Associate University Librarian, Administration and Strategic Initiatives
Job Overview
Job title: Associate University Librarian, Administration and Strategic Initiatives
Job description: Overview
The Associate University Librarian, Administration and Strategic Initiatives (AUL-A & SI) is a strategic leader and advisor, ensuring that all areas of the Library are well-positioned to achieve a cohesive vision and strategy. As a member of the Library’s senior administrative team, the AUL-A & SI is responsible for overall business operations and infrastructure, human resources and employee relations, and the design, planning, and advancement of strategic initiatives. Reporting directly to the University Librarian, the AUL-A & SI is accountable for executive duties, initiatives and special projects that have far-reaching impact on the future success of the Library as the University’s information access partner, supporting instruction and research across the six Faculties, the Offices of the President, Provost, Research and International, employees of the University, and beyond. The AUL-A & SI works in close collaboration with the other two AULs to advance strategic initiatives in their respective portfolios, which include Learning, Research and User Services; and Collections, Technology, and Scholarly Communication. Responsibilities
Establishes direction and priorities of the Library’s administrative, physical, and policy infrastructure
Responsible for directing administrative infrastructure: business operations, human resources and employee relations, and technology, and their integration with Library academic support programs
Aligns administrative resources (budget, staff, systems, and processes) with strategy
Responsible for annual reporting on Library accomplishments, focusing on human resources, finance, and administrative infrastructure
Develops, reviews, and continuously improves administrative and business systems/processes to enhance service quality while maintaining/improving cost efficiency
Directs integration of systems and processes to enhance and support staff productivity
Leadership on human resources and employee relations, finance, and budget
Fosters a nimble and cohesive staff working environment across the Library that embraces equity, diversity, inclusion, and access (EDIA) in both employee and user interactions
Directs staff performance reviews, librarian and archivist professional advancement process and guidelines, goal-setting strategies, and compensation reviews
Oversees financial administration and management of a $22 million annual budget, including financial planning and budgeting, accounting, reporting and internal audits for personnel, operations, and collections
Recommends structural adjustments as needed to align resources with strategy
Responsible for advancing Library-wide planning and strategic initiatives
Supports the University Librarian and senior leadership in developing short- to medium-term as well as long-term Library-wide vision, strategy, and implementation plans
Translates vision and strategy into operational plans, working with the Library’s senior and departmental leadership across Library programs, services, and units
Provides strategic advice and insight to leadership and various committees and groups
Ensures that advice is evidence-based, and data informed, and connects decision making with strategy/budgetary/financial impact
Works closely with AULs and Library department Heads, either individually or as a group, to facilitate evidence-based decision-making on matters of strategic importance to the Library
Works effectively with a wide variety of viewpoints and perspectives
Builds consensus in a functionally diverse environment
Responsible for implementing and achieving long-term and short-term strategies and operational plans
Designs and implements organizational structure changes in response to strategic priorities
Provides strategic and operational leadership for the design, implementation, and continuous improvement of Library staff functions, including finance, budget planning, human resources, governance, facilities management, capital construction, and renovations
Ensures on-time and on-budget delivery of operational plans
Integrates administrative functions to ensure effective and efficient delivery of services
Provides advice and expertise to senior leadership on issues related to operational activities
Resolves complex business operational issues, working with senior leadership and departmental managers Qualifications
Master’s degree in Library and Information Science or equivalent combination of education and experience required
Asset: Advanced research or professional degree, or equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered an asset
Five years of relevant experience in a university or comparable environment
Demonstrated experience with organizational assessment
Experience with project management and organization, including flexibility in meeting objectives, and implementing creative solutions
Experience with budget planning and allocation, and with aligning resource allocation with strategic directions
Demonstrated experience in taking a strategic approach, tracking key performance indicators, and communicating tangible, compelling outcomes aligned with strategy, to both internal and external audiences
Experience in operational leadership, strategic thinking, and change management, with ability to identify issues and implement solutions to improve functions and programs
Demonstrated commitment to promoting and sustaining equity, diversity, inclusion, and access (EDIA) among staff (both recruitment and retention) and user-facing programs and services
Demonstrated commitment to and success in consultative and joint project management and teamwork
Asset: Track record of professional accomplishments and increased responsibilities in academic libraries will be considered an asset
Asset: Significant experience in building consensus and influencing decisions in a similar organizational setting will be considered an asset
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
Exceptional interpersonal, cultural, and communication competency
Proven strength in building relationships with stakeholders at all levels
Proficiency in budget planning, analysis, and allocation
Ability to maintain objectivity and focus in challenging situations, achieving consensus among differing viewpoints
Deep knowledge of academic research library trends and developments within the higher education sector
Excellent organization and time management skills with a proven commitment to quality assurance, accuracy, and fiscal responsibility
Ability, commitment, and motivation to help create and sustain a transparent and collaborative organizational structure focused on agile user-centered services and operations, continuous improvement, and inclusivity
Advanced proficiency with MS-Office productivity tools
Familiarity with higher education, administrative, and human resources data management and visualization tools and systems * Position may include long hours and occasional travel
Company: University of Waterloo
Expected salary:
Location: Waterloo, ON
Job date: Fri, 12 Feb 2021 23:30:15 GMT