Assistant Dean, Strategic & Research Initiatives

Job no: 493651
Position type: Administrative Staff
Location: Norman
Division/Equivalent: University of Oklahoma
School/Unit: Academic Affairs - NRM
Department/Office: University Libraries
Categories: Technology/Research

Apply now

Pay Range: Commensurate based on education and experience

Benefits Eligible: Yes

Work Schedule: Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Travel: May be required

For Best Consideration Date: 8/14/2026

Position Introduction:

This leadership position in the University Libraries (UL) reports to the Dean of University Libraries and participates in the Senior Management Team, a body working with the Dean to provide over-all UL leadership, direction, and the promotion of organizational impact on OU's research and academic mission. The Assistant Dean will serve as lead designer, facilitator, and manager of UL strategy-setting, as well as organizational liaison for institutional research initiatives supporting UL contributions to institutional success. As assigned, the Assistant Dean will help define and manage Dean-sponsored initiatives and projects affecting UL-wide programs and impacts. This position facilitates the library's strategic planning process, data-gathering and analysis, and the implementation of strategic priorities. As required, the Assistant Dean will coordinate and lead designated teams and task forces supporting strategic initiatives.

The successful candidate will be required to have the following skills:

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Strong imitative to solve problems in a timely manner.
  • Able to effectively evaluate projects/programs and produce comprehensive senior-level reports.
  • Ability to establish and sustain positive working relationships with all levels of staff - administrators, faculty, staff, and student employees - within the library and university.
  • Flexibility, creativity, and innovation coupled with an ability to take initiative and be self-directed.
  • Strong organizational, project, and time management skills to lead and/or coordinate multiple projects.
  • Ability to set priorities for self and others, to meet deadlines, and complete tasks and projects on time and within budget, and work with minimal supervision.
  • Ability to perform detail-oriented tasks, analyze needs and develop action plans, and coordinate with appropriate personnel as required.
  • Demonstrated technology proficiency and capabilities working with personal computers and software, the Web, and library-relevant information technology applications.

View the full job description.

Required Education and Experience:

  • Graduate degree in related area
  • 5 years of experience in a related field

Department Preferences:

  • Experience in higher education administration and demonstrated senior level responsibility.
  • Experience with managing large, institution-wide projects and/or program development. 
  • Demonstrated understanding of the role and mission of libraries in a research-intensive environment
  • OU experience is preferred

Supervision: 

  • Will supervise one position.

Hiring Contingent Upon a Background Check: Yes

Advertised: Central Daylight Time
Application close: Central Daylight Time

Apply now

Back to list Refer a friend