Assistant Dean, Wayne State University Libraries

Reporting to the Dean and serving as a core member of the senior leadership team theADplays a vital role in shaping how thelibrariesadvance the universitys mission of research teaching and community engagement. TheADleads a broad and dynamic portfolio that includesresearch support teaching and learning user services assessment and collection strategy all designed to position WSUstudents andresearchers for success in an evolving information landscape.

TheADwill have direct responsibility forseveraldepartmentswithin thecentral campus librariesincluding:subject librarians access services and collection development and ADwill also be expected towork collaboratively with faculty students staff and external partners to ensure that the WSU Libraries serve as both knowledge hub and innovationpartnerwithin the academic community.

Key Responsibilities:

Collaborate with the Dean and senior leadership to set organizational direction align priorities with university goals and drive strategic initiatives.

Serve as a member of theLibrarysleadership team contributing to long-term planning resource allocation budgeting and decision-making.

Lead and support strategic planning assessment and continuous improvement efforts across areas of responsibility.

Serve as the Deans representative tocontractually-mandatedcommittees and other key university governance bodies.

Guide and support library programs that enhance student success through information literacy instructional design and curriculum integration.

Collaborate with academic departments theOfficeforTeaching and Learning and other campus partners to embed libraryexpertiseinto pedagogical development.

Provide vision and oversight for services and infrastructure that advance faculty research.

Oversee the delivery of excellentandequitableuser experiences across physical and virtual service points ensuring 24/7 access to essential resources and support.

Represent the Libraries in university-wide initiatives and serve on key campus committees.

Build strategic partnerships with peer institutions and contribute to profession-wide initiatives.

Minimum offiveyears of progressive leadership and management experience in an academic or research library including at least three years of supervisory responsibility for multiple staff members.

Demonstrated experiencedeveloping programs and services in support ofteaching learning and research.

Proventrack recordof budget management and resource allocation in complex organizational environments.

Experience with strategic planning assessment methodologies and data-driven decision making.

Record of fostering collaboration innovation and inclusive practices across diverse teams and constituencies.

Exceptional communication interpersonal and change leadership skills.

Demonstrated ability to build effective partnerships within and beyond the library including with faculty administrators and external organizations.

About Wayne State University and the Libraries:

Wayne State University is Michigans premier public urban research university classified as R1 (Doctoral Universities Very high research activity) by the Carnegie Foundation. Located in Detroits dynamic Midtown district WSU serves over 24000 students across 13 schools and colleges with particular strengths in medicine engineering business social work and the liberal arts and sciences.

The WSU Libraries system includes the David Adamany Undergraduate Library the Purdy/Kresge Library specialized libraries in Medicine and Law and the Walter P. Reuther Library Archives of Labor and Urban Affairs. Our collections span over 3.5 million volumes 283000 journal subscriptions and extensive digital resources. The Libraries employ approximately 106 FTE staff and maintain a collections budget exceeding $8 million annually. Recent achievements include the development of a new strategic plan co-sponsorship of Wayne States Humanities Action day and the launch of research data services.

Compensation:

A competitive compensation package commensurate with qualifications experience education and demonstrated leadership capabilities.

Benefits:

Eligible full-time employees receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

Health and Wellness:

Extended health dental and vision coverage

Prescription drug coverage

Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP)

Mental health and wellness resources

Life and accidental death and dismemberment insurance

Long-term disability coverage

Retirement and Financial Benefits:

Pension plan participation or retirement savings program

Employer contributions in accordance with plan provisions

Optional supplemental retirement savings opportunities

Paid Time Off:

Vacation entitlement

Statutory holidays

Sick leave benefits

Personal and family responsibility leave

Administrative leave where applicable

Professional Development

Funding for conferences workshops and professional memberships

Leadership development opportunities

Continuing education and training support

Tuition assistance or educational benefits where available

Work-Life Balance:

Flexible work arrangements subject to operational requirements

Hybrid work opportunities where appropriate

Wellness initiatives and employee engagement programs

Additional Benefits:

Access to campus facilities and services

Employee discounts and institutional perks

Parking or transit programs where applicable

Relocation assistance where approved

Application Instructions:

To be considered for this position applicants must submit a complete application package through the Wayne State Universitys online system at position requisition # 3401and include the following:

Curriculum Vitae (CV) a compelling cover letter and an up-to-date resume. Additionally candidates must provide contact information for at least three (3) professional and/or academic references who are not affiliated with Wayne State University.

Additional Information:

Full leadership profile can be found here:

Review of candidate materials will begin immediately and for best consideration please express your interest no later than June 30 2026. All inquiries and discussions will be considered strictly confidential