Dean of University Libraries

Job Summary

The University of Mississippi invites nominations and applications for the position of Dean of University Libraries. Reporting to the Provost, the Dean serves as the chief academic and administrative officer for the Libraries, providing strategic vision, leadership, and advocacy in support of the University’s research, teaching, and service mission.

This is a rare opportunity to lead a nimble, growing R1 library with strong institutional support and significant opportunity for impact. The next Dean will help shape not only the future of the Libraries, but also the trajectory of research, teaching, and learning across campus. The University of Mississippi is a Carnegie R1 institution with enrollment exceeding 24,000 students.

The University Libraries, including the J.D. Williams Library, Science Library, and Archives and Special Collections, play a central role in advancing research, student success, and academic excellence.

Job Description

• Lead strategic planning, budgeting, and organizational development
• Advocate for resources and enhance the Libraries’ role in research and academic success
• Provide visionary leadership for the future of the University Libraries within a rapidly evolving higher education and research environment
• Lead and support strategic growth in research services, digital scholarship, archives, collections, and student-centered library initiatives
• Foster a collaborative and ethical culture grounded in transparent communication, professional integrity, accountability, and shared governance
• Develop and strengthen relationships with faculty, university leadership, alumni, donors, Friends of the Library, and external partners
• Support fundraising, development efforts, grant opportunities, and external partnerships that advance the mission of the Libraries
• Ensure the Libraries remain responsive to evolving research, teaching, and learning needs while maintaining excellence in collections stewardship and access

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• MLS/MLIS from an ALA-accredited program (or equivalent)
• Significant leadership experience in an academic research library

Preferred Qualifications

• Additional advanced degree
• Experience at an R1 or R2 institution
• Demonstrated success in strategic leadership, organizational management, budgeting, and leading organizational change within an academic or research library environment
• Ability to articulate and implement a collaborative vision for the future of academic Libraries, including innovation in research support, digital services, and emerging technologies
• Proven success in fundraising, donor engagement, and external partnership development in support of library or institutional priorities