Director, University Libraries

The University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota, is excited to begin the search for our next Director of University Libraries. At the University of St. Thomas, we work in an environment where individuals can make a difference with an exceptional libraries team of more than 25 professionals working across three libraries: our main library on the St. Paul campus, a library for our seminary, and another for our Minneapolis campus. We also partner closely with our law library.

Established in 1885, the University of St. Thomas is a dynamic, mission-driven, urban university. Its 9,000 students pursue degrees in a wide range of liberal arts, professional, and graduate programs. The University of St. Thomas embraces belonging and equal opportunity for all. Our convictions of dignity, diversity and personal attention call us to embody and champion an inclusive environment.  The University is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer (EEO).  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, status as a protected veteran, or other protected characteristic.  This commitment to inclusion and equal opportunity is consistent with our mission: Inspired by Catholic intellectual tradition, the University of St. Thomas educates students to be morally responsible leaders who think critically, act wisely, and work skillfully to advance the common good.  A successful candidate will possess a commitment to the ideals of this mission.

A recent U.S. News and World Report ranked Minnesota the fifth best state in the nation, giving it top rankings for opportunity, natural environment, infrastructure, economy, and health care. The Twin Cities of Minneapolis-St. Paul is consistently ranked among the nation’s most walkable and bikeable communities and attracts outdoors enthusiasts with its miles of trails and dozens of lakes. The Twin Cities has a thriving arts and culture scene and is home to five professional sports teams. A recent study found the Minneapolis-St. Paul metro area population grew 11% from 2010 – 2020. Census data also shows that Minnesota continues to grow more diverse, both racially and ethnically, and at a faster pace than in the broader United States. Learn more about the Twin Cities here.

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY

The University of St. Thomas offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits program, which includes:

• Up to 100% tuition remission for employees and dependents upon eligibility
• Up to 50% tuition remission for spouses upon eligibility
• A generous Employer retirement contribution of 9.4% of annual salary upon eligibility
• Medical, dental, and vision options
• Employer-paid disability, life, and AD&D benefits

Salary Range: $107,330  to $141,980

The University of St. Thomas has provided a salary range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The specific salary offered will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information.

JOB SUMMARY

The Director of University Libraries is a senior member of the provost’s staff who is responsible for providing strategic leadership to sustain and build University Libraries that are responsive to the needs of the university community; that are focused on the libraries’ role in teaching, learning, and scholarship; and that are in full support of the university’s mission. Working with the library management team, the Director leads staff in the delivery of services, collection strategies, and outreach and engagement. The director also oversees personnel, budget, technologies, and facilities to support the operations of the University Libraries; advocates for the libraries and libraries staff; and collaborates with academic and administrative leaders on campus and with external partners.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Serve as a member of the Academic Affairs leadership team.
• In collaboration with the library management team and staff, prepare, communicate, and implement a strategic vision for the long-range development of the University Libraries to meet the teaching, learning, and scholarship needs of the university, incorporating innovations in information resources (including artificial intelligence) services and access, organizational structures, and roles for library staff and spaces.
• Lead libraries staff in developing innovative and technology-driven service delivery for a student-centered library experience. Stay abreast of trends and developments in academic libraries. Standardize data collection methods to measure effectiveness. Monitor library budgets to ensure efficiencies and the best utilization of university resources.
• Provide leadership, supervision, and mentorship for the development of the library management team, department heads, and digital services staff. Recruit, support, and supervise a diverse staff. Engage with and advocate for libraries staff and support best practices in communication and staff professional development.   
• Facilitate a partnership between libraries staff and university colleagues to integrate the libraries’ goals and objectives into the teaching, learning, and scholarship mission of the university; chair the Library Advisory Committee.
• Promote resource sharing, staff development, and collection development between the University Libraries and other state, regional, and national libraries.

Minimum Qualifications

• MLS from an ALA accredited program; second subject Master's or PhD preferred
• At least 7 years of progressively responsible leadership in an academic library, including leadership experience with personnel, budgeting, strategic planning, collection development, public and technical services, digital technologies, and archives and special collections.

HOW TO APPLY

All interested candidates must apply online at https://www.stthomas.edu/jobs/. Follow the instructions to complete an online application which includes creating or updating an applicant profile, uploading a resume, and completing a job specific application. 

In addition, to completing the application and uploading a resume, please upload a cover letter. 

Review of applications will begin April 15 and continue until the position is filled with a target start date of July 1, 2025. 

In light of its commitment to create and maintain a safe learning and working environment, employment with the University of St. Thomas requires consent and successful completion of a background screening.

Official job posting is available at www.stthomas.edu/jobs.