Dean of University Libraries

University of North Carolina; Greensboro (NC); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The Dean of University Libraries at UNC Greensboro leads the libraries in supporting learning, student success, and research within an innovative environment. The Dean reports to the Provost, oversees the Main Library and Harold Schiffman Music Library, and guides staff and resources to align with UNC Greensboro priorities and post-renovation needs.

With seven direct reports and a 60+ staff unit, the Dean fosters collaboration, oversees budgeting and personnel management, and champions inclusive

Qualifications

• ALA-accredited MLS/MLIS or equivalent.
• Ten years of progressively responsible administrative leadership experience.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Experience with staffing development and current trends in academic libraries.
• Experience with strategic planning and budget management.
• Experience with personnel management and supervision.

Responsibilities

• Lead the University Libraries to promote learning, student success, and research.
• Oversee administration of the Main Library and Harold Schiffman Music Library.
• Direct reports and a staff of over 60; align services with UNCG priorities.
• Foster collaboration and open governance, and lead fundraising initiatives.

Skills

ALA-accredited MLS/MLIS

leadership experience

strategic planning

communication skills

team leadership

Education

ALA-accredited MLS/MLIS

Job description

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

UNC Greensboro has retained the UNC System Office executive search team to support this recruitment.

Confidential inquiries and nominations may be directed to the Executive Search team at [e-mail].

Position Information

Position Number

003124

Functional Title

Dean of University Libraries

Position Type

Administration - Faculty

Position Eclass

E1 - SAAO I 12 Mo Leave Earning

University Information

Located in North Carolina’s third-largest city, the University of North Carolina at Greensboro ( UNCG ) is a diverse, learner-centered public research university serving more than 19,000 students and employing approximately 2,500 faculty and staff across eight colleges and schools. Founded in 1891 as one of the original three UNC System institutions, UNCG offers a broad academic portfolio and is nationally recognized for its commitment to academic excellence, access, and affordability.

Recognized by the Carnegie Foundation for both high research activity and community engagement, UNCG is ranked No. 1 in North Carolina for affordability by The New York Times and social mobility by The Wall Street Journal. Designated an Innovation and Economic Prosperity University, UNCG supports more than $77.4 million in research and creative activity and contributes over $1 billion annually to the Piedmont Triad economy.

Primary Purpose of the Organizational Unit

The University Libraries are the crossroads of knowledge at UNCG — at the center of teaching, learning, and research. University Libraries faculty and staff support the UNC Greensboro community by promoting learning, student success, creativity, research, and collaboration in a diverse and innovative environment. The University Libraries’ collections span print, electronic, and streaming formats, including more than one million printed books, three million eBooks, 125,000 eJournals, and approximately 300,000 streaming films and audio files. The libraries recorded 7.6 million uses of print and electronic materials and welcomed more than 200,000 in-person visitors last year. The Library Catalog brings together holdings from the Main Library, Harold Schiffman Music Library, and Teaching Resources Center, along with access to Special Collections, Rare Books, and University Archives. The Main Library is currently undergoing a $98 million renovation funded through a state capital allocation, with completion anticipated in 2028. This transformation presents an opportunity for collaborative strategic planning to shape post-renovation services and resources. As of 2026, naming opportunities have also been established to support fundraising for specific post-renovation needs.

Position Summary

The Dean of University Libraries leads the libraries in their mission to promote learning and student retention, inspire creativity, and enhance research and collaboration in an innovative environment. Guided by a strategic vision, the Dean promotes the libraries within the University and larger community. The Dean of University Libraries is the chief administrator for the Main Library and the Harold Schiffman Music Library. The University Libraries’ catalog also includes the holdings of the Teaching Resources Center.

The Dean of University Libraries reports directly to the Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor and is responsible for the successful administration of the libraries in accordance with all policies and procedures of UNCG and the UNC System Office. The Dean has seven direct reports, oversees an organizational unit of over 60 staff members, and serves on the Provost’s Council.

Minimum Qualifications

• The successful candidate must hold an ALA -accredited MLS or MLIS degree, or equivalent, and have at least ten years of progressively responsible administrative leadership experience
• Record of librarianship, scholarship, and service consistent with the requirements for tenure at the UNCG University Libraries
• Demonstrated leadership experience that includes development of staffing and current trends for academic libraries
• Experience with strategic planning with an understanding of best practices and innovations in libraries
• Experience with managing complex budgets
• Experience with personnel management, supervision, and support
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Strong listening skills, a commitment to shared governance, and an entrepreneurial spirit

Additional Required Certifications, Licensures, and Certificates

Preferred Qualifications

• At least three years of increasingly responsible administrative experience in an academic library
• Experience with academic library budgets
• Demonstrated success in fundraising
• Demonstrated commitment to collaborative and transparent decision-making
• Demonstrated commitment to manage competing priorities and interests
• Understanding of current and emerging innovations in academic libraries

Recruitment Range

Commensurate with experience

Org #-Department

University Libraries - 11601

Job Open Date

11/09/2026

For Best Consideration Date

01/10/2027

Job Close Date

Open Until Filled Yes

FTE

1.000

Type of Appointment

Permanent

Number of Months per Year

12

FLSA

Exempt

Key Responsibilities

Percentage Of Time 80%

Key Responsibility Leadership of University Libraries

The Dean facilitates the strategic planning of the University Libraries in alignment with UNCG priorities; ensures the University Libraries is an innovative and supportive information and learning hub for the campus by providing quality information services, technology, resources and learning environments; creates an environment that facilitates research and creative activity through innovative and traditional methods of information dissemination; fosters student success through accessible collections and technology and human resources to provide faculty and students instructional technology, literacy and overall support; supports EDI programming, human resource practices, workplace climate, and collections; enhances community connections. The Dean of Libraries should lead open pedagogy through OER resources and training, assess and measure library’s effectiveness in their contributions to student success and faculty research/creative activity.

Percentage Of Time 10%

Key Responsibility Participate, lead, and engage in the renovation of the Jackson University Library

Participate as a key member of the design oversight committee, communicate, facilitate opportunities for feedback, and engage regularly with faculty and staff throughout the design process.

Percentage Of Time 10%

Key Responsibility Academic Performance Management.

The Dean of Libraries must mentor, support and evaluate staff and faculty to their highest potential, foster an institutional understanding with a commitment to community engagement and student success. This position has seven direct reports and will provide mentoring, support, and evaluation of staff members.

ADA Checklist

R for Rare (0-30%), O for Occasional (30-60%), F for Frequent (60-90%), C for Constant (90-100%).

Physical Effort Reading - F, Writing - F, Eye-hand coordination - O, Vision-Color Distinction - O, Vision-Preparing/Analyzing figures - O, Vision-Visual inspection - O, Hearing - F, Talking - F, Standing - F, Sitting - F, Lifting-0-30 lbs. - O, Climbing-Stairs - O

Required Documents

• Resume/CV
• Cover Letter

Optional Documents

• List of References

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).