Associate Dean for Research, Collections and Assessment - University of Tennessee Libraries

Company: Digital Library Federation
Location: Knoxville
Posted on: May 24, 2025

Job Description:

Description
The University of Tennessee Libraries is seeking a transformational and collaborative leader to serve as the Associate Dean for Research, Collections, and Assessment. The Associate Dean reports to the Dean of Libraries and is a member of the Dean's senior leadership team as well as of the overall leadership of the University Libraries.
The Associate Dean will lead and shape library programs and services to align with the research, learning, and service missions of the University of Tennessee, a research-intensive, land-grant, flagship university on the rise. The ideal candidate will prioritize cultivating partnerships and fostering continuous improvement in pursuit of excellence. Success at the University of Tennessee Libraries hinges on strong partnerships both within the Libraries and across campus. These efforts are guided by our values: community, inclusivity, leadership, service, innovation, and sustainability.
The Associate Dean will be instrumental in developing and implementing strategic plans that align with university priorities. They should possess domain-specific knowledge and be an organizational thought leader in their areas of responsibility while maintaining an up-to-date understanding of current trends and issues in research libraries.
The Associate Dean oversees approximately 55 full-time employees across several key departments, including Acquisitions & Continuing Resources, Assessment Programs & Collection Strategy, Collection Management & Sharing, Cataloging, Special Collections, Research Impact & Open Access, as well as operations within the Library Storage Annex (under development). The successful candidate will foster the growth and development of colleagues within a highly collaborative environment. The position is located in Knoxville, TN and relocation assistance is available.
RESPONSIBILITIES

• Reporting directly to the Dean of Libraries and collaborating closely with the senior leadership team, the Associate Dean is involved in library-wide planning, budgeting, operations, communications, and policymaking.
  
• Provides strategic and innovative direction to support and sustain faculty research, student learning, and the university's service missions in areas of responsibility.
  
• Develops and maintains a broad network of partners on campus to advocate for and advance library programs and initiatives and to contribute to the wider work of the campus.
  
• Serves as a representative of the Libraries in areas of responsibility and maintains a profile as a campus citizen, working in coordination with the Dean and others to contribute to the greater good of the university.
  
• Serves as a mentor and coach to faculty and staff in areas of responsibility and maintains a strong commitment to developing the careers and skills of direct reports, faculty, and staff.
  
• Ensures compliance with best practices and national standards, maintaining expertise in policy areas relevant to their portfolio.
  
• Works strategically with the Dean and others to position the library for success in the broader research, learning, and service missions.
  
• Collaborates with UT System partners to build beneficial partnerships around collections and other responsibilities.
  
• Maintains an active professional profile nationally and globally, representing the libraries on various committees and working groups.
  
• Represents the libraries to the Office of Research, Innovation, and Economic Development and supports faculty research efforts.
  
• Serves as a member of the leadership team, embracing a service-oriented vision that prioritizes organizational and university needs.
  
  ENVIRONMENT
  The University of Tennessee Libraries are part of a flagship campus of Tennessee's premier public research university. The university holds the Carnegie Foundation Research 1 designation. Enrolling approximately 38,728 students, the campus is committed to serving the state and nation, guided by core values such as knowledge, innovation, integrity, engagement, and stewardship.
  The UT Libraries support teaching, research, and service through collections, reference and instructional services, and technological resources. Major facilities include the John C. Hodges Library, the Webster C. Pendergrass Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine Library, and the George F. DeVine Music Library. The Libraries are leaders in digital collections, open access, and innovative spaces, collaborating with various national and regional library associations.
  We promote an inclusive environment that values diverse backgrounds and perspectives, fostering a vibrant academic community where all members can thrive and succeed.
  BENEFITS
  Salary up to $160,000 based on experience, faculty rank, and open track. Benefits include annual leave, retirement options (TCRS or ORP), health and life insurance, tuition remission, and start-up funding of $10,000 over three years, plus support for travel and professional development. For more information, see the page.
  Qualifications
  Required
  

• 
  
• ALA-accredited master's degree or relevant advanced degree at appointment
  
• At least 5 years of progressive leadership in an academic or research library, including supervision and program management
  
• Ability to meet standards for a faculty appointment (tenure or non-tenure track)
  
  Preferred
  
  • 
    
  • Proven transformational leadership and change management experience
    
  • In-depth knowledge of departmental functions within the leadership portfolio
    
  • Successful initiatives in academic or research libraries
    
  • Additional advanced degree (Master's or PhD) is desirable
    
    Application Instructions
    A background check and official transcripts are required. Candidates should submit a CV and a 2-page cover letter addressing: 1) why am I interested?, 2) how am I qualified?, and 3) what is my vision for the unit? Send applications to Jack Farrell at . Review begins June 10, 2025, until the position is filled.
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