Assistant Dean, Libraries

Assistant Dean, Wayne State University Libraries

Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Assistant Dean, Wayne State University Libraries at its Detroit campus location.

Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.

Essential Functions:

The Wayne State University Libraries seek a strategic, collaborative, and visionary leader to serve as the Assistant Dean (AD). Wayne State University, a premier public research university (R1) serving over 24,000 students in Detroit's vibrant urban landscape, is home to groundbreaking research across disciplines from medicine and engineering to social work and the arts.

Reporting to the Dean and serving as a core member of the senior leadership team, the AD plays a vital role in shaping how the libraries advance the university's mission of research, teaching, and community engagement. The AD leads a broad and dynamic portfolio that includes research support, teaching and learning, user services, assessment, and collection strategy all designed to position WSU students and researchers for success in an evolving information landscape.

The AD will have direct responsibility for several departments within the central campus libraries, including: subject librarians, access services, and collection development and management. The AD will also be expected to work collaboratively with faculty, students, staff, and external partners to ensure that the WSU Libraries serve as both knowledge hub and innovation partner within the academic community.

Key Responsibilities:

Collaborate with the Dean and senior leadership to set organizational direction, align priorities with university goals, and drive strategic initiatives.

Serve as a member of the Library's leadership team, contributing to long-term planning, resource allocation, budgeting, and decision-making.

Lead and support strategic planning, assessment, and continuous improvement efforts across areas of responsibility.

Serve as the Dean's representative to contractually-mandated committees and other key university governance bodies.

Guide and support library programs that enhance student success through information literacy, instructional design, and curriculum integration.

Collaborate with academic departments, the Office for Teaching and Learning, and other campus partners to embed library expertise into pedagogical development.

Provide vision and oversight for services and infrastructure that advance faculty research.

Oversee the delivery of excellent and equitable user experiences across physical and virtual service points, ensuring 24/7 access to essential resources and support.

Represent the Libraries in university-wide initiatives and serve on key campus committees.

Build strategic partnerships with peer institutions and contribute to profession-wide initiatives.

Minimum Qualifications:

Master's degree in Library and Information Science from an ALA-accredited program or equivalent.

Minimum of five years of progressive leadership and management experience in an academic or research library, including at least three years of supervisory responsibility for multiple staff members.

Demonstrated experience developing programs and services in support of teaching, learning, and research.

Proven track record of budget management and resource allocation in complex organizational environments.

Experience with strategic planning, assessment methodologies, and data-driven decision making.

Record of fostering collaboration, innovation, and inclusive practices across diverse teams and constituencies.

Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and change leadership skills.

Demonstrated ability to build effective partnerships within and beyond the library, including with faculty, administrators, and external organizations.

About Wayne State University and the Libraries:

Wayne State University is Michigan's premier public urban research university, classified as R1 (Doctoral Universities - Very high research activity) by the Carnegie Foundation. Located in Detroit's dynamic Midtown district, WSU serves over 24,000 students across 13 schools and colleges, with particular strengths in medicine, engineering, business, social work, and the liberal arts and sciences.

The WSU Libraries system includes the David Adamany Undergraduate Library, the Purdy/Kresge Library, specialized libraries in Medicine, and Law, and the Walter P. Reuther Library, Archives of Labor and Urban Affairs. Our collections span over 3.5 million volumes, 283,000 journal subscriptions, and extensive digital resources. The Libraries employ approximately 106 FTE staff and maintain a collections budget exceeding $8 million annually.

Recent achievements include the…