The UVA Dean of Libraries and University Librarian should be a forward-thinking leader who actively collaborates with university leadership, faculty, students, and staff. This role requires proficiency in library administration, budgeting, communication, collaborative leadership, and fundraising. A demonstrated dedication to cultivating an inclusive workplace culture is essential. The candidate should be able to envision, create, and clearly articulate a strategic vision while fostering broad support for its implementation. Compelling candidates will have a proven history of leadership within research libraries, along with the following qualifications:
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Leadership Capabilities
The ideal candidate should be a strategic thinker complemented by advanced management expertise. They must have strong organizational and budgetary skills, a proven ability to recruit, develop, and motivate talented staff, and a leadership style that is transparent, collaborative, and responsive.
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Intellectual Attributes and Professional Qualities
Strong interpersonal skills are crucial for effective engagement with diverse university communities. The candidate should be an excellent communicator, and able to collaborate with faculty, deans, and students. A broad intellectual curiosity and a commitment to staying updated on research trends, scholarly communication, special collections, and technologies are essential. A deep understanding of the contemporary academic research landscape is also required.
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Institutional Impact
The candidate must have the ability to work effectively with donors, ideally with some exposure to and/or success with fundraising, along with a deep commitment to advancing the library’s mission and strategic initiatives. They should actively advocate for, amplify, and champion the work of the Libraries within and beyond the institution.
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Diversity, Equity, Accessibility and Inclusion
The candidate must have concrete experience in promoting equity and implementing inclusive programs. A personal commitment to fostering supportive and diverse environments is also essential to this role.
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Personal Attributes
The ideal candidate will uphold the highest standards of professional integrity while demonstrating open-mindedness, compassion, empathy, and a commitment to self-reflection.
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Academic Credentials
The candidate must possess an academic background that qualifies them to lead a research-intensive library system. At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in library administration, ideally within an academic or research library setting, is required. A master’s degree in library science or equivalent is required with a preference for two graduate degrees (Master’s level or higher). A PhD with significant library leadership experience could be considered in lieu of a degree in library science.
The University of Virginia is eager to build a diverse pool of talented individuals. The search committee is working with UVA Executive Search Group (ESG), an internal executive search firm in the Office of the President.
Confidential inquiries and nominations should be directed to AJ Davidson, Managing Director, at ajh2d@virginia.edu. To apply, submit a letter of interest and resume to dol-search@virginia.edu. The search will be carried out with full confidentiality and will remain open until filled.
The University of Virginia is fundamentally committed to the diversity of our faculty and staff. We believe diversity is excellence expressing itself through every person's perspective and lived experiences. We are equal opportunity and affirmative action employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, marital status, military status, national or ethnic origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, veteran status, and family medical or genetic information.