Founded in 1819, the University of Cincinnati ranks among the nation’s best urban public research universities. Home to more than 53,600 students, 12,000 faculty and staff, and over 360,000 living alumni, UC, a Carnegie 1 institution, combines research prowess with a physical setting The New York Times has called “the most ambitious campus design program in the country." UC's momentum has never been stronger as the anchor of the Cincinnati Innovation District, the oldest cooperative education (co-op) program in the country with students earning $94 million annually through paid experiences, an academic health system, and as a member of the Big 12 Conference. The university contributes $10.6 billion in economic impact to the city and $22.7 billion to the state of Ohio. At UC, next is all of us. Learn more at uc.edu.

UC is a mission-driven organization where we are committed to student success and positively transforming the community through scholarship and service. We thrive on innovation, making an impact, and fostering an environment where staff and faculty are key contributors to UC’s success.

Job Overview

The University of Cincinnati Libraries (UCL) seeks a strategic, outcomes-focused leader to fill the Associate Dean for Research & Instruction (AD) position. The AD will join the senior leadership team and be a part of continuing the transformation of the research library at the university. As a member of the senior leadership team, the AD works collaboratively to realize the UC Libraries’ vision and strategic directions.

The AD champions the implementation of the UC Libraries’ strategic plan and takes responsibility for meeting goals pertaining to research and instruction. The AD has programmatic, strategic, budgetary, managerial and operational responsibilities for the following libraries and departments in the University of Cincinnati Libraries: Research & Teaching Services, Research & Data Services, Scholarly Communications, Donald C. Harrison Health Sciences Library, College of Engineering and Applied Science (CEAS) Library, Science Library, Robert A. Deshon and Karl J. Schlachter Library for Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP) and the College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services (CECH) Library.

Other management portfolios may be assigned as the organization adapts to meet the needs of a growing campus community. The AD will develop programs and initiatives for UC Libraries and build collaborative partnerships beyond the organization to move UC Libraries toward its goals.

Relationship and Authority: The AD reports directly to the Dean and University Librarian. The AD has responsibility and authority for library instruction and research services at UC Libraries. In addition, the AD serves as the senior administrator for Research & Teaching Services, Research & Data Services, Scholarly Communications, Donald C. Harrison Health Sciences Library, College of Engineering and Applied Science (CEAS) Library, Science Library, Robert A. Deshon and Karl J. Schlachter Library for Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP) and the College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services (CECH) Library.

Essential Functions

Collaborates with the Dean and senior leaders to identify needs, establish priorities, and develop goals, objectives, actions and measures of success.
Takes ownership of goals and initiatives within the strategic plan that relate to areas of responsibility.
Leads the overall strategy and direction of UC Libraries’ instruction and research services, including administering policies, procedures and best practices.
Leads the assessment of the research and instruction needs of faculty and students and develops programs and services to meet those needs.
Builds strategic and collaborative partnerships with campus leaders to integrate the libraries’ collections and services into curricula and research workflows.
Recruits, hires, evaluates, develops and retains faculty and staff who meet or exceed user expectations.
Promotes a culture of evidence-based decision making through developing and supporting evaluation and assessment of research and instruction services.
Achieves organizational effectiveness through the successful management of financial and personnel resources.
Fosters a workplace culture where those from all backgrounds, experiences and perspectives can succeed.
Chairs and serves on committees related to areas of responsibility or assigned by the Dean.
Represents UC Libraries at regional, national and global professional engagements with the expectation of raising UC Libraries’ visibility and reputation.

Required Education

• Graduate degree in Library and Information Science from an ALA accredited program.

Required Experience

Progressive leadership and management experience, including senior level management experience in an academic research library or equivalent.
Experience with research and instruction services in an academic setting.
Demonstrated ability to initiate and lead change within a culture of higher education.
Knowledge of higher education, including emerging trends, challenges and opportunities.
Ability to lead effectively across a complex organization and in collaboration with a variety of individuals and groups.
Ability to consistently meet goals and objectives in an outcomes-driven working environment.
Superior interpersonal and communication skills, especially in understanding user needs and motivating team members. Strong written, oral and listening skills needed to persuasively communicate with faculty, staff and students.
Experience with mediating conflict in the workplace.
Demonstrated complex analytical, problem-solving and project management skills.
Excellent customer service aptitude and commitment to high quality and responsive service.
Demonstrated ability to cultivate and advocate for an environment of inclusive excellence.

Additional Qualifications Considered

Evidence of previous scholarly activities including publications, presentations, and professional association participation at the regional, national, and international level.
Experience in assessment and evaluation, particularly in academic libraries.
Prior success in writing grant proposals and successful grant administration.
Demonstrated experience and leadership in developing complex and collaborative projects.

Application Process

Applications without a cover letter and CV/Resume will not be considered for the position.

3 References will be checked during final stages.

For first consideration, applications must be received by January 4, 2026.

Physical Requirements/Work Environment

Office environment/no specific unusual physical or environmental demands.

Compensation and Benefits

UC offers an exceptional benefits package designed to support your well-being, financial security, and work-life balance. Eligibility varies by position and FTE. Highlights include:

Comprehensive Tuition Remission

UC provides tuition remission for you and your eligible dependents, covering tuition costs for nearly all undergraduate and graduate programs offered by the university.

Robust Retirement Plans

As a UC employee, you won’t contribute to Social Security (except Medicare). Instead, you’ll choose between state pension plans (OPERS, STRS) or an Alternative Retirement Plan (ARP), with UC contributing 14–18% of your salary based on position.

Real Work-Life Balance

UC prioritizes work-life balance with a generous time-off policy, including:

Vacation and sick time

11 paid holidays and additional end-of-year paid time off (Winter Season Days)

6 weeks of paid parental leave for new parents

Additional Benefits Include:

Competitive salary range of $120,000 -$150,000 based on qualifications and experience
Comprehensive health coverage (medical, dental, vision, prescription)
Flexible spending accounts & wellness programs
Professional development & mentorship opportunities

For questions about the UC recruiting process or to request accommodations with the application, please contact Human Resources at jobs@uc.edu.

Equal Opportunity Employer. Building a workplace where all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment, including Individuals with Disabilities and Protected Veterans.

REQ: 100434

Apply now

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