Strategic Library Leader—Director, Schaffer Library

Union College (NY); City of Schenectady (NY); On-site; USD 170,000 - 177,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation & personal time

Winter recess break

Health insurance

Campus gym access

403(b) retirement plan

Salary continuation for disability

Tuition exchange

Job summary

Union College seeks an innovative and collaborative leader to serve as the College Librarian and Director of Schaffer Library, reporting to the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the Faculty. The Director leads a team across Research & Engagement, Content & Digital Library Systems, and Special Collections and Archives to advance the college’s educational and scholarly mission for students.

The ideal candidate blends a liberal arts ethos with strategic vision for technology, data,

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Library and Information Science from an ALA-accredited program.
• 5–7 years of progressive administrative and leadership experience in an academic library setting.
• Demonstrated record of success in budget management and personnel development.
• Proven leadership in supervising and supporting staff within a diverse, multicultural environment.
• Excellent written, oral, interpersonal, analytical, and collaborative problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrated track record of innovation, including the integration of emerging library technologies, e-resources, digital curation, and scholarly publishing.
• Ability to guide the College's integration of generative AI into its operations consistent with our values and goals.

Responsibilities

• Define, articulate, and advocate for a compelling vision for Schaffer Library aligned with Union's next strategic plan.
• Lead long-range planning and operational strategies, staying abreast of trends and innovations.
• Formulate, implement, and oversee the library budget and identify external funding opportunities.
• Recruit, supervise, mentor, and evaluate direct reports; promote professional growth and inclusive hiring.
• Monitor curricular changes to ensure robust library support for academic programs.
• Oversee core library functions to meet teaching and research needs and records management.
• Direct space planning and preservation of library collections.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Staff development

Collaboration

Diversity & inclusion

Generative AI in libraries

Communication

Analytical

Education

MLIS or equivalent

Tools

Library systems

Digital curation

Copyright policies

Job description

Union College seeks an innovative and collaborative leader to serve as the College Librarian and Director of Schaffer Library, reporting to the Vice President for Academic Affairs and Dean of the Faculty. The Director leads a team across Research & Engagement, Content & Digital Library Systems, and Special Collections and Archives to advance the college’s educational and scholarly mission for students.

The ideal candidate blends a liberal arts ethos with strategic vision for technology, data,