Associate Dean for Operations and User Services

University of Cincinnati   Cincinnati, OH   Full-time     Management
Posted on April 30, 2024
Apply Now
Current UC employees must apply internally via SuccessFactors - http://bit.ly/UCEMPL

Founded in 1819, the University of Cincinnati ranks among the nation's best urban public research universities. Home to more than 50,000 students, 11,000 faculty and staff and 340,000 alumni, UC combines a Top 35 public research university with a physical setting The New York Times calls “the most ambitious campus design program in the country.”

With the launch of Next Lives Here, the Cincinnati Innovation District, a $100 million JobsOhio investment, nine straight years of record enrollment, worldwide leadership in cooperative education, a dynamic academic health center and entry into the Big 12 Conference, UC's momentum has never been stronger. UC's annual budget tops $1.65 billion and its endowment totals $1.8 billion. The University's overall regional economic impact exceeds $10.6 billion, paving the way for the future of Cincinnati.

About the University of Cincinnati

The AD reports directly to the Dean and University Librarian. The AD has responsibility and authority for operations and user services at UC Libraries.

Job Overview

The University of Cincinnati Libraries seeks a strategic, outcomes-focused leader to fill the Associate Dean for Operations & User Services (AD) position. The AD will join the senior leadership team and be a part of continuing the transformation of the research library at the university. As a member of the senior leadership team, the AD works collaboratively to realize the UC Libraries vision and strategic directions.

The AD champions the implementation of the UC Libraries strategic plan and takes responsibility for meeting goals pertaining to areas of responsibility. The AD has programmatic, strategic, budgetary, managerial, and operational responsibilities for the following libraries and departments in the University of Cincinnati Libraries: circulation, reserves, interlibrary loan, facilities, and user experience.

Other management portfolios may be assigned as the organization adapts to meet the needs of a growing campus community. The AD will develop programs and initiatives for UC Libraries and build collaborative partnerships beyond the organization to move UC Libraries toward its goals.

Essential Functions
  • Collaborates with the Dean and senior leaders to identify needs, establish priorities, and develop goals, objectives, actions, and measures of success.
  • Takes ownership of goals and initiatives within the strategic plan that relate to areas of responsibility.
  • Leads the overall strategy and direction of UC Libraries operations and user services, including administering policies, procedures, and best practices.
  • Leads daily operations for service desks, stacks maintenance, reserves processing, resource sharing, and physical spaces.
  • Drives the continuous improvement of user experiences throughout UC Libraries spaces – both physical and virtual.
  • Develops and oversees UC Libraries data collection and analysis, including reporting to national and institutional surveys.
  • Fosters a culture of evidence-based decision making through ongoing assessment of library operations and user experience.
  • Recruits, hires, evaluates, develops, and retains multiplefaculty and staff which meet or exceed user expectations.
  • Achieves organizational effectiveness through the successful management of financial and personnel resources.
  • Fosters a culture ofexcellence through creating a respectful workplace environment.
  • Chairs and serves on committees related to areas of responsibility or assigned by the Dean.
  • Represents UC Libraries at regional, national, and global professional engagements with the expectation of raising UC Library's visibility and reputation.
Required Education

Graduate degree in Library and Information Science or an advanced degree in a relevant field.

Required Experience
  • Progressive leadership and management experience, including senior level management experience in an academic research library or equivalent.
  • Demonstrated ability to initiate and lead change within a culture of higher education.
  • Knowledge of higher education, including emerging trends, challenges, and opportunities.
  • Ability to lead effectively across a complex organization and in collaboration with a variety of individuals and groups.
  • Ability to consistently meet goals and objectives in an outcomes-driven working environment.
  • Superior interpersonal and communication skills, especially in understanding user needs and motivating team members. Strong written, oral, and listening skills needed to communicate with faculty, staff, and students.
  • Experience with mediating conflict in the workplace.
  • Demonstrated complex analytical, problem-solving and project management skills.
  • Excellent customer service aptitude and commitment to high quality and responsive service.
  • Demonstrated ability to cultivate and advocate for an environment of excellence.
Additional Qualifications Considered
  • Evidence of previous scholarly activities including publications, presentations, and professional association participation at the regional, national, and international level.
  • Experience in operations, particularly in academic libraries.
  • Knowledge of best practices in assessment of academic libraries.
  • Experience with ExLibris products, including Alma/Primo.
  • Prior success in writing grant proposals and successful grant administration.
  • Demonstrated experience and leadership in developing complex and collaborative projects.
Physical Requirements/Work Environment
  • Office environment/no specific unusual physical or environmental demands.
Application Process

Applications without a cover letter and CV/Resume will not be considered for the position. 3 References will be checked during final stages.

Compensation and Benefits

UC offers a wide array of complementary and affordable benefit options, to meet the financial, educational, health, and wellness needs of you and your family. Eligibility varies by position and FTE.
  • Competitive salary rangeof $130,000 - $150,000 dependent on the candidate's experience.
  • Comprehensive insurance plans including medical, dental, vision, and prescription coverage.
  • Flexible spending accounts and an award-winning employee wellness program, plus an employee assistance program.
  • Financial security via our life and long-term disability insurance, accident and illness insurance, and retirement savings plans.
  • Generous paid time off work options including vacation, sick leave, annual holidays, and winter season days in addition to paid parental leave.
  • Tuition remission is available for employees and their eligible dependents.
  • Enjoy discounts for on and off-campus activities and services.
For questions about the UC recruiting process or to request accommodations with the application, please contact Human Resources at jobs@uc.edu.

The University of Cincinnati is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

REQ:95489