Dean of Libraries

About This Role

This is an extraordinary opportunity for a dynamic, visionary, and experienced leader to serve as the next dean of K-State Libraries, a public R1, land-grant university comprised of three campuses and nine colleges. The University serves approximately 21,000 students.

The successful candidate is a collaborative leader and prominent advocate who understands and provides the strategic direction necessary to meet the evolving role of libraries in the 21st century within a public research university setting. The dean will provide strategic leadership and vision crucial in the support of the strategic initiatives and intellectual core of the university.

As the chief academic and administrative officer of K-State Libraries, the dean oversees multiple departments delivering exceptional library services. The dean reports to the Provost and Executive Vice President and serves on the Council of Deans and the Academic Leadership Council. The Dean of K-State Libraries will also hold the faculty rank of Professor.

At K-State, deans are highly visible University-wide leaders. The dean will work closely with the president, provost, deans, and other senior leaders to advance the missions and strategic goals of the Library and the University through a shared vision of education, research, teaching, and service. Additionally, the Dean will be externally focused developing strong relationships and engaged with the community.

The dean will work collaboratively with partners across the three campuses and nine colleges to develop a broad and synergistic alignment of library services supporting the continuing transformation of K-State Libraries as a center encouraging student research, academic excellence, and collaboration in a technologically rich environment. Student learning and success should be at the forefront of the new dean’s priorities, while also promoting and supporting an increase in research, scholarship, and engagement across the university as K-State pursues its strategic goal to become a Next-Generation Land Grant University by 2030.

For more information about this opportunity, position expectations, and the local community view the executive profile. 

For information on how to apply or to submit nominations, please refer to the 'How to Apply' section.

About Us

K-State Libraries will support the university as a next-generation, land-grant library — setting the standard for inspiring learning, creativity, discovery and engagement that positively impacts society and transforms lives in Kansas and around the world.

The dean of K-State Libraries will provide overall program leadership, strategic vision, and direction to advance K-State Libraries, ensuring that plans, policies, practices, programs, and services align with university and college-level strategic directions and goals. The dean is responsible for the administration, coordination, and oversight of all activities related to strategic planning; assessment; policy development; library, archives, and records management services and programs; physical space; collections development and preservation; budget planning and fiscal stewardship; staffing; fundraising; and technology adoption.

Worksite Option

This position is on-site. 

What You'll Need to Succeed

Educational Requirements

• Masters in Library Science, Masters of Library and Information Science, or equivalent terminal degree from an American Library Association-accredited institution or equivalent required; additional advanced degree preferred.

Required Competencies/Qualifications

• strong record of sustained scholarly accomplishments and of excellence in librarianship, research, and service appropriate to appointment at the rank of Professor at Kansas State University
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to analyze, plan, coordinate, articulate, and execute a strategic vision and initiatives and engage others in implementation
• Demonstrated success as a strategic and creative planner and outstanding collaborator and relationship builder with strong interpersonal skills
• Proven record as a successful library administrator with managerial experience including guiding strategy, assessment, collections development, financial planning and management, staffing and personnel management, and technology acquisition
• Excellent organizational, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
  Record of success in advancing digital initiatives, adopting new technologies, and coordinating with information technology units
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with a demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with varied groups of stakeholders and audiences
• Demonstrated commitment to the development of inclusive programs and services that meet the needs of a varied population of students, faculty, and staff
• Deep understanding of the major challenges facing academic research libraries today, particularly in a public university, with evidence of engagement in working toward meeting those challenges
• Demonstrated ability to supervise, lead, manage, and develop high performing faculty, staff, and teams with a commitment to an open and participatory management style and a culture of continuous professional development and learning
• Proven ability to initiate, lead, and facilitate transformational change and innovation initiatives, be adaptable with changing conditions, and comfortable with the ambiguity that accompanies a large public university

Preferred Qualifications/Competencies

• Demonstrated success securing funds through grants and external fundraising and stewardship
• A passion for the role of librarianship in public higher education, with clear understanding of national trends in the academic library profession and higher education, emerging areas of librarianship and scholarly communication and future trends of library technology and systems to maximize discovery and access to scholarly resources
• Firm grasp of the opportunities and advantages of a land-grant university with R1 status
• A history of building, enhancing, and sustaining partnerships across a university, local communities, state, region, and nation
• Recognition and appreciation for educational access and opportunities in a positive working environment

How to Apply

Buffkin / Baker is assisting K-State with this search. Confidential inquiries, nominations, and applications are invited. Review of applications will continue until the position is filled. For fullest consideration, application materials should be received no later than March 7, 2025. Candidates should provide a letter of application describing their interest and qualifications for the position, current vita, and five references. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Nominations and application materials should be sent electronically via email to Martin Baker and Chelsie Whitelock of Buffkin / Baker at ksudeanoflibraries@buffkinbaker.com.

Screening of Applications Begins

For best consideration, apply by March 7th, 2025.

Anticipated Hiring Pay Range

Commensurate with experience