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The LPC maintains a list of jobs that incorporate library publishing roles. To be included in this list, the position must be located administratively in a library, or report directly to a library-based supervisor. The primary function(s) of the position must directly engage in the creation, dissemination, and/or curation of scholarly, creative, and/or educational works. Administrative positions that do not directly engage in these functions may be included if they include supervisory responsibility primarily for employees who are performing these functions.

June 14, 2018

Associate Dean of Libraries–Digital Strategy

  • Simon Fraser University
  • Burnaby, BC
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Simon Fraser University Library invites applications for an Associate Dean of Libraries (ADL), Digital Strategy. We are seeking an exceptional library leader who understands the evolving role of the research library in the age of digital scholarship and who can convey a strategic vision.This exempt position includes responsibility for the Library’s digital infrastructure and tools, digitization program, digital asset management, digital preservation, the library’s web presence, digital publishing, research data management, and liaison with campus IT, as well as other campus partners and external collaborators.The successful candidate will be end-user focused, technically sophisticated, an excellent planner, and able to lead and motivate an outstanding team including 7 direct reports and 24 FTE staff in total. As one of four Associate Deans, the ADL will also be a key member of the Library’s senior leadership team.

The position will be attractive to a leader with a strong customer service and technical background as well as excellent communication and collaborative skills. The successful candidate will have an unwavering user-centered focus and a demonstrated ability to advance the library’s core values of diversity, openness and creativity.The ADL will build on our existing strong base of digitization, preservation, and digital publishing activities to create a unified and cohesive strategy for digital initiatives at SFU Library.They will represent the SFU Library in regional, national and international collaborations, often taking a significant leadership role in developing and implementing new initiatives.

The ADL will provide oversight for the Library’s Systems group, and for our web presence via the eBranch, with a strong focus on usability.They will liaise with the Public Knowledge Project, and facilitate the continuation of a strong relationship between PKP and SFU Library.They will oversee the library’s computer operations group to ensure in-person library users and staff are well resourced with hardware and software.They will also work closely with colleagues in the Research Commons on research data management, and with the Digital Humanities Innovation Lab, as well as partners in campus and external projects such as Compute Canada.

SETTING

Ranked by respected national surveys as one of Canada’s top three comprehensive universities for the past 20 years, SFU is the first Canadian research university to have earned U.S. accreditation from NWCCU. Simon Fraser University is consistently named one of British Columbia’s top employers, one of Canada’s Top 100 employers, and one of Canada’s top family-friendly employers.SFU offers more than 100 undergraduate major and joint major programs and more than 45 graduate offerings, spanning many disciplines in eight faculties, and has an international reputation for its innovative interdisciplinary and professional programs. The university has three campuses on the unceded traditional territory of the Coast Salish people; the main WAC Bennett Library is in Burnaby, with branches in Vancouver and Surrey. Since 2017, SFU has been host to CEDAR, the largest academic supercomputer in Canada.

The SFU Library is known for the development and implementation of innovative technology, as an international leader in Open Access, and for excellent in-person and online user services.Our 2017 – 2021 Strategic Plan guides our priorities during this five-year period.The Library’s technology environment includes extensive use of open platforms and tools such as Islandora, Archivematica, LOCKSS, AtoM, Open Journal Systems, Open Monograph Press, and Drupal to support many local online services and collections (institutional repository, research data repository, theses submission, etc.).The Library migrated to Alma/Primo as the primary discovery and resource management platform in May 2017.We work closely with other campus platforms including the Canvas learning management system and various SFU administrative systems. We serve an ethnically diverse student population, most of whom live off-campus and work part-time while attending university. SFU Library collaborates broadly with other institutions through membership in the Canadian Association of Research Libraries, the Association of Research Libraries, and regional consortia.For more information, see our web site at www.lib.sfu.ca

ASSIGNMENT

  • Develop a vision for Digital Strategy that integrates with the Library’s overall planning framework, and with our commitment to openness
  • Provide leadership and expertise for planning, development, coordination, and assessment of the library’s digital infrastructure and technology services
  • Ensure the library’s digital assets and tools meet the needs of faculty and students
  • Participate in library-wide leadership, strategic planning, and policy creation with the Dean, Associate Deans of the Library, and Division Heads
  • Lead strategic and operational Library-wide initiatives and chair Library-wide committees
  • Lead, inspire, and manage SFU Library employees in a wide range of settings, including focusing and prioritizing work; actively cultivate an environment of collegiality, respect, and teamwork
  • Represent the Library on University initiatives and committees related to information technology and digital initiatives
  • Represent the Library and be a leading participant on external committees, consortia, and groups related to library technology and digital initiatives at the provincial, national and international level
  • Act for the Dean of Libraries in her absence

QUALIFICATIONS

  • MLIS or equivalent from an accredited institution
  • 5 years management responsibility, preferably in an academic library
  • Successful track record of planning, implementing, and assessing digital initiatives and technology services
  • Demonstrated ability to
    • secure and manage grant funding
    • lead multi-institutional projects and programs
    • develop and implement effective change strategies
    • adapt to changing environments and multiple deadlines, and to work well under pressure with discretion, tact and good judgement
  • Evidence of excellent analytical and critical thinking, organizational and decision making skills
  • A strategic understanding of trends and issues in higher education, research libraries, and technology developments
  • Ability to work effectively and build consensus in a diverse collegial team environment
  • Demonstrated commitment to diversity
  • Demonstrated commitment to user experience in the broadest sense
  • An established record of scholarship, and service to the profession and the community
  • Superior interpersonal and intercultural skills; excellent written and oral communication skills.

TERMS OF APPOINTMENT

This full-time position will be appointed for a renewable 5-year term, with an underlying librarian position, according to SFU policy A13.08.The successful applicant will be appointed at a salary level commensurate with experience and qualifications.Associate Deans of Libraries are excluded from the SFU Faculty Association.Benefits will be equivalent to those outlined at: www.sfu.ca/human-resources/faculty/benefits/librarians-lab-instructors.html

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and permanent residents will be given priority. Simon Fraser University is committed to employment equity and encourages applications from qualified candidates of all genders, and including Indigenous people, visible minorities and persons with disabilities. We are interested in candidates with a history of advocating for diversity and inclusion. Individuals from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

Under the authority of the University Act, personal information that is required by the University for academic appointment competitions will be collected.For further details see:

http://www.sfu.ca/vpacademic/faculty_openings/Collection_Notice.html

TO APPLY

To be given assured consideration applications must be submitted by email in one consolidated PDF document with cover letter, curriculum vitae and three references by 4pm Pacific on July 16, 2018 to:

Susie Smith
Library Management Office.
W.A.C. Bennett Library
Simon Fraser University
Phone: 778-782-4658
Email: library@sfu.ca

Closes: 16 July, 2018