning spaces;
- Support professional development and education for faculty and staff including support related to tenure and promotion; and
- Nurture partnerships and collaborative relationships with other libraries and research institutions, playing a leadership role in consortia such as PASCAL (Partnership Among South Carolina Academic Libraries) and other similar organizations.
The ideal candidate will have a doctoral degree, although an exceptional candidate who possesses an ALA accredited MLS and extraordinary leadership experience and academic background may be considered. The candidate should have a strong record of scholarly and professional achievement appropriate for a position at the rank of tenured librarian; a minimum of five years of management and leadership experience in an increasingly responsible role, preferably in an academic library; and evidence of a commitment to liberal arts and sciences education.
Founded in 1770, the College of Charleston is a public liberal arts and sciences university located in the heart of Charleston, South Carolina. The College is among the nation’s top universities for quality education and student life, offering a distinctive combination of a beautiful and historic campus with a modern curriculum. The College of Charleston serves approximately 10,000 undergraduates and 1,500 graduate/certificate seeking students with more than 100 majors and minors. The College is comprised of six schools, a Division I Athletic Program, and an Honors College. In 2012, Charleston was ranked #1 City in the World by Condé Nast Traveler and 5th among U.S. mid-sized cities for jobs by Forbes Magazine.
Applicants should apply online at https://jobs.cofc.edu. Applications must include cover letter, vita, unofficial transcripts and three references. Initial review of applications will begin February 15, 2013. Ideally the chosen candidate will start by July 1, 2013.
The College of Charleston is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action Employer and strongly encourages applications from women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.
