Associate Dean of the University Library

University of New Hampshire

22d•$100,000 - $300,000

About The Position

Reporting to the Dean of the University Library, the Associate Dean provides vision, leadership, and strategic direction for the UNH Library in support of the university’s mission as a top-tier public research institution. This role is a critical partner to the Dean in advancing the library’s strategic priorities, including the introduction of a centralized services model across the libraries of USNH, strengthening its role as a hub of research, teaching, and community engagement, and ensuring organizational effectiveness at every level. The Associate Dean serves as second-in-command, assumes responsibility in the Dean’s absence, and represents the library at campus, system, regional, and national forums. With direct responsibility for financial operations, assessment, facilities, and the library’s Community & Sustainability program, the Associate Dean leads with a focus on innovation, collaboration, and accountability. The role requires vision and agility to manage change, foster professional growth, and build campus and statewide partnerships that position the library as a catalyst for student success, faculty research, and public engagement.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Library and Information Science or equivalent, plus a second advanced degree (master’s or higher) in another discipline required for appointment at the Associate Dean level.
Record of scholarship and professional service sufficient to qualify for appointment at the rank of Associate or Full Professor.
Minimum five years of progressively responsible leadership in a research library at the department head, associate director, or equivalent level.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated Success in several of the following areas is strongly preferred:
Financial management, resource allocation and assessment.
Space planning, facilities management, and/or building renovation projects.
Effective strategic and operational planning, organizational development, and/or project leadership.
Communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with a wide range of colleagues, students and campus partners.
Commitment to fostering a welcoming, respectful and supportive environment for all members of the community.
Fundraising, donor relations, or advancement initiatives.
Leadership in national or regional library organizations.
Fostering innovation and managing organizational change.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Organizational Development (30%): Partner with the Dean to provide executive leadership for the library, ensuring alignment with university priorities and advancing a culture of inclusivity, collaboration, and professional excellence. Advance the Dean’s vision and library goals. Shape and guide strategic and operational planning, annual goal setting, organizational assessment, and staff development. Serve as a trusted advisor and thought partner to the Dean, assuming responsibility for the overall leadership and administration of the library in the Dean’s absence. Build relationships across campus and across USNH, and Work across USNH to identify and implement multi-campus efficiencies through a centralized services model. Represent the UNH Library and the University at institutional, regional, and national levels, strengthening the library’s reputation and influence. Champion the library’s role in advancing teaching, learning, and research across disciplines, including but not limited to the promotion of digital scholarship, scholarly communication, data management, and AI. Coach and advise the library’s Program Leads in decision making, problem resolution, policy development and planning. Anticipate and evaluate trends in research libraries, higher education, and technology; lead adoption of innovative practices that improve services and organizational effectiveness. Manage complex, cross-functional initiatives that advance teaching, learning, and research support. Anticipate initiatives and responds to environmental changes and keeps abreast of trends that impact higher education and the library profession to ensure that the library and university achieve their goals.
Financial & Resource Stewardship (25%): Provide leadership and oversight for the library’s financial operations and long-range budget planning, ensuring fiscal sustainability and compliance with institutional policies. Develop and manage the annual budget process in collaboration with the Dean. Oversee operating and gift funds, and liaise with campus financial units (Accounts Payable, Procurement, Payroll, Foundation, etc.). Lead strategic resource allocation and explore revenue-generating opportunities.
Partnerships & Campus Engagement (15%): Build and maintain strong relationships with faculty, administrators, and student groups to advocate for library initiatives, services and partnerships and advance cross-institutional initiatives. Represent library interests on university committees, task forces, and project teams. Ensure that library services align with evolving faculty research needs, graduate student scholarship, and undergraduate learning outcomes. Contribute to a healthy, collaborative work environment that empowers employees and fosters professional growth.
Community & Sustainability (10%): Lead the library’s Community & Sustainability program, aligning efforts with university-wide initiatives around community building, civic engagement, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility. Advance belonging, inclusion and accessibility across all areas of library services and organizational culture.
Assessment & Accreditation (10%): Lead assessment and continuous improvement initiatives that document the library’s value and impact. Develop reports and other data tools to inform library strategy. Recommends library improvements based on local data and the broader higher education landscape. Oversee the compilation and submission of statistics to agencies such as ACRL and IPEDS. Coordinate library contributions to institutional and departmental accreditation and related review processes.
Facilities & Space Planning (10%): Oversee the development, administration, and maintenance of library facilities, contracts, agreements, and MOUs with partnering departments. Provide executive guidance to the Facilities Manager, ensuring library spaces support 21st-century research, teaching, and student engagement.