California State University, Los Angeles - Dean, University Library

Date Posted: October 9, 2015

Open Unitl: Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the completion of the search process/until the position is filled.

Type: Executive

Salary: Commensurate with experience

Employment Type: Full-time

To apply, visit http://www.imsearch.com/searches/details/content/S5-435

OVERVIEW

California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State LA) seeks a creative, dynamic, and forward thinking Dean to lead the University Library as it embarks on a period of renovation and innovation. Reporting to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs, the next Dean will be a respected leader in the field who will partner with the university’s colleges to develop an ambitious strategic plan for the 21st century library in a rapidly growing and changing environment. The Dean will develop and manage a budget, and other resources, necessary to support the implementation of the strategic plan and achieve a new
vision for the University Library.

Under new presidential and academic leadership, Cal State LA is engaged in an exciting period of transformation as it revitalizes its curricula, fulfills its mission as an engine of social mobility by producing well-prepared 21st century graduates, and bolsters its presence as a regional leader. This is an exceptional opportunity for a dynamic and talented individual to advance the Library during an exciting time of change and renewal. The successful candidate will bring a commitment to student success and scholarship, a strategic vision to energize and support research and entrepreneurial activities, and the ability to ensure administrative excellence as Cal State LA becomes a destination campus and a dynamic force in the LA region.

THE UNIVERSITY

Founded in 1947, California State University, Los Angeles, is a comprehensive, public four-year university that offers a broad range of liberal arts and professional programs designed to encourage student excellence, achievement, and well-being. It is one of 23 public universities in the California State University (CSU) System, the largest and most diverse university system in the nation, along with being one of the most affordable.

Cal State LA has been recognized as one of the top 10 comprehensive universities in the country by Washington Monthly for contributions to the public good. This exceptional honor is based on Cal State LA's graduation rates, vital research produced by faculty and students, and dedication to community service. In addition, U.S. News and World Report ranked the University’s Engineering, Nursing, and Business programs as among the best in the nation; Hispanic Outlook in Higher Education featured Cal State LA in its “Top 100” issue; and the
Dean, University Library California State University, Los Angeles
California Commission on Teacher Credentialing recognized the institution’s outstanding record in training tomorrow’s educators.

Centrally located near downtown in the City of Los Angeles, Cal State LA is close to the civic, cultural, and economic centers of Los Angeles. This uniquely positions the University to foster strong cooperative relationships with alumni, community, business, scientific, educational, cultural, and government constituencies.

Cal State LA’s students and 235,000 alumni reflect the City’s dynamic mix of populations, with a wide variety of interests, ages and backgrounds. The University has one of the most diverse student populations of any college or university in the nation: more than 50% of students identify as Latino, over 20% as Asian American or Pacific Islander, just over 15% as White and nearly 10% as African American. Having established the nation’s first Chicano Studies Department in 1968, Cal State LA today is a top source of Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees for Hispanic students in California and was recently recognized by the National Science Foundation as the top Masters level supplier of Latino science and engineering Ph.D. recipients in the continental United States.

For more information about Cal State LA, visit: http://www.calstatela.edu/.

THE POSITION

The Dean serves as the chief operating and academic officer of the University Library and is responsible for creating and sustaining an environment in which academic excellence is pursued by faculty, students, administrators and staff. With the Provost and other officers of the University, the Dean participates in developing University policy and strategic planning and represents the Library internally and in the larger community and region. To support the growth and success of the library, the Dean also seeks broad-based support from external agencies and plays a leadership role in fundraising and development.

The Dean will be expected to be a passionate advocate and tireless fundraiser for the Library. The Dean must possess strong interpersonal skills, the ability to engage and excite others about the vision and mission of the Library, and the determination to move the Library to the forefront of 21st century innovation. The successful candidate will possess exceptional leadership skills and have the ability to work effectively with University faculty and academic administrators across the campus to build effective relationships and a collaborative environment that fosters excellence. The next Dean will support the University’s overall academic mission to enhance student learning, support teaching and research, and serve as a key site for community engagement.


The successful Dean candidate will be an experienced academic administrator with the energy and interpersonal and leadership skills necessary to achieve ambitious goals. The successful candidate will demonstrate the following:

• An ALA-accredited MLS or MIS (or equivalent)
• Record of scholarship and achievement sufficient to merit appointment as a full professor
• At least five years of progressive experience in academic administration
• A history of effective leadership in a culture of shared governance
• An understanding of innovations in library science
• Success in implementing innovative services
• Experience in strategic planning and an ability to work collaboratively with faculty and academic leaders to identify the priorities of the Library and develop strategies and tactics for achieving them
• An established record of development and fundraising experience
• Support for faculty teaching and research
• Support for student achievement and student success
• Financial acumen and proven abilities in budget and financial management
• Superior communication skills and the ability to articulate a compelling message to diverse audiences
• A record that shows a meaningful commitment to and demonstrated accomplishment in issues around inclusiveness and diversity