Associate Dean for Academic Engagement and Public Services and Assistant Professor

Wichita State University Libraries is seeking forward-thinking, student-centered applicants for the position of Associate Dean for Academic Engagement and Public Services. This is a senior leadership position critical to the oversight and advancement of the University Libraries’ research, instruction, and service missions. The Associate Dean position provides overall leadership to library public services including the Research and Instruction Services Group composed of the Library Instruction Program, Library Liaison Program, and Reference Desk; the Access Services Unit including Circulation, Course Reserves, Stacks Maintenance, Facilities, and Interlibrary Loan/Document Delivery; the Patents and Trademarks Center; Government Documents; the McKinley Chemistry Library; and the Thurlow Lieurance Memorial Music Library. The position evaluates eight faculty annually and for tenure/promotion review. Three additional Unclassified Professionals report to this position. The position acts as liaison to the associate deans in other academic colleges, to other campus units engaged in student success activities, and provides leadership for community engagement activities. Reporting to the Dean, the position is an essential member of the Dean’s leadership team and engages with this team in the evaluation of current library services, overall planning activities, and the introduction of innovative services supporting the University’s goals.

Required qualification: Master’s (MLS, MLIS, or equivalent terminal degree) from an American Library Association accredited program and at least three years of recent experience in an academic library administrative/leadership role associated with public services, as well as, documented supervisory experience.

The successful candidate must have a commitment to providing exceptional public service; the ability to lead, supervise, and support employee growth; demonstrated knowledge of emerging trends and issues in higher education and academic libraries including the opportunities for and impact on library-centered public, research, and instructional services; excellent organizational, interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills; the ability to anticipate, creatively adapt, and respond to changing library and university needs and priorities in a user-centered, technology rich, rapidly evolving environment; demonstrated skills in developing, advocating for, implementing, and managing policy, program, and assessment initiatives; demonstrated ability to multi-task and prioritize activities and responsibilities; and the ability to work collaboratively and constructively with others within and outside of University Libraries while supporting a culture of professional growth and creativity. The successful candidate will also show evidence of potential to maintain an ongoing program of scholarship and professional development at a level that would merit tenure and promotion.

The position carries a 12-month contract; excellent professional development support, vacation and benefits, including TIAA-CREF. Faculty librarians have tenure-eligible appointments with rank. Appointment may be at the level of Assistant Professor or Associate Professor depending on experience, record of scholarship, service and achievement. Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. Offers of employment are contingent on satisfactory completion of a criminal background check as required by the Kansas Board of Regents.

WSU is an AA/EOE. While this position is open until filled, priority review will be given to applications received before May 19, 2022. For the full position description including required and preferred qualifications, go to: https://libraries.wichita.edu/AboutWSULibraries/employment

About the University: Wichita State University is located in the heart of the Midwest and offers a wide variety of programs – including more than 200 majors and specializations. Wichita State is distinctive for opening pathways to applied learning, applied research, and career opportunities, alongside unsurpassed classroom, laboratory, and online education. WSU’s approximately 16,000 students come from every state in the U.S. and more than 100 other countries. Wichita State University is the most diverse university in Kansas and has a strong commitment to diversity as a core institutional and educational value. We want our faculty, staff, and student body to mirror the variety of the types of people found in society.

Living in the Area: With a population of almost 400,000, Wichita is the largest city in the state of Kansas and at the center of everything. As Kansas’ largest metropolitan area and one of the most affordable college towns in America, Wichita is the commercial, financial, medical, cultural, and entertainment hub for the state of Kansas. Despite its growth, Wichita hasn’t lost its friendly Midwestern feel, and that makes it an ideal community for aspiring college students and families alike.

Wichita State University does not discriminate in its employment practices, educational programs or activities on the basis of age, ancestry, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, national origin, political affiliation, pregnancy, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a veteran. Retaliation against an individual filing or cooperating in a complaint process is also prohibited. Sexual misconduct, relationship violence and stalking are forms of sex discrimination and are prohibited under Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972. Complaints or concerns related to alleged discrimination may be directed to the Director of Equal Opportunity or the Title IX Coordinator, Wichita State University, 1845 Fairmount, Wichita KS 67260-0138; telephone (316) 978-3187.