"Associate Dean for Collections and Content Strategy"

Job Details

Florida International University is a Top 50, preeminent public research university with 55,000 students from all 50 states and more than 140 countries, as well as an alumni network of more than 340,000. Located in the global city of Miami, the university offers more than 200 degree programs at the undergraduate, graduate and professional levels, including medicine and law. FIU faculty are leaders in their fields and include National Academy members, Fulbright Scholars and MacArthur Genius Fellows. A Carnegie R1 institution, FIU drives impactful research in environmental resilience, health and technology and innovation. Home to the Wall of Wind and Institute of Environment, FIU stands at the forefront of discovery and innovation. With a focus on student success, economic mobility and community engagement, FIU is redefining what it means to be a public research university.

Associate Dean for Collections and Content Strategy

The Associate Dean for Collections and Content Strategy will oversee the library’s technical services, collections, cataloging, integrated library systems (ILS), and access services. This leadership role is responsible for ensuring the efficient, strategic, and forward-thinking management of all "behind-the-scenes" functions that support the library’s collections, content, and infrastructure. The Associate Dean will play a crucial part in shaping the library’s transition to support the university’s goal of becoming a top 30 institution by 2030, ensuring that the library’s collections and content strategies align with institutional priorities and the evolving needs of the academic community.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in technical services and collections management in an academic library setting, coupled with proven leadership in supervising teams. While a Master’s in Library Science (MLS/MLIS) is required, an MBA is preferred to support the management and strategic oversight of large-scale content and system operations. This is an open rank librarian position with administrative responsibilities as Associate Dean.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership & Management:

• Provide strategic oversight and leadership to managers in technical services, cataloging, ILS, and access services.
• Ensure the smooth operation of all technical and back-end library functions that support access to collections and resources for the academic community.
• Promote a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement within the teams responsible for collection development and management.

Collection Development & Content Strategy:

• Develop and implement a long-term collection and content strategy that supports the university’s research, teaching, and learning needs, as well as the goal of becoming a top 30 university by 2030.
• Oversee acquisitions, licensing, and management of library materials in all formats, ensuring efficient workflows and cost-effective practices.

Technology & Systems Management:

• Oversee the library’s integrated library system (ILS) and other key systems that manage library resources and user access.
• Collaborate with the library systems team to implement new technologies and platforms that improve service delivery and the user experience.
• Ensure the library’s technology infrastructure is robust, secure, and adaptable to future needs.

Operational Efficiency & Innovation:

• Drive the continuous improvement of technical services workflows, from acquisitions to cataloging to circulation, ensuring efficiency and best practices in library operations.
• Champion new models of content acquisition, licensing, and delivery that align with evolving academic trends and user needs.

Cross-Institutional Collaboration:

• Collaborate with other associate deans and university leaders to ensure cohesive strategies across library services, collections, and systems.
• Engage in partnerships with external libraries, consortia, and vendors to enhance the library’s content strategy and expand resource sharing opportunities.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Library Science (MLS/MLIS) from an ALA-accredited program or equivalent.
• Extensive experience in technical services, collections management, and/or ILS, with progressive leadership responsibilities.
• Strong track record of managing teams and supervising functional areas in a complex academic or research library setting.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing collection strategies, including managing acquisitions, licensing, and digital collections.
• Familiarity with integrated library systems (ILS) and emerging technologies in libraries.
• Exceptional organizational, communication, and leadership skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master of Business Administration (MBA) or equivalent management experience.
• Experience in strategic planning, budget management, and resource allocation in a library setting.
• Knowledge of current trends in scholarly publishing, open access, and content delivery models.

Why Join Us:

This is an exceptional opportunity to lead the critical behind-the-scenes operations that ensure the success of a world-class R1 academic library system. As the Associate Dean for Collection and Content Strategy, you will help shape the future of the library’s collections and infrastructure, ensuring they support the university’s ambitious goal of becoming a top 30 institution by 2030.

Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply to Job Opening ID 536600 at careers.fiu.edu and attach a cover letter and curriculum vitae. Candidates will be requested to provide names and contact information for at least 3 references who will be contacted as determined by the search committee. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

FIU is a State University System of Florida member, Equal Opportunity, Equal Access, and Affirmative Action Employer for individuals with disabilities and veterans. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. For inquiries regarding nondiscrimination, contact FIU's Office of Civil Rights Compliance and Accessibility at 305.348.2785 or email ocrca@fiu.edu.