Chair, Department of Special and Area Studies Collections (SASC)

University of Florida; Gainesville (FL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

The George A. Smathers Libraries at the University of Florida seek applications and nominations for the Department Chair of Special and Area Studies Collections (SASC).

This 12-month tenure-track library faculty position is based in the Smathers Library and offers leadership, strategic vision, and direction for the department. The Chair will guide internationally significant collections, manage spaces, collaborate with campus colleagues, and advocate for preservation, digitization, and access

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Library or Information Science (ALA-accredited) or equivalent
• Eight years of professional experience with leadership
• Experience in planning and budgeting
• Ability to cultivate donor relations
• Strong supervisory, interpersonal and written communication skills
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively
• Potential to meet tenure and promotion requirements

Responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Dean of University Libraries and Associate Dean to devise strategies for education, research and outreach
• Define needs, set priorities, develop policies and budgets for services and collections
• Seek financial support for the department’s collections and operations
• Oversee and coordinate the work of the units comprising the department of approximately 30 faculty and staff
• Coordinate with collection managers and communicate with Libraries’ Administration
• Oversee public-facing events that showcase curricular and scholarly use of the University of Florida’s Special and Area Studies Collections
• Foster a collaborative work environment across departments and campus
• Participate in governance through Joint Chairs, Branch Chairs and university committees
• Represent Special and Area Studies and the Libraries at state and national levels
• Pursue professional development goals including publication and leadership in professional organizations

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Collaboration

Donor relations

Supervision

Independent work

Education

MLS or related

Job description

The George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida, seeks applications and nominations for the position of Department Chair for Special and Area Studies Collections. The successful candidate will be accomplished and forward-thinking, and enthusiastic about leading special and area studies in a new era for the UF libraries. Reporting to the Associate Dean, this position is a key member of the library team, heading a department comprising some of the libraries' most distinctive and internationally significant collections. The Chair of the Department of Special and Area Studies Collections (SASC) is a year-round (12 month) tenure track library faculty position, based in the historic Smathers Library. This position will provide leadership, strategic vision and direction for the department to expand collections and usage, increase available resources, manage spaces, advocate for facility improvements, and strengthen the department's capacity to preserve and provide access to its collections. The Chair works collaboratively with departmental colleagues to assess strengths and weaknesses in the fourteen collections, determine priorities, establish policies, and develop departmental service plans that enhance and support the academic mission of the University. The Chair of the Department of Special and Area Studies Collections (SASC) will pursue professional development opportunities, including research, publication, and professional service activities to meet library-wide criteria for tenure and promotion. For a candidate ready to assume a major leadership role, this position offers the opportunity to guide internationally significant collections while advancing research, teaching, public engagement, and the long-term stewardship of cultural heritage. The libraries seek candidates who demonstrate curiosity, dedication, and a collaborative spirit in working with the campus community to foster engagement with special and area studies collections.

RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Collaborates with the Dean of University Libraries and the Associate Dean to devise and implement strategies to achieve goals relating to the education, research, and outreach mission of the department.
2. Works with departmental faculty and staff to define needs, set priorities, develop policies, and establish goals, objectives, strategic plans, and budgets to ensure effective management and development of services and collections.
3. Partners with the Dean of University Libraries, the Associate Dean and the Director of Advancement, to seek financial support for the department’s collections and operations.
4. Oversees and coordinates the work of the units comprising the department of approximately 30 faculty and staff.
5. Coordinates with collection managers and communicates work to the Libraries’ Administration.
6. With department faculty and staff, oversees public facing events that showcase and enhance the curricular and scholarly use of the University of Florida’s Special and Area Studies Collections within the academic and research communities.
7. Fosters a collaborative work environment, encouraging personnel to work within and across departments in the University Libraries and other units across campus to support the goals and initiatives of the Libraries’ strategic plan.
8. Participates actively in the cooperative management of the Libraries through service on the Joint Chairs group, Branch Chairs, and other library consultative bodies. Participates in University of Florida committees as appropriate.
9. Represents Special and Area Studies and the George A. Smathers Libraries at the state and national levels, advancing awareness of the Libraries' collections, services, expertise, and public mission.
10. Pursues professional development goals, including publication and leadership in appropriate professional organizations on the state, regional and national levels to meet the requirements for tenure.

QUALIFICATIONS

We value a range of experiences and perspectives. Applicants are encouraged to communicate in their application materials and subsequent interview conversations about how their work and other experiences satisfy the following qualifications.

Required:

1. Master’s degree in Library or Information Science from an ALA-accredited (or foreign equivalent) program, or other relevant advanced degree in subject specialty.
2. Eight years of relevant professional experience, including a record of progressive scholarly accomplishment. At least three years of leadership and supervisory responsibility in a research library, with demonstrated experience leading change and fostering professional development and growth.
3. Experience in effective planning and budgeting.
4. Ability to cultivate and maintain effective relations with donors.
5. Effective supervisory skills, with demonstrated ability to listen, mentor and lead.
6. Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
7. Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively withfaculty, students, administrators and the public.
8. Strong potential to meet the requirements for tenure and promotion outlined in Libraries’ Faculty by-laws.

Preferred:

1. Additional advanced degree in a relevant field.
2. Successful track record in project development and management.
3. Experience with change management and strategic planning.
4. Successful grant writing experience.
5. Experience managing endowments and donor relations.
6. Knowledge of and interest in preservation practices for cultural heritage collections.
7. Demonstrated knowledge of digitization practices related to special collections and area studies.
8. Record of including individuals of diverse backgrounds, experiences, races, ethnicities, genders, and perspectives inresearch, teaching, service and other work.

Application Process

To apply, submit

• a cover letter detailing your interest in, and qualifications for this position
• your current resume or CV
• a list of three references including their contact information (telephone number and email address)
• a written statement regarding “Detail your approach to managing special and area studies collections in a rapidly changing academic environment.” We ask candidates to limit their reply to 350 words.

Apply by 11:55 pm (EST) on the application close date (review of applicants will begin on December 14, 2026). Submit all application materials through the Jobs at UF online application system at Job Number: 541874.