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Associate Dean, Research & Engagement

Florida Gulf Coast University
United States, Florida, Fort Myers
10501 FGCU Boulevard South (Show on map)
Jul 07, 2025
Job Summary The Florida Gulf Coast University Library seeks a collaborative, forward-thinking leader to serve as Associate Dean (AD) for Research and Engagement. The Associate Dean provides strategic leadership and administrative direction for the Research & Engagement unit, comprised of three departments led by two chairs: Research, Scholarship & Instruction, University Archives and Special Collections, and Library Marketing and Outreach. This position provides strategic leadership for services and programs that support faculty research, enhance student learning, preserve institutional and regional history & culture, and connect the library with the campus and broader community. The Associate Dean works closely with the Dean to implement library-wide initiatives, build cross-campus partnerships, and develop innovative opportunities that promote student success and experiential learning. This position also collaborates with the Associate Dean for Innovation and Collections to build and promote resources that are well-used by both faculty and student researchers. The Associate Dean will drive the transformation of library services to meet the evolving needs of students, faculty, and researchers, ensuring the library remains a dynamic and innovative academic hub. Key Responsibilities: Provide strategic leadership for the Research and Engagement Unit, aligning departmental goals with institutional priorities in research, instruction, outreach, and engagement. Guide the development and delivery of research support services, information literacy instruction, scholarly communication, and preservation initiatives through strategic planning and assessment including the collection and analysis of data that measures impact. Foster collaboration among department heads and across the library to promote innovation, cross-functional initiatives, and responsive service models developed to enhance the student learning experience. Supervise and support professional development of unit librarians and staff; participate in hiring, evaluation, and team-building efforts. Collaborate with the senior leadership team, including the Dean, the Associate Dean of Innovation & Collections, and the Director of Library Administration on budget planning, resource allocation, strategic planning, and assessment of unit operations. Model effective communication and conflict resolution to promote a collegial organizational culture. Represent the Libraries on university committees and in external partnerships related to research, instruction, archives, and engagement. Lead organizational change, manage conflict effectively, and foster collaboration. Maintain knowledge of current trends and best practices in academic librarianship, including research services, archives, and engagement. Assist with academic liaison work as needed. Serve on library, university, division and departmental committees to participate in shared governance and relationship building, and to expand professional development, as assigned. Job Description Typical duties may include but are not limited to: Assists in the leadership and administration of the University Library in accordance with established guidelines, university policy, and governmental regulations; Represents the library in the absence of the Dean and works with the Dean in developing the University Library's mission, vision, and goals; Works with department chairs, directors, and other leaders in the Library and the University to identify opportunities for innovation, collaboration, and interdisciplinary work that benefit faculty and students and raise the visibility of the library; Assists in developing and improving library policies, procedures, rules, and regulations and ensures compliance with existing policies and practices; Assists the Dean in establishing and maintaining positive relations with various populations and constituencies, including community partners, alumni, donors, supporters, and external agencies; Assists with accreditation and faculty matters; Performs other duties as assigned. Additional Job Description Required Qualifications: ALA-accredited master's degree in library and information science or equivalent. 5 years of progressively responsible experience in an academic or research library. Minimum rank of Associate University Librarian Experience leading cross-functional teams or managing multiple departments. Experience working with strategic planning initiatives within an academic or research institution including measurement of key performance indicators. Demonstrated leadership experience in an academic library. Demonstrated evidence of professional engagement and contribution, demonstrating a keen awareness of emerging issues and trends influencing the campus research ecosystem and the alignment of library services and programs. Active involvement in professional organizations and scholarly activity. Preferred Qualifications Additional advanced degree including master's or doctorate in an applicable field. Expertise as demonstrated through work experience, academic coursework, and/or research and scholarship in at least one of the following archives, research support, information literacy instruction, and/or library marketing and outreach. Preference is given to those candidates that have experience leading archives and special collections units. Demonstrated leadership experience in an academic library, preferably in a leadership or administrative role. Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities: Knowledge of emerging trends in academic libraries, particularly related to digital scholarship, research support, and student success. Knowledge of higher education administration, including accreditation processes, budget management, and institutional policies; Knowledge of curriculum development, assessment, and educational and accreditation standards specific to engineering, computing and/or construction management degree programs; An ability to lead, motivate and collaborate with faculty, staff, and students and to establish relationships internally as well as to successfully develop relationships and interact with external industry partners and the Southwest Florida community; An ability to communicate effectively, work in a highly collaborative academic environment, conduct themselves professionally, and perform appropriate service functions at the college and university level; Skills in developing and/or implementing strategic plans to advance the college and university's mission and goals; Skills in mentoring faculty, staff and students, providing guidance and support for professional development and career growth; Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills. An ability to foster a climate of academic excellence, collaboration and interdisciplinary initiatives. Special Instructions to Applicants: Appointment will be made at an out-of-unit faculty rank commensurate with the candidate's experience on a 12-month out-of-unit multi-year appointment with an anticipated start date of August 2025. Because applications and materials are subject to public review and retention under Florida's Public Records Law, please DO NOT send examples of your project/scholarship unless requested to do so. Therefore, all submitted materials including articles, disks, slides, books, etc., become the property of FGCU and CANNOT BE RETURNED. As applicable, finalists will be notified of the need to submit specific additional materials. Such materials will become the property of FGCU. Under Florida's Public Records law, applications will be available for public review upon request. Required Application Materials: Unofficial Transcripts Statement of teaching, and research/scholarship accomplishments and research Curriculum Vitae Cover Letter Five (5) Professional References The position is listed as "open until filled", however applications received by June 15, 2025 will receive priority consideration.