Deputy Dean of Libraries

Overview

Princeton University Library (PUL) seeks an accomplished, collaborative, and visionary leader to serve as its next Deputy Dean of Libraries. As the Dean's principal strategic partner and advisor, the Deputy Dean plays a pivotal leadership role in shaping the future of one of the world's premier research libraries.

Reporting directly to the Dean of Libraries and Robert H. Taylor 1930 University Librarian, the Deputy Dean provides strategic leadership, operational oversight, and organizational coordination across the Library. The Deputy Dean is responsible for advancing institutional priorities, strengthening organizational effectiveness, and fostering partnerships both within Princeton University and across the broader national and international research library community.

Additionally, the Deputy Dean oversees four key areas: Assessment and User Experience; Content Access, Metadata, and Fulfillment; Physical Projects and Space Planning; and Communications.

The Deputy also serves as Chair of the Library Administration Team (LAT), supporting operational coordination across the Library's senior leadership structure, highlighting synergies, and fostering cross-departmental collaboration and innovation.

Applicants are requested to include a cover letter with their application.

Responsibilities

Strategy and Planning

• Synthesize complex and competing priorities into actionable recommendations and decision-making frameworks.
• Lead the development, interpretation, and implementation of strategic priorities that support the Library's long-term sustainability and impact.
• Represent and advocate for PUL’s perspectives in University-wide planning and decision-making forums.
• Identify emerging risks, organizational challenges, and strategic opportunities.
• Facilitate cross-functional collaboration and alignment across Library divisions.
• Build and sustain productive, collaborative relationships with University leaders, faculty, and external partners.
• Sponsor and lead strategic, cross-divisional initiatives.

Operational and People Leadership

• Lead and develop approximately 100 staff members through a team of directors and managers in four key departments:  Assessment and User Experience; Content Access and Metadata  Services; Physical Projects and Space Planning; and Communications.
• Lead and ensure effective operational planning and business continuity preparedness.
• Foster a culture of collaboration across PUL, strengthening organizational resilience and operational capability across departments.
• Develop and promote high-performing, user-centered services that advance the Library's mission.

Decision-Making and Organizational Development

• Help ensure that the Library’s governance structures are both efficient and representative of its mission, vision, and staff
• Oversee ethical stewardship of Library and patron data.
• Lead the Library's accessibility program across physical and digital environments.
• Leverage Assessment and User Experience data to inform strategic decision-making based on PUL’s operational needs.
• Partner with Library and campus leaders to align the Library's value and impact with needs of faculty and students

External Representation

• Build and maintain relationships with peer institutions and professional organizations.
• Represent and advance the interests of PUL at regional, national, and international meetings and conferences.
• Foster strategic collaborations within organizations such as the Ivy Plus Library Confederation, Association of Research Libraries, Coalition for Networked Information, and related communities.
• Participate in university committees and working groups related to operational excellence, accessibility, assessment, and strategic initiatives.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Library and Information Science from an ALA-accredited program or a master's degree in a related field.
• Minimum of ten years of progressively responsible leadership experience in an academic or research institution.
• Significant experience leading complex operational and service organizations.
• Demonstrated success serving as a senior strategic advisor to executive leadership.
• Experience navigating complex academic, administrative, and financial environments.
• Knowledge of current trends in academic library operations.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, inclusion, and staff development.
• Demonstrated experience with library communications and institutional messaging strategies.
• Familiarity with integrated library systems, including Alma or similar platforms.
• Experience building collaborative partnerships across organizational boundaries.
• Outstanding communication, leadership, analytical, and relationship-management skills.
• Experience managing diverse workforces, including unionized and non-unionized employees.
• Ability to lead effectively in complex, dynamic environments.

Preferred qualifications

• Active participation in professional organizations such as ARL, IPLC, CNI, EDUCAUSE, or similar associations.
• Experience serving as a deputy, chief of staff, or senior advisor to a chief executive.
• Experience leading major capital projects, renovations, or space planning initiatives.
• Experience leading business continuity planning and organizational responses to large-scale disruptions.

Princeton University is an Equal Opportunity Employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

The University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's qualifications, work experience, education/training, key skills, market, collective bargaining agreements as applicable, and organizational considerations when extending an offer. The posted salary range represents the University's good faith and reasonable estimate for a full-time position; salaries for part-time positions are pro-rated accordingly.

If the salary range on the posted position shows an hourly rate, this is the baseline; the actual hourly rate may be higher, depending on the position and factors listed above.

The University also offers a comprehensive benefit program to eligible employees. Please see this link for more information.

Standard Weekly Hours

36.25

Eligible for Overtime

No

Benefits Eligible

Yes

Probationary Period

180 days

Essential Services Personnel (see policy for detail)

No

Physical Capacity Exam Required

No

Valid Driver’s License Required

No

Experience Level

Director #LI-SB1

Salary Range

$170,000 to $255,000