Princeton University

Deputy Dean of Libraries

Closes: Oct 11, 2026

Salary: $170,000 – $255,000 per year

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Overview

Princeton University Library (PUL) seeks an accomplished, collaborative, and visionary leader to serve as its next Deputy Dean of Libraries. As the Dean's principal strategic partner and advisor, the Deputy Dean plays a pivotal leadership role in shaping the future of one of the world's premier research libraries.

Reporting directly to the Dean of Libraries and Robert H. Taylor 1930 University Librarian, the Deputy Dean provides strategic leadership, operational oversight, and organizational coordination across the Library. The Deputy Dean is responsible for advancing institutional priorities, strengthening organizational effectiveness, and fostering partnerships both within Princeton University and across the broader national and international research library community.

Additionally, the Deputy Dean oversees four key areas: Assessment and User Experience; Content Access, Metadata, and Fulfillment; Physical Projects and Space Planning; and Communications.

The Deputy also serves as Chair of the Library Administration Team (LAT), supporting operational coordination across the Library's senior leadership structure, highlighting synergies, and fostering cross-departmental collaboration and innovation.

Applicants are requested to include a cover letter with their application.

Responsibilities

Strategy and Planing

Synthesize complex and competing priorities into actionable recommendations and decision-making frameworks.
Lead the development, interpretation, and implementation of strategic priorities that support the Library's long-term sustainability and impact.
Represent and advocate for PUL’s perspectives in University-wide planning and decision-making forums.
Identify emerging risks, organizational challenges, and strategic opportunities.
Facilitate cross-functional collaboration and alignment across Library divisions.
Build and sustain productive, collaborative relationships with University leaders, faculty, and external partners.
Sponsor and lead strategic, cross-divisional initiatives.

Operational and People Leadership

Lead and develop approximately 100 staff members through a team of directors and managers in four key departments: Assessment and User Experience; Content Access and Metadata Services; Physical Projects and Space Planning; and Communications.
Lead and ensure effective operational planning and business continuity preparedness.
Foster a culture of collaboration across PUL, strengthening organizational resilience and operational capability across departments.
Develop and promote high-performing, user-centered services that advance the Library's mission.

Decision-Making and Organizational Development

Help ensure that the Library’s governance structures are both efficient and representative of its mission, vision, and staff
Oversee ethical stewardship of Library and patron data.
Lead the Library's accessibility program across physical and digital environments.
Leverage Assessment and User Experience data to inform strategic decision-making based on PUL’s operational needs.
Partner with Library and campus leaders to align the Library's value and impact with needs of faculty and students

External Representation

Build and maintain relationships with peer institutions and professional organizations.
Represent and advance the interests of PUL at regional, national, and international meetings and conferences.
Foster strategic collaborations within organizations such as the Ivy Plus Library Confederation, Association of Research Libraries, Coalition for Networked Information, and related communities.
Participate in university committees and working groups related to operational excellence, accessibility, assessment, and strategic initiatives.

Qualifications

Master's degree in Library and Information Science from an ALA-accredited program or a master's degree in a related field.
Minimum of ten years of progressively responsible leadership experience in an academic or research institution.
Significant experience leading complex operational and service organizations.
Demonstrated success serving as a senior strategic advisor to executive leadership.
Experience navigating complex academic, administrative, and financial environments.
Knowledge of current trends in academic library operations.
Demonstrated commitment to diversity, inclusion, and staff development.
Demonstrated experience with library communications and institutional messaging strategies.
Familiarity with integrated library systems, including Alma or similar platforms.
Experience building collaborative partnerships across organizational boundaries.
Outstanding communication, leadership, analytical, and relationship-management skills.
Experience managing diverse workforces, including unionized and non-unionized employees.
Ability to lead effectively in complex, dynamic environments.

Preferred qualifications

Active participation in professional organizations such as ARL, IPLC, CNI, EDUCAUSE, or similar associations.
Experience serving as a deputy, chief of staff, or senior advisor to a chief executive.
Experience leading major capital projects, renovations, or space planning initiatives.
Experience leading business continuity planning and organizational responses to large-scale disruptions.

Position Details

Standard Weekly Hours: 36.25
Eligible for Overtime: No
Benefits Eligible: Yes
Probationary Period: 180 days
Essential Services Personnel (see policy for detail): No
Physical Capacity Exam Required: No
Valid Drivers License Required: No
Experience Level: Director
Salary Range: $170,000 to $255,000

Apply Here: https://www.click2apply.net/bjl6JXt4QNr8DIja8fe8Ox

Job details

Title: Deputy Dean of Libraries
Employer: Princeton University
Location: Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, USA
Published: Aug 12, 2026
Closes:: Oct 11, 2026
Job type: Full time, Executive
Field: Higher Ed Jobs, Dean (Department / Faculty Heads)
Salary: Salary: $170,000 – $255,000 per year

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About the employer

Princeton University

4.0 Star Employer Ranking

Princeton University provides a diverse array of job and work opportunities, supporting its mission in education, research, and campus operations. These opportunities broadly fall into three main categories: academic and faculty positions, administrative and staff roles, and student employment. Princeton University Jobs - https://hub-princeton.icims.com/jobs/search Academic and Faculty Positions These roles focus on teaching, research, and scholarly activities, often requiring advanced degrees and expertise in specific fields. They include: Faculty roles : Tenure-track professors, assistant professors, associate professors, and full professors across departments like physics, computer science, arts, and more. Lecturers and instructors : Part-time or full-time teaching positions in various academic programs. Professional researchers and postdocs : Postdoctoral fellows and research associates involved in lab-based or theoretical research, such as in quantum science or plasma physics. Professional specialists and librarians : Specialists in areas like data analysis or curatorial roles at the Art Museum, and professional librarians managing collections and services. Recruitment for these positions is typically handled by individual academic departments, programs, the Art Museum, or the University Library. Interested candidates can explore opportunities through the Directory of Academic Units for contact information and apply via the AHIRE online system. https://fed.princeton.edu/cas/login Administrative and Staff Positions These non-academic roles support the university’s operations, infrastructure, and services. They are available on the main campus and at facilities like the Princeton Plasma Physics Laboratory. Key subcategories include: Managerial and professional roles : Supervisors, coaches, accountants, financial services specialists, grants managers, and administrative managers. Technology and IT positions : Software developers, IT support staff, and engineers in information technology. Technical and support roles : Laboratory support, research staff, operating engineers, tradespeople (e.g., electricians, plumbers), building services, groundskeepers, and campus security officers. Specialized featured areas : Health and safety officers, engineering positions (e.g., in facilities or research), campus dining staff (e.g., cooks, servers), and staff research support in various labs. These positions often emphasize skills in operations, safety, or specialized fields and may be open to internal candidates as well. To search and apply, use Princeton’s career portals: the main iCIMS site for managerial and office roles, a service-oriented portal for trades and security, and a research-specific portal for lab support. Featured jobs in areas like dining or IT have dedicated search links on the HR site. Student Employment Opportunities Princeton encourages students to work part-time to gain experience, build skills, and earn money, with options available both on and off campus. These roles are designed to be flexible around academic schedules. On-campus jobs : Service-oriented positions in dining halls (e.g., food service), libraries (e.g., shelving books, assisting patrons), or administrative offices. Research and academically oriented roles include lab assistants, research aides in departments like biology or physics, or project-based work in arts centers. These can be short-term (e.g., one semester) or long-term (spanning multiple years), and some may be remote. Off-campus jobs : Facilitated through the university’s Job Location and Development program, these include tutoring local students, childcare, or professionally oriented roles like internships with nearby organizations. They range from short-term gigs to ongoing positions. Benefits include competitive pay, mentorship from faculty or staff, professional development (e.g., resume-building skills), and fostering community connections. All university-affiliated jobs must be registered and applied for through the JobX Employment Portal, while off-campus employers post via registration with the financial aid office. Overall, Princeton emphasizes equal opportunity and inclusivity in hiring, with many roles offering benefits like professional growth and contributions to a vibrant academic community. For the most current listings, visit the university’s HR careers page or specific departmental sites.

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