Winthrop University seeks a visionary leader to serve as Dean of Ida Jane Dacus Library and the Louise Pettus Archives and Special Collections. The Dean serves as chief academic and administrative officer of the library and archives, overseeing library faculty and staff members. Through robust collaboration with key constituents, the Dean will develop and implement a vision for the library and archives of the 21st century. The Dean will report directly to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, sit as a member of the Academic Leadership Council, and support the University’s mission, vision, and strategic goals as a public, regional, comprehensive institution committed to increasing student success and inclusive excellence.  

Responsibilities 

The Dean of the Library and Archives:

• Oversees the planning and development of university-wide library services in support of teaching, scholarship, and student learning and engagement.
• Provides leadership in strategic, long-range, and operational planning and the formulation of goals, policies, and procedures for Dacus Library and the Pettus Archives.
• Leads in defining and communicating the role of the library and archives within the larger academic community.
• Promotes the library and archives as a vital component of the academy. Keeps the unit current with advances in technology, communication, instruction, outreach, and the curation and delivery of information.
• Collaborates with University Advancement to provide innovative leadership in fund-raising to further the goals of the library and archives.
• Provides leadership for management and supervision including hiring of library personnel and fostering a team environment among library faculty and staff.
• Supports scholarship and professional development for library and archives faculty and staff.
• Promotes and supports community outreach.

• Demonstrate a deep knowledge of the challenges and opportunities facing higher education and university libraries, and provide creative approaches for meeting the challenges and opportunities with an overarching vision of ways the library and archives can support and promote academic excellence.
• Show a clear understanding of the changes that are reshaping scholarship, publication, and the dissemination and preservation of knowledge.
• Develop creative ways to use, expand, and improve existing facilities to meet student expectations and engagement. 

Required Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Library and Information Science from an American Library Association (ALA) accredited program and an established record of professional achievement appropriate for appointment at the rank of Associate Professor/Professor.
• A doctorate in a subject field or a second Master’s in a subject area is preferred.
• Five or more years of successful academic library administrative experience with increasing responsibilities. Experience at or above the department chair level is preferred.
• Evidence of the following leadership and management skills:
  • Managerial skills and a deep understanding of the operations, disciplines, and goals of academic libraries and university archives. Experience managing operations across multiple locations is preferred.
  • Experience working with library systems, particularly in a consortium environment.
  • Experience in library and archives program development with evidence of innovative collaboration, creative thinking, and strong problem-solving skills.
  • Experience planning, analyzing, and presenting complex library budgets within a university system. Familiarity with activity-based budget modeling and the operation of academic libraries within such models is preferred.
  • Commitment to shared governance and transparency, with demonstrated ability to earn the trust and confidence of faculty, students, staff, and administrators.
  • Commitment to mentoring and consensus-building with faculty, staff, and students.
  • Demonstrated ability to support division heads in managing workflow and personnel in their departments.
  • Experience collaborating with members of university leadership on policies, procedures, finances, personnel management, and day-to-day operations.
  • Proven track record in cultivating and advocating for a diverse community that fosters equity and inclusion and maintains a respectful work environment.
  • Demonstrated understanding and appreciation for diversity in library personnel, services, programs, resources, and in those whom we serve.  

This is a 12-month administrative position with academic rank. 

Application review will begin on November 15, 2023. Applications received after the start of the review may be considered if an acceptable candidate is not identified.

Submit the following materials:

• Letter of interest that addresses a Vision for the Library and Archives of the 21st Century and leadership experience
• C.V.
• Contact information for at least three references
• Official or unofficial transcripts (official will be required for appointment)

Specific questions related to this search should be directed to Dr. Beth Greene Costner, Search Chair and Dean, College of Education, Sport, and Human Sciences, costnerb@winthrop.edu. 

About Winthrop University

Founded in 1886, Winthrop University in Rock Hill, South Carolina, offers its 6,000-plus undergraduate and graduate students an educational experience that blends liberal arts, professional programs, global awareness, and civic engagement. In its colleges of Business Administration, Arts and Sciences, Education, and Visual and Performing Arts, Winthrop embraces only those programs and activities that can be delivered at an exemplary level. Winthrop is well known for its inclusive and supportive campus environment, with University College supporting programs in both academic and student affairs. Winthrop University is achieving national stature as a competitive and distinctive co-educational, public, residential, comprehensive, values-oriented institution. The values of service, excellence, diversity, community, and leadership provide the foundation for Winthrop’s continuing development and shape Winthrop’s continuing success. Numerous national accolades reflect the sustained high quality and value of the Winthrop Experience, including the most recent U.S. News & World Report’s ranking of Winthrop as one of the top-10 public comprehensive universities in the South. Winthrop is an active member of the Rock Hill community and recognized as a key component of the region’s economic resurgence. Approximately 20 minutes from Charlotte, North Carolina, Winthrop has direct access to and is engaged in a broad and expansive regional business community. Winthrop’s beautiful campus encompasses a rich architectural blend of neo-Georgian buildings and is included in the National Register of Historic Places. The attractive recreational and research complex area that surrounds Winthrop Lake is home to Winthrop’s 18 Division I men’s and women’s sports.

Winthrop University is committed to providing a safe campus community. Winthrop conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a student loan default check, a criminal history record check, and, when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.

Winthrop University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and does not discriminate against any individual or group of individuals on the basis of age, color, disability, gender, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status. Women, minorities, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.