Description

The University of Montana invites applications for an imaginative and collaborative leader to serve as Dean of the Maureen and Mike Mansfield Library. Reporting directly to the Provost and Vice President of Academic Affairs, the dean serves as the library's chief academic and administrative officer.

This position offers the opportunity to shape the future of an essential academic and cultural resource at a public research university that combines R1 research excellence with a deep commitment to student success and service to Montana. The next dean will work with library employees, students, faculty, and campus and community partners to develop a shared vision that strengthens the library's contributions to learning, research, and creative scholarship.

Building on the Mansfield Library's distinctive collections, expertise, services, partners, and history of adaptation, the dean will champion broad and equitable access to knowledge while anticipating the changing needs of the university and the communities it serves. Opportunities include advancing information and AI literacy, guiding the thoughtful adoption of emerging technologies, and expanding partnerships that connect the library's resources and expertise with teaching, discovery, and public engagement. The university seeks a leader who inspires trust, supports and develops library employees, and builds the relationships and resources needed to translate a shared vision into meaningful outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop a future-facing shared vision of the Library through a collaborative process that aligns with UM institutional mission and grounding in shared governance and UM's institutional mission
• Guide the establishment of administrative structures, shared services integration, and internal communication frameworks
• Represent the Library in campus-wide planning and decision-making, and externally to alumni, donors, government agencies, shared governance, and professional partners
• Advance the academic mission and evolving strategy of the library, including internal consultation and external communication
• Engage faculty, departments, and service units in articulating a mission and vision that reflects the Library's role in fostering critical inquiry, cultural understanding, civic leadership and meeting their teaching, learning, research and scholarship needs
• Partner with the Vice President for Student Success and Enrollment Management, and other administrative offices to strengthen visibility to support student retention, learning, research, and wellness
• Steward fiscal resources responsibly and in ways that are aligned with the University mission and vision, with consideration for and participation in the wider MUS library system strategy.
• Support graduate education through alignment of teaching and research support
• Lead faculty and staff hiring and development, including workload oversight and promotion/tenure processes, in accordance with University policy and Collective Bargaining Agreement
• Partner with the UM Foundation to initiate philanthropic engagement and support
• Contribute to institutional priorities as an Academic Officer, advising the Provost on strategic planning, assessment, and academic operations
• Support assessment, accreditation, and program review processes as appropriate
• Serve on University committees, task forces, and working groups as needed

Salary Range: $125,000 to $145,000

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Master's degree in Library Science (MLIS, MLS, or equivalent) from an ALA-accredited program, or a recognized equivalent from an international institution
• Leadership experience within a library environment
• Academic leadership experience demonstrating operational effectiveness and the ability to build consensus, foster collaboration and sustain collegial relationships while guiding organizational change
• A record of teaching, research, and service appropriate for appointment at the rank of full professor
• Deep curiosity about different disciplines and the world writ large

Preferred Qualifications

• Leadership experience in launching new initiatives or managing structural transitions within academic settings
• Leadership experience within an academic library
• Familiarity with federal and regional depository library requirements and procedures.
• Commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration and to the public mission of library services
• Strong administrative and financial management skills
• Demonstrated success in external fundraising and engagement with alumni and donors
• Excellent communication and listening skills and a collaborative leadership style that supports inclusive decision-making
• Experience with shared services and collaboration within complex academic environments

Application Instructions

Priority Application Date: November 01, 2026 09:59pm mountain time

Complete applications received by this date will be guaranteed consideration. To receive full consideration, candidates are required to submit all of the following materials.

Required Application Materials:

• Letter of Interest addressing your qualifications
• Detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV)
• Three (3) professional references: names and contact information