Abilene Christian University is hiring: Dean of Library Services and Educational

Dean of Library Services and Educational Technology

Apply now Job no: 494169
Work Type: Staff full-time
Location: Abilene
Categories: Staff, Executive

About ACU

Abilene Christian University is affiliated with the fellowship of the Church of Christ. All qualified applicants for these positions must be professing Christians and be active, faithful members of a congregation of the Churches of Christ and willing to support the Christian mission and purpose of the university.

Overview

Title of Position: Dean of Library Services and Educational Technology

Reporting to the ACU Provost, the Dean leads and manages all aspects of library information, academic technology, and academic publishing services for the ACU system. This role serves faculty and students in Abilene, Dallas and online programs, and leads the following units: ACU Press; Library Services (Information Services; Special Collections and Archives); Educational Technology (Creative and Academic Technologies; Maker Lab; Learning Studio); and the Landon Saunders Center for Joy and Human Flourishing. The Dean serves on the Provost’s Cabinet and Dean’s Council and represents the Brown Library as a member of the management council of the Abilene Library Consortium (ALC). The Dean is the library’s primary liaison to University Finance and Advancement divisions.

For best consideration, please apply by September 15, 2025.

Responsibilities

• Articulate the Brown Library’s vision/direction, collaboratively creating and implementing a plan to realize this vision, and managing the organization towards continual improvement.


• Research and address university needs for academic information resources, services, and technologies, developing new funding and/or redeploying existing investment to these ends.


• Manage the library’s budget to maximize positive impact for faculty/students within established fiscal limits, assigning and monitoring management of departmental budget responsibilities among the library leadership team.


• Lead library fundraising and facilities planning to strengthen resources and spaces.


• Coach and mentor library and educational technology personnel, especially members of the library leadership team.


• Lead annual planning and assessment cycles.


• Engage campus and professional communities to define service priorities.


• Align unit goals with university mission and strategic plan.


• Lead and appoint teams charged with resourcing new academic programs, new instructional spaces across campus, and new technology skills and online platforms.


• Guide investment in emerging teaching and research technologies.


• Foster internal, foundation, and corporate partnerships advancing innovation in information and communication technology at ACU supporting creative inquiry and digital innovation.


• Monitor and manage the library budgets--including restricted funds and endowment funds--for efficacy and accuracy in expenditure.


• Manage capital project budgets and grant budgets.


• Create and maintain relationships with donors to the library, including foundations and individual donors.


• Maintain schedule of marketing and fundraising activities, including the annual Library Friends dinner.


• Lead major renovation efforts and space enhancements.


• Recruit, support, and retain qualified staff and faculty.


• Promote a culture of creativity, collaboration, effectiveness and excellence.

Professional Development Requirements

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience of the theory and practice undergirding the 21st-century university library, including educational technology and academic publishing.


• Strong public speaking and interpersonal communication skills.


• Proven ability to lead collaboratively in complex academic settings.

Qualifications

• ALA-accredited MLIS, MSLIS or MLS required, doctorate preferred.


• At least 5 years of progressive experience in academic library leadership.


• Record of engagement in professional associations and achievement in scholarly productivity.


• Organizational leadership experience (e.g., strategic planning, budgetary oversight, and effective relationship management skills with external and internal constituencies, including experience with fundraising).


• A strong belief in and desire to serve the mission of ACU.

Additional Information

ACU does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, sex, disability, genetic information, national or ethnic origin in employment opportunities, in keeping with applicable state and federal law.

ACU is committed to maintaining a safe and secure campus environment and protecting the university's financial and physical assets. Therefore, Abilene Christian University conducts background checks on all candidates for employment in security sensitive positions.

Advertised: July 25, 2025 Central Daylight Time
Applications close: Open until filled