Dean of the Library

Allegheny College, a selective national liberal arts college, invites applications for the position of Dean of the Library. The position is a full time/exempt position reporting to the Provost and Dean of the Faculty.

The Dean of the Library will provide a strategic vision and leadership to the Pelletier Library. The ideal candidate will be a forward-thinking, enthusiastic leader who embraces the evolving roles of academic libraries in higher education. The Dean of the Library will craft and implement a plan for an effective and modern program of library services that integrates tools and practices for effective inquiry and teaching including establishment of a teaching and research excellence center and the adoption of educational technologies that enhance the creation, sharing, and use of scholarly and professional resources. The selected candidate will play a visible role in developing and executing a strategic plan for Pelletier Library that will create a vibrant and engaging environment for students and faculty.

Essential Duties:

• Integrate and elevate library functions and tools to support the teaching, learning, and research experiences of students and faculty.
• Manage, mentor, train, and regularly evaluate library staff to assure high quality services.
• Provide strategic leadership in the effective use of the physical facility and all related operational and administrative matters.
• Serve on relevant institutional committees and task forces.
• Recommend to the Provost initiatives, internal and external collaborations, and organizational structures and practices to advance the mission of the Library and the College.
• Build and foster a culture of inclusive excellence that embraces the Library as a central hub for academic excellence, community building, and student success.
• Coordinate outreach and programming efforts to enhance the institution’s information literacy program.
• Represent the institution in areas of expertise and responsibility to internal and external stakeholders as requested.

Qualifications:
The successful candidate will have exceptional leadership skills, demonstrated experience in building collegial relationships across all levels of the institution, and excellent written and verbal communication skills. A demonstrated record of promoting and fostering diversity, equity and inclusion is required.

• Master’s degree in Library Science from a program accredited by the American Library Association is required; a terminal degree in a liberal arts-related discipline is preferred.
• A record of 5 or more years of progressively responsible positions in libraries, with college or university library experience preferred.
• Evidence of successfully leading transformational change.
• Proven knowledge and understanding of the major challenges facing academic libraries today and a vision for establishing a library that is at the heart of campus teaching and learning.
• Proven success in developing and maintaining strong working relationships and partnerships within the library and with campus leaders, other academic units, community leaders, alumni, and other local or regional libraries.
• Academic administrative experience that includes budgeting, program development, recruitment and personnel evaluation and management.
• Expertise in library and learning space design and educational technology trends for supporting new directions in teaching and learning.

Allegheny College, founded in 1815, is one of the nation’s oldest and most innovative four-year colleges where multidisciplinary learning breaks the conventional mold. It is one of the few colleges in the United States with a unique requirement to choose both a major and minor for graduation, to provide students with a cross-disciplinary path in the sciences and humanities for educational depth and intellectual growth. Located in Meadville, Pennsylvania, Allegheny College is one of 44 colleges featured in Loren Pope’s “Colleges That Change Lives.” In its 2022 rankings, U.S. News & World Report recognized Allegheny College as one of the country’s top 100 national liberal arts colleges — and one of the top 25 best for undergraduate teaching.

Allegheny’s undergraduate residential education prepares students for successful, meaningful lives by promoting students’ intellectual, moral, and social development and encouraging personal and civic responsibility. Allegheny’s faculty and staff combine high academic standards and a commitment to the exchange of knowledge with a supportive approach to learning. Graduates are equipped to think critically and creatively, write clearly, speak persuasively, and meet challenges in a diverse, interconnected world. Allegheny College is deeply committed to creating an inclusive community that actively challenges racism, sexism, heterosexism, religious bigotry, and other forms of bias (see Allegheny College Statement of Community).

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and provide contact information for three references to the Office of Human Resources, Allegheny College, 520 N. Main Street, Meadville, PA 16335 or by e-mail to [email protected]. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. An offer of employment is contingent upon the successful completion of a background check.

Allegheny College is an Equal Opportunity Employer with a strong commitment to diversity, inclusion, and equity. Women, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and members of other underrepresented groups are highly encouraged to apply. Allegheny does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, or national origin.