Chair, Department of Special and Area Studies Collections (SASC)

University of Florida•Gainesville, FL

10d•Onsite

About The Position

The George A. Smathers Libraries at the University of Florida seeks a forward-thinking Chair for its Department of Special and Area Studies Collections (SASC). This is a year-round, 12-month, tenure-track library faculty position based in the historic Smathers Library. Reporting to the Associate Dean, the Chair leads a department of approximately 30 faculty and staff and provides strategic vision for distinctive and internationally significant collections. The Chair will guide efforts to expand collections and their use, increase available resources, manage spaces, advocate for facility improvements, and strengthen the department’s capacity to preserve and provide access to its holdings. In collaboration with departmental colleagues, the Chair assesses the strengths and needs of fourteen collections, sets priorities, establishes policies, and develops service plans that support the University’s academic mission. The role also includes professional development, research, publication, and service activities needed to meet tenure and promotion requirements. The department serves University of Florida faculty, staff, students, external researchers, and the public. Its notable holdings include collections related to Florida heritage, Latin America and the Caribbean, Anglo-American children’s literature, and Judaica. The Chair represents the department and Libraries within the University and to state and national audiences, advancing research, teaching, public engagement, and the long-term stewardship of cultural heritage.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Library or Information Science from an ALA-accredited (or foreign equivalent) program, or another relevant advanced degree in a subject specialty.
Eight years of relevant professional experience, including a record of progressive scholarly accomplishment.
At least three years of leadership and supervisory responsibility in a research library, including demonstrated experience leading change and fostering professional development and growth.
Experience in effective planning and budgeting.
Ability to cultivate and maintain effective relations with donors.
Effective supervisory skills, including the demonstrated ability to listen, mentor, and lead.
Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively with faculty, students, administrators, and the public.
Strong potential to meet the tenure and promotion requirements in the Libraries’ Faculty by-laws.

Nice To Haves

Additional advanced degree in a relevant field.
Successful track record in project development and management.
Experience with change management and strategic planning.
Successful grant-writing experience.
Experience managing endowments and donor relations.
Knowledge of and interest in preservation practices for cultural heritage collections.
Demonstrated knowledge of digitization practices related to special collections and area studies.
Record of including individuals of diverse backgrounds, experiences, races, ethnicities, genders, and perspectives in research, teaching, service, and other work.

Responsibilities

Collaborate with the Dean of University Libraries and the Associate Dean to develop and implement strategies supporting the department’s education, research, and outreach mission.
Work with departmental faculty and staff to define needs, set priorities, develop policies, and establish goals, objectives, strategic plans, and budgets for effective management and development of services and collections.
Partner with the Dean, Associate Dean, and Director of Advancement to seek financial support for the department’s collections and operations.
Oversee and coordinate the work of the department’s units, comprising approximately 30 faculty and staff.
Coordinate with collection managers and communicate departmental work to Libraries Administration.
Oversee public-facing events with department faculty and staff that showcase the collections and enhance their curricular and scholarly use.
Foster a collaborative work environment and encourage cooperation across the University Libraries and campus units in support of the Libraries’ strategic plan.
Participate in cooperative management of the Libraries through service on the Joint Chairs group, Branch Chairs, and other consultative bodies.
Participate in University of Florida committees as appropriate.
Represent Special and Area Studies and the George A. Smathers Libraries at state and national levels.
Pursue professional development, publication, and leadership in professional organizations to meet tenure requirements.