DescriptionPOSITION OVERVIEWThe Libraries at the University of Washington invites applications for the Associate Dean, Research and Learning Services at the rank of Associate Librarian or Librarian, with an anticipated start date in the first quarter of 2027. UW librarians have an annual service period of 12 months (July 1-June 30). We seek applicants who demonstrate commitment to excellence in library service in a diverse and inclusive academic community.
The base salary range for this position will be $10,700- $12,500 (at the rank of Associate Librarian) and $12,500-13,250 (at the rank of Librarian) per month, commensurate with experience and qualifications, or as mandated by a U.S. Department of Labor prevailing wage determination. An administrative supplement in the amount of $3,500/month will be established at time of appointment. Other compensation associated with this position may include a relocation incentive and/or a moving allowance.
RESEARCH AND LEARNING SERVICES Research and Learning Services (RLS) provides user-centered services to the UW community through support for research, teaching, and learning. Composed of eight departments (Access Services; Assessment; Communications; Facilities; Data Services, Sciences, & Health Sciences; Open Scholarship & Publishing and Arts & Humanities; Learning Services & Social Sciences; and the Tateuchi East Asia Library), the portfolio provides public services to advance the mission of the University and the Libraries strategic goals. Units work collaboratively to build integrated services and spaces across multiple Seattle Campus Libraries.
POSITION DESCRIPTIONReporting to the Dean of University Libraries, the Associate Dean for Research & Learning Services (RLS) provides visionary, strategic, and operational leadership for a large and dynamic portfolio of approximately 130+ staff across eight departments. The Associate Dean, RLS reports to the Dean of Libraries and is a member of the Libraries senior management team.
This position is not tenure eligible. Note: Non-represented librarians are covered under the Administrative Librarian Personnel Code currently under revision.
This position is eligible for hybrid work (on campus and remote).
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIESStrategic Leadership and Vision- Advance and shape a shared strategic vision for Research & Learning Services, building on ongoing efforts to reimagine services in support of strategic priorities of UW Libraries and in alignment with the University of Washington's commitments to research excellence, student success, digital transformation, and public impact.
- Anticipate and respond to trends in higher education, including AI-enabled research, open science, evolving scholarly communication models, and new modes of teaching and learning.
- Lead, mentor, and develop a diverse workforce; build leadership capacity at all levels; and cultivate a culture of trust, accountability, and continuous learning.
- Engage with campus stakeholders to advance the work of the Libraries around research, teaching and learning support.
- As a member of the University Libraries' senior leadership team, participate in strategic planning, development of new initiatives, financial planning, resource and policy development, and governance.
Management- Support organizational agility, effective change management, and cross-unit collaboration.
- Foster staff excellence through professional development, succession planning, and inclusive leadership practices.
- Promote a robust culture of assessment and evidence-based decision-making.
- Build strong partnerships with faculty, students, academic leadership, and administrative units across UW (including UW Tacoma and UW Bothell, as appropriate).
- Facilitate collaboration with campus partners on digital initiatives, research infrastructure, teaching innovation, and student success programs.
- Represent the Libraries on institution-wide committees and strategic initiatives.
- Co-chair the Seattle Operations Group to identify, recommend, plan, coordinate, and implement pathways to align operations with the Libraries Strategic Plan, while also balancing needs of services and collections for tri-campus Libraries staff, UW students and faculty, and the broader community locally and beyond.
- Work with UW Bothell and UW Tacoma to support the One Library: Three Campuses operating principles.
- Collaborate with Libraries Advancement to identify funding opportunities and cultivate donor support for strategic priorities.
- Ensure sustainable use of financial and human resources aligned with long-term goals.
Professional Development and Service- Contribute to the national and international research library community through leadership roles, presentations, publications, and collaboration.
- Maintain awareness of emerging trends and best practices in research libraries and related fields.
- Service to University Libraries, the University and the profession.
Other Duties- May act on behalf of the Dean as needed.
RANKPosition will be at the rank of Associate Librarian, or Librarian, depending on qualifications and background. See the Rank, Status, Initial Appointments, Renewal of Appointments and Promotions of UW Libraries Librarians in the Librarian Personnel Code for librarian rank appointment criteria. Note: Non-represented librarians are covered under the Administrative Librarian Personnel Code currently under revision.
BENEFITSLibrarians are academic personnel and participate in the UW Retirement Plan (UWRP) or the state's Public Employee Retirement System (PERS) Plan 3. This is a full-time, 12-month appointment. Vacation is accrued at the rate of 26 working days per year; sick leave at the rate of 12 working days per year. No state or local income tax. A summary of benefits associated with this title/rank can be found on our Benefits page. Appointees solely employed and paid directly by a non-UW entity are not UW employees and are not eligible for UW or Washington State employee benefits.
ANTICIPATED START DATEWhile we hope to fill the position in Winter quarter (Jan.-March) 2027, we are happy to work with the successful candidate to explore opportunities for an earlier or later start date.
QualificationsApplicants must be authorized to work in the United States without employer sponsorship or be eligible for UW sponsorship in TN status as a Canadian or Mexican citizen. The UW Libraries is unable to sponsor other employment-based visas for this position.
Required- Graduate degree from a program accredited by the American Library Association or an equivalent graduate library science/information studies degree.
- Substantial leadership experience in a large, complex academic or research library (or comparable organization).
- Demonstrated success in strategic planning, organizational leadership, and change management.
- Minimum of five years post-MLIS professional librarian experience.
Preferred Qualifications- Ability to articulate and execute a compelling vision aligned with institutional goals.
- Deep understanding of evolving faculty, student, and researcher needs.
- Knowledge of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, and their ethical and effective application in libraries.
- Skilled in building partnerships, fostering collaboration, and leading across organizational boundaries.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Demonstrated commitment to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.
- Comfortable leading in a rapidly changing environment; embraces experimentation and continuous improvement.
Application Instructions Applications received by 8:59 p.m. PDT/11:59 p.m. EDT on Thursday, October 15, 2026, will receive priority review. Applications received after this date will be reviewed on a rolling weekly basis at the discretion of the unit.
The following documents are required as part of your application for this vacancy:
- Cover letter (addressed to Laura Lillard, Director, Libraries Human Resources)
- Curriculum vitae or resume (include a telephone number, mailing address, email address and salary requirements)
- List of three references who are knowledgeable of your qualifications for this position, one of which must be your current supervisor (include telephone numbers, mailing addresses, and email addresses, and specify current supervisor)
For questions about this position, or questions regarding potential disability accommodations, please contact Laura Lillard at [redacted].
