Southern Oregon University is hiring: Dean Of The Hannon Library in Ashland

Dean of the Hannon Library

Southern Oregon University invites applications for the position of Dean of the Hannon Library. This position reports to the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs. The Dean will oversee staff, budgeting, library services, collections, physical space, technology adoption, strategic planning, fundraising, and the formation and maintenance of campus, community, and regional partnerships.

POSITION SUMMARY

Anticipated appointment begin date: March 1, 2026. Closing date: November 17, 2025.

Job Family Group: Administrative and Professional. Division/Department: Academic and Student Affairs/Hannon Library.

Salary: $98,000-$102,000 annually. 12‑month renewable appointment. 1.0 FTE. Full‑time. Benefits eligible. FLSA exempt. Work location: on campus. Work hours: Monday‑Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Must legally work in the United States without visa sponsorship.

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS TO APPLICANT

• Submit a letter detailing your qualifications and interest, and a current resume/CV as attachments when applying. Combine all documents into a single attachment if possible.
• Contact Human Resource Services at hrs@sou.edu or (541) 552‑8553 for inquiries.
• View the benefits and pension programs at https://inside.sou.edu/assets/hrs/Benefits/Benefit_Flyer/2024_Prospective_Candidate_Benefit_Overview_012024.pdf.
• Access the Total Compensation Calculator at https://inside.sou.edu/hrs/comp-calc.html.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Dean will oversee all operations and services of the Hannon Library, including instruction, research services, web development, collection development, cataloging, digital projects, special collections, open educational resources, and outreach. The ideal candidate is a visionary leader experienced in managing an academic research library, implementing the strategic vision, and ensuring operational excellence.

Minimum Requirements

• ALA‑accredited Master's degree in Library and Information Science.
• Second master’s degree or higher.
• Demonstrated proactive leadership and management skills.
• Thorough understanding of all operations of a contemporary academic library.
• Productive involvement in library organizations or consortia.
• Outstanding communication and presentation skills.
• At least five years of supervisory experience in a large library department.
• Ability to establish effective working relationships with a diverse population.
• Experience managing complex budgets and mission‑driven spending.
• Commitment to shared governance and participatory decision making.
• Commitment to outcomes‑based assessment.
• Evidence‑based decision making and high‑quality service outcomes.
• Success in securing funding for library initiatives.
• Commitment to outreach to the university, community, and region.

Preferred Requirements

• Scholarly publications.
• Efficient use of limited resources.
• Collaboration with staff and positive results on joint projects.
• Experience with unionized staff and faculty librarians with full faculty status.
• Advocacy for faculty librarians and understanding of tenure.
• Advocacy for collaborative library work environments.
• Support for continuing education and professional development.
• Familiarity with academic accreditation processes.
• Experience in planning and managing library facilities.
• Experience directing, managing, and promoting events.

Essential Functions

• Strategic Leadership and Communication (30%)
  • Develop and maintain a coherent strategic mission, vision, brand identity, and marketing plan.
  • Set goals and benchmarks for the strategic plan’s implementation.
  • Promote campus climate of vitality, civility, and accountability.
  • Serve on the Provost’s Leadership Council and lead campus‑wide initiatives as assigned.
  • Represent the library internally and externally.
  • Participate in national library organizations and the Orbis Cascade Alliance.
• Personnel Management (20%)
  • Supervise, hire, evaluate, and support faculty and staff per university policies and collective bargaining agreements.
  • Build relationships with faculty and staff, resolve concerns, and support retention.
  • Provide training and mentorship.
  • Oversee hiring, onboarding, separation, and retirement processes.
  • Provide recommendations on promotion, tenure, and other employee requests.
• Budget and Resource Management (30%)
  • Develop the library budget and manage expenditures.
  • Advocate for resources needed to support the library’s mission.
  • Manage workload, faculty release, and equipment needs.
  • Lead assessment efforts and use data for evidence‑based improvements.
• Fundraising, Marketing, and Development (15%)
  • Coordinate fundraising activities with SOU Foundation and other entities.
  • Develop relationships with donors and industry partners.
  • Manage external communications and marketing strategies.
  • Support faculty and staff in grant writing and fundraising.
• Other Duties (5%)
  • Participate in university‑wide initiatives, committees, and task forces.
  • Manage facilities and equipment, including future planning.
  • Oversee non‑academic units affiliated with the school.

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• High level of customer service, diplomacy, and professionalism.
• Ability to apply complex policies consistently.
• Strong analytical, research, and problem‑solving skills.
• Initiative and organization in a fast‑paced environment.
• Computer proficiency across common applications and online systems.
• Ability to foster teamwork and positive workplace culture.
• Willingness to navigate bureaucratic processes and budgets.
• Advocacy for external funding and community partnership.
• Promoting a dynamic, student‑centered service environment.

Physical Demand

• Normal office activities, including sitting, standing, computer usage, telephone communication, and in‑person writing.

Special Conditions

• Willing to travel and attend off‑site training.
• Willing to work additional hours as needed.
• Must pass a pre‑employment background check.
• Position is exempt from overtime provisions per FLSA.
• Mandatory reporter under Oregon Revised Statutes; must comply with related requirements.

Equal Opportunity Statement

SOU is an equal access AA/EOE committed to achieving a diverse and inclusive workforce.

Diversity Statement

Southern Oregon University is a welcoming community committed to inclusive excellence and the celebration of diversity. We encourage individuals who share this commitment to apply.

SOU Land Acknowledgement

We acknowledge the ancestral homelands of the Shasta, Takelma, and Latgawa peoples. We recognize the historical injustices suffered by these tribes and honor their enduring presence. For more information, visit www.grandronde.org and www.ctsi.nsn.us.

To Apply

Click the following link to apply: https://sou.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/Southern_Oregon_University/job/Southern-OregonAshland-Campus/Dean-of-the-Hannon-Library_R0000930-1