CSUN's Commitment to You
CSUN is committed to achieving excellence through teaching, scholarship, learning, and inclusion. Our values include a respect for all people, building partnerships with the community, and encouraging innovation, experimentation, and creativity. CSUN strives to cultivate a community in which a diverse population can learn and work in an atmosphere of civility and respect. CSUN actively seeks candidates who make contributions to equity and inclusion in the pursuit of excellence for all members of the university community.
The University
One of the largest universities in the country, California State University, Northridge (CSUN) is an urban, comprehensive university that delivers award- winning undergraduate and graduate programs to more than 36,000 students annually and counts more than 400,000 alumni who fuel the region’s economy. Since its founding in 1958, CSUN has made a significant and long-term economic impact on California, generating nearly $1.9 billion in economic impact and nearly 12,000 jobs each year. CSUN is a designated Minority-Serving and Hispanic-Serving Institution, ranking amongst the top twenty in the nation in graduating Latinx students. More than 70 percent of CSUN students are first-generation college students, and 60 percent come from historically underrepresented groups. Money magazine consistently ranks CSUN among the nation’s “most transformative” colleges for putting diverse students on the path to higher career earnings.
About the Position of Dean of the University Library
The Dean of the University Library provides executive leadership for the provision of library service to the campus in support of the University’s teaching and research mission. The Dean reports to the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs and serves on the Provost’s Council and Deans’ Council. The Dean has the primary responsibility for the management of the Library’s personnel, budget, facilities, technology, and resources, including planning and administering the budget; making independent recommendations relating to performance management for all Library personnel; leading ongoing efforts to improve services; recommending the appointment of department chairs, and supervising and evaluating their administrative activities; creating and sustaining an environment supportive of research, scholarship, and academic excellence; and representing the Library in the University and community. The Dean interprets policies developed at the University and system levels to ensure their effective implementation. The Dean supervises a staff of professional, technical, and support staff to ensure that the Library and University goals are met. The Dean seeks external support for programs, services, and resources, and assists faculty in securing external support. The Dean develops and maintains professional relationships with all departments and colleges on campus and with groups and agencies within the community as appropriate.
The Dean participates fully with other CSU library deans on the Council of Library Deans (COLD) in system-wide library initiatives that leverage the strength of 23 libraries with special emphasis on the Unified Library Management System.
The Dean helps lead strategic thinking and initiatives related to academic technology and scholarly communication within the Division of Academic Affairs with a focus on vision, collaboration, consistency, and integration with broader technology initiatives on campus. The Dean plays a crucial role in leading strategic thinking on the University’s information strategy as it relates to information storage, retrieval, archiving, access, sharing and organization of both traditional and non-traditional materials.
As a leader, demonstrates a commitment to student success that is mission aligned with the university’s vision, values and priorities. Establishes an ethical and collegial work environment, promoting a collaborative, accountable and inclusive team. Encourages a courageous and resilient solution-oriented environment by participating in new opportunities to further the mission of the university. Participates in developing initiatives that further support the campus mission with a service-oriented and catalytic mind set. Strengthens employees by being communicative and a talent builder that develops team attributes, furthering departmental goals.
Qualifications
Required qualifications:
- At least a master’s degree in Library and/or Information Science from a program accredited by the American Library Association, or equivalent degree
- A record of scholarly and professional achievement appropriate to an appointment at the rank of Librarian
- Substantive experience for a minimum of five years as a library administrator or manager
- Ability to collaborate effectively with a wide range of constituencies
- Proven communication and interpersonal skills, encompassing collaboration and cultivation of trust and respect through partnerships with fellow deans, faculty, staff, and campus administration
- Strong cultural awareness and demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, inclusion, belonging and accessibility
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Preferred qualifications:
- A doctorate in library science, management, higher education administration, information science, or a related field
- A deep understanding of both the opportunities and challenges facing university libraries today and into the future
- Knowledge of information and scholarly technologies and their successful integration into a library and campus
- Proficiency in recruiting, hiring, retaining, and supervising a diverse workforce
- Proficiency in promoting an equitable work environment through educational programs, training, mentorship, and professional development
- Success with fundraising, such as securing individual gifts and receiving grants from foundations and government agencies
- Professional competency in conflict resolution, seeking fair and equitable solutions
- Familiarity with working within a collective bargaining and shared governance setting
- Knowledge of sustaining and expanding the library’s information literacy instruction program in an effort to promote alignment with the University’s teaching and research mission
More information can be found in the institutional profile at https://www.academicsearch.org/open-searches-public/entry/20441/?search=20441.
Pay, Benefits, & Work Schedule
Salary is commensurate with knowledge, skills, and experience. The University offers excellent fringe benefits.
The anticipated HIRING RANGE: $200,000 – $220,000 per year, dependent upon qualifications and experience.
Application Period
The position is open until filled but only applications received by Tuesday, February 18, 2025, can be assured full consideration. Review of applications will continue until the position is filled.
In order to be considered in the initial review, applications must be submitted prior to the date listed above. Application submissions received after the initial review date will be reviewed at the discretion of the University.
Effective Date of Appointment: July 1, 2025
How to Apply
The university is being assisted by Academic Search. Applications should consist of a substantive cover letter, a curriculum vitae, and a list of five professional references with full contact information. No references will be contacted without the explicit permission of the candidate. Applications, nominations, and expressions of interest can be submitted electronically, and in confidence, to: CSUNLibraryDean@academicsearch.org.
Confidential discussions about this opportunity may be arranged by contacting consultants Ann Hasselmo at Ann.Hasselmo@academicsearch.org and Chris Butler at Chris.Butler@academicsearch.org.
Background check
This position is a sensitive position as designated by the CSU.
A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the status of candidates who apply for the position.
CANRA
The person holding this position will be considered a 'limited reporter' under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.
Conflict of Interest
This position is a "designated position" in the California State University's Conflict of Interest Code. The successful candidate accepting this position is required to file Conflict of Interest forms subject to the regulations of the Fair Political Practices Commission.
Equal Employment Opportunity
CSUN is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prohibits discrimination based on race or , color, ethnicity, religion or religious creed, nationality origin, age, gender, gender identity,/ gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, medical condition, marital status, veteran or military status, and disability. Our nondiscrimination policy is set forth in the CSU Nondiscrimination Policy (2023). Reasonable accommodations will be provided for applicants with disabilities who self-disclose by contacting Recruitment Services at 818-677-2101.
