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 dedicated team of user-focused
professional librarians and staff across Research & Engagement,
Content & Digital Library Systems, and Special Collections and
Archives and provides strategic direction and operational
stewardship to ensure that Schaffer Library fully advances Union
College’s educational and scholarly mission in service of our
students. The ideal candidate will combine a deep appreciation for
the liberal arts tradition with the ability to collaboratively
develop a forward-looking vision for how technology, data, and
emerging generative AI tools can enhance undergraduate teaching,
interdisciplinary research, and student learning.
College Librarian and Director of Schaffer Library
Pay Status and Classification: Exempt, Regular, Full-time.
This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
Work Location: This position is not eligible for a hybrid
schedule. This position is eligible for relocation
assistance.
Supervisor: Vice President of Academic Affairs & Dean of
the Faculty
Position Purpose:
Founded in 1795 as the first chartered college in New York State,
Union College is a highly selective, independent liberal arts
college committed to integrating arts, humanities, social sciences,
science, and engineering. Schaffer Library sits at the heart of
campus, providing crucial teaching and research support, a vibrant
learning commons, and a core collection enhanced by Special
Collections & Archives, a Permanent Collection of works of art,
and the Adirondack Research Library.
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 dedicated team of user-focused
professional librarians and staff across Research & Engagement,
Content & Digital Library Systems, and Special Collections and
Archives and provides strategic direction and operational
stewardship to ensure that Schaffer Library fully advances Union
College’s educational and scholarly mission in service of our
students. The ideal candidate will combine a deep appreciation for
the liberal arts tradition with the ability to collaboratively
develop a forward-looking vision for how technology, data, and
emerging generative AI tools can enhance undergraduate teaching,
interdisciplinary research, and student learning.
Essential Responsibilities and Duties
- 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 across small liberal arts college
environments with regard to the ways in which libraries can enhance
the student experience.
Formulate, implement, and oversee the library budget. Leverage
consortial and other opportunities to shepherd resources optimally,
including identification of external funding opportunities.
Recruit, supervise, mentor, and evaluate direct reports.
Promote the professional growth of library faculty and oversee
promotion applications, professional development leaves and other
library personnel issues. Cultivate a user-focused, collaborative
work environment across all library employees and promote
diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in hiring, staffing,
and public-facing services.
Monitor curricular changes to ensure robust library support for
academic programs.
Oversee core library functions to help meet the teaching and
research needs of students and faculty and records management needs
of the college.
Direct physical space planning to meet student needs and the
preservation of library collections.
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.
- Familiarity with or proficiency in core academic library
applications, systems, and technical platforms.
- Working knowledge of legal regulations and policies relevant to
academic and research libraries, including copyright.
- Demonstrated commitment to fostering an inclusive, equitable
working and learning community and promoting a sense of belonging
across students, faculty, and staff.
Compensation:
The annual salary range for this position is $170,000 to
$177,000. Except for roles with a set rate of pay, the
wage/salary of the finalist selected for this role will be set
based on a variety of factors, including but not limited to
departmental budgets, qualifications, experience, education,
licenses, specialty, and training. The stated hiring rate/range
represents the College’s good faith and reasonable estimate of the
rate/range of possible compensation at the time of posting.
Location: Schenectady, NY
We know some job seekers may not apply for career opportunities
unless they meet every qualification in the position description
including the preferred qualifications. We are most interested in
hiring the best staff and faculty colleagues, and recognize that a
successful candidate may come from a less traditional career path.
We encourage you to apply, even if you don’t believe you meet every
one of our preferred qualifications.
We offer exceptional benefits including:
- Generous Vacation, Sick, and Personal Time
- Winter Recess Break in Addition to Paid Holidays (in accordance
with policy)
- Healthcare: Medical (PPO & HDHP), Dental, and Vision
Insurance (Flexible Spending and Dependent Care Accounts)
- Free On-Campus Fitness Facility Access and Discounts for
On-Campus Wellness Programs
- Pre and Post Tax participation in a 403(b) Retirement Plan
- Salary Continuation Program in the event of Disability
- Tuition Exchange
Background Checks: In accordance with our
background check policy , finalists for hire will undergo a
background check that includes education, employment, and criminal
convictions.
E-Verify Participation: Union College participates in
E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9
information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the
United States. Learn more about
E-Verify and your
Right to Work (Derecho a Trabajar) .