Dean of Libraries

University of New Brunswick; Fredericton, Saint John; On-site; CAD 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Canadian university in Saint John is seeking a Dean of Libraries to provide visionary leadership for its research-intensive library system. The successful candidate will oversee multiple campuses, advancing digital transformation and fostering an inclusive culture. Candidates must hold an MLIS and have over 10 years of senior academic leadership experience, emphasizing strategic planning and equity within the academic community.

Qualifications

• At least 10 years of progressive senior academic leadership experience in research-focused academic libraries.
• A track record in strategic planning and budget management.
• Experience in developing state-of-the-art library spaces and services.

Responsibilities

• Provide system-level leadership across both campuses.
• Oversee university archives, copyright, and research data management.
• Advance digital transformation and guide a collaborative team.

Skills

Strategic planning

People management

Budget stewardship

Emotional intelligence

Indigenous engagement

Equity, diversity, and inclusion

Education

MLIS from an ALA-accredited institution

Job description

Lead, innovate, and inspire one of Canada’s most recognized research‑intensive library systems

University of New Brunswick (UNB) is a top comprehensive university in Canada with more than 100 world‑class programs within a personalized, student‑centred learning environment. Founded in 1785, UNB offers undergraduate and graduate degrees across 60 disciplines and continuing education opportunities. Recognized for its culture of innovation and entrepreneurial spirit, it combines its heritage with a forward‑looking commitment to research, scholarship, and community impact. UNB respectfully acknowledges that it stands on the unsurrendered and unceded traditional Wolastoqey land.

Position Overview

We are recruiting our next Dean of Libraries. This is an exceptional leadership opportunity to lead a research‑intensive library system on two campuses at a time of institutional innovation and strategic growth. This is a full‑time, five‑year renewable appointment, with an anticipated start date of July 1 2026.

UNB is a nationally recognized institution in library and information services, a member of the Canadian Association of Research Libraries (CARL), the Canadian Research Knowledge Network (CRKN), and the Council of Atlantic Academic Libraries (CAAL). Guided by the strategic vision UNB : Toward 2030, the Libraries foster innovation, collaboration, and the stewardship of knowledge, offering an extraordinary environment for scholarly leadership and institutional impact.

Reporting and Leadership

Reporting to the Provost and Vice‑President Academic, and a member of the Deans Council, the Dean of Libraries will provide system‑level leadership across both campuses, overseeing university archives, copyright, and research data management, while guiding a network of campus libraries that serve an interdisciplinary and collegial academic community. A visionary, collaborative academic leader and relationship builder, adept at balancing strategy, operations, and advocacy, the Dean will guide a dedicated, highly talented, and collaborative team.

The Dean will advance digital transformation, open scholarship, and research‑data stewardship, while managing the adoption of emerging technologies (AI) and fostering an inclusive, service‑oriented culture.

Requirements

The successful candidate will hold an MLIS from an ALA‑accredited institution with at least 10 years of progressive senior academic leadership experience in research‑focused academic libraries. They will bring a track record in strategic planning, budget stewardship, people management in multi‑unionized environments, and the development of state‑of‑the‑art library spaces and services. The Dean models emotional intelligence and has a demonstrated understanding and commitment to Indigenous engagement, equity, diversity, and inclusion within UNB Libraries and the broader university community.

Application and Contact

To learn more about the University of New Brunswick, please visit :

Royer Thompson will provide accommodations to applicants living with or experiencing disabilities. If you require an accommodation(s) to participate in the application, interviewing or selection process, please contact Edgarson Moxey at

Please submit a combined resume and cover letter online by clicking “Apply.” For further information about this opportunity, please contact Dominique Roche () or Kim West () in confidence.

Employment Equity Statement

UNB is committed to employment equity and fostering diversity within our community and developing an inclusive workplace that reflects the richness of the broader community that we serve. The University welcomes and encourages applications from all qualified individuals who will help us achieve our goals, including women, visible minorities, Aboriginal persons, persons with disabilities, persons of any sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression. Preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.