Unit Associate Director – TTUHSC Permian Basin Library, Odessa

Code4lib; Odessa (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive health and wellness benefits

Competitive salary

Flexible scheduling

Tuition assistance

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

A prominent health sciences library in Odessa is seeking a dynamic Unit Associate Director. This role emphasizes leadership in a health context, operational excellence, and engagement with rural communities. The ideal candidate will drive innovation and collaboration, empowering health professionals while overseeing library functions. Responsibilities include crafting educational experiences, mentoring staff, ensuring safety and inclusivity, and curating collections aligned with community needs. The position offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and a commitment to health equity.

Qualifications

• 5 years of management experience, or equivalent.
• Experience in health sciences or academic libraries.
• Self-starter with excellent communication skills.
• Self-starter with strong oral and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Champion a values-based culture and ensure a welcoming environment.
• Craft and deliver educational sessions on information literacy and research tools.
• Optimize library operations for maximum engagement.
• Mentor staff for professional growth.
• Ensure safety and inclusivity in library services.
• Scout and spotlight relevant collections.
• Collaborate on community workshops and events.
• Roll out innovative tech and makerspace services.
• Provide insights for strategic evolution.

Skills

Leadership

Oral communication

Written communication

Team management

Operational oversight

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related area

Master's degree from an ALA-accredited program

Job description

Unit Associate Director – TTUHSC Permian Basin Library, Odessa

Ignite Transformative Change in the Heart of West Texas

Are you a visionary library leader passionate about empowering health professionals to pioneer breakthroughs in medicine, nursing, and beyond? At Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center (TTUHSC), we're seeking a dynamic Unit Associate Director to helm our vibrant Permian Basin Library Unit in Odessa. Nestled in the energy-rich Permian Basin, this role isn't just about managing a library—it's about curating a launchpad for evidence-based discoveries, fostering interprofessional collaboration, and bridging cutting‑edge resources with the diverse communities of rural West Texas. Imagine transforming a welcoming study hub into a beacon of innovation, where 3D‑printed medical models spark clinical ingenuity and AI‑driven tools fuel lifelong learning. If you're ready to champion health equity and drive high‑impact outcomes in an underserved region, this is your chance to make an indelible mark.

Why TTUHSC Permian Basin? A Hub of Healing and Horizon‑Pushing Excellence

TTUHSC's Permian Basin campuses in Odessa and Midland are at the forefront of training compassionate, skilled healthcare heroes for rural America. Our mission? To deliver essential primary care and address the unique needs of West Texas through world‑class programs in:

• School of Medicine (SOM): MD and family medicine tracks focused on rural health.
• School of Nursing (SON): BSN program in a bustling urban setting with hands‑on access to diverse patient populations.
• School of Health Professions (SOHP): Including Physician Assistant Studies and Doctor of Physical Therapy, emphasizing primary care and rehabilitation.

Located in downtown Odessa—steps from Medical Center Hospital—our state‑of‑the‑art facilities blend modern classrooms, simulation labs, and the Permian Basin Library into a seamless ecosystem for education, research, and community vitality. We're proud of our 100% first‑time pass rates on national licensure exams and initiatives like Red Bag Tours, which inspire the next generation of healthcare leaders. Here, you'll join a values‑driven culture of integrity, respect, and innovation, where your work directly amplifies health literacy and equity across the Permian Basin's vibrant, resilient communities.

The Permian Basin Library, a cornerstone of our regional depository network since its 2014 opening, spans over 9,000 square feet of collaborative space, including reservable study rooms, a serene meditation area, and cutting‑edge makerspaces. From large‑scale poster printing for conference‑ready scholarly posters to MakerBot 3D printers crafting acetabular cups for orthopedic simulations, our library isn't just a repository—it's a catalyst for creative problem‑solving and outreach. We've hosted dog‑themed wellness events, donation drives, and workshops on genetic resources via MedlinePlus, all while offering free printing credits and extended hours (Mon‑Thu 7:30am‑9:30pm) to keep the momentum going.

Key Functions for Organizational Success

• Champion a Values‑Based Culture (Daily, 100%): Embody TTUHSC's ethos through exemplary attendance, collaboration, and courteous service—setting the tone for a welcoming, inclusive environment.
• Empower Learners with Transformative Instruction (Daily, 20%): Craft and deliver captivating sessions on information literacy, evidence‑based medicine, research data management, and AI tools for SOM, SON, and SOHP courses—equipping students and faculty to excel in clinical practice and pioneering research.
• Optimize Operations and Spaces for Maximum Engagement (Daily, 50%): Partner with our Executive and Managing Directors to evolve the library into a buzzing nexus of study, teamwork, and interprofessional innovation, adapting nimbly to campus pulses.
• Build and Nurture a Stellar Team (Daily, 25%): Mentor staff with goal‑setting, coaching, evaluations, and growth pathways, fostering resilience and creativity that supercharge service excellence.
• Ensure Safety, Compliance, and Inclusivity (Daily, 5%): Safeguard a secure, accessible space that celebrates diversity, free from incidents and rich in equity for every health sciences trailblazer.
• Curate Forward‑Thinking Collections (Weekly): Scout and spotlight digital/print treasures aligned with regional health priorities—prioritizing open access and data analytics to boost ROI and scholarly firepower.
• Amplify Outreach and Partnerships (Monthly): Collaborate with our Assessment and Outreach Committee on community workshops, exhibits, and events that extend TTUHSC's reach, enhance health literacy, and forge enduring ties with Permian Basin stakeholders.
• Pioneer Tech and Makerspace Magic (Monthly): Team up with the Methodology Lab to roll out accessible 3D scanning, printing, and AI services, positioning our library as a trailblazer in health innovation.
• Guide Strategic Evolution (Weekly): Provide data‑driven insights to leadership on operations, hurdles, and horizons, driving system‑wide improvements in library relevance and impact.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related area plus five years of progressively responsible management experience OR a combination of education and/or years of progressively responsible management experience to equal a minimum of 9 years. Master's degree from an ALA‑accredited library or information science program.
• At least five (5) years of experience in library management, including two (2) years in a health sciences or academic library setting with demonstrated leadership in operational oversight, staff supervision, and service development.
• Self‑starter who thrives without on‑site oversight, with stellar oral/written communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Academy of Health Information Professionals (AHIP) certification from the Medical Library Association.
• Deep dives into health library trends: evidence‑based services, research data mgmt, open access.
• Tech‑savvy in AI research tools, data visualization, virtual collaboration, and digital preservation.
• Talent for needs assessment and agile adaptation to biomedical, informatics, and pedagogy shifts.
• Project prowess in launching services, partnerships, and outreach that spark engagement.

What We Offer

• Comprehensive Health & Wellness: Medical, dental, vision, life, and long‑term disability insurance; counseling services; and wellness programs to keep you at your peak.
• Financial Security: Competitive salary, retirement plans with employer contributions, and unemployment/workers' comp coverage.
• Generous Time Away: Paid sick, personal, and vacation leave to recharge and pursue passions.
• Growth Galore: Tuition assistance/waiver for you and dependents; Learning Incentive Program; HR training; and professional development tailored for library innovators.
• Work‑Life Harmony: Flexible scheduling in a supportive, rural‑urban blend—plus the Permian Basin's sunny vibes, outdoor adventures, and tight‑knit community charm.

How to Apply

Submit your resume, cover letter, and references via the TTUHSC Careers portal atttuhsc.edu/careers (search "Unit Associate Director Odessa"). Questions? [e-mail] . We encourage diverse applicants and are an equal opportunity employer.