Head of Research and Teaching

Who is Saint Louis University? Founded in 1818, Saint Louis University is one of the nation’s oldest and most prestigious Catholic universities. SLU, which also has a campus in Madrid, Spain, is recognized for world-class academics, life-changing research, compassionate health care, and a strong commitment to faith and service.

Position Summary

The Head of Research and Teaching leads information literacy and research services at Pius Memorial Library. This position envisions goals, sets priorities, and directs implementation for the Research and Instruction Services department.

Key focuses include

• integrating information literacy strategically throughout the undergraduate and graduate curriculum,
• developing and sharing expertise in evolving research-based skillsets,
• supporting the broader development of instructional skills and pedagogical approaches for staff and faculty within the Libraries and Museums,
• and coordinating with colleagues across the library to ensure that we maintain inclusive and accessible collections that meet the needs of our evolving community.

The Head is responsible for fostering relationships and engaging with university stakeholders to ensure our research and teaching activities are aligned with the University’s needs and priorities.

This position supervises six faculty subject librarians and reports to the Dean of Libraries and Museums. The Head serves on the Libraries Management Team and will work with other leaders in the library to advance the Libraries & Museums Strategic Plan and ensure the Research and Instruction department remains aligned to advance the broader organizational goals.

This is a non-tenure track faculty position at the rank of Associate Professor.

Position Purpose

Leadership and Management (40%)

• Provides leadership and oversight to the Research and Teaching Department, emphasizing a user-centered approach with a focus on accessibility, equity, and inclusion.
• Provides vision and direction for managing library instruction and assessment programs and other related initiatives.
• Works with team to develop and refine liaisons services to ensure a strong and cohesive approach that meets campus needs.
• Coordinates partnerships to enhance the library’s teaching role and educational impacts.
• Actively contributes to the Library Management Team
• Participates in library strategic planning and works collaboratively with other library department heads to achieve the Libraries’ strategic goals.
• Supervises team of faculty liaison librarians
• Establishes and implements departmental goals, ensuring cohesive services and evaluating outcomes.
• Provides guidance and support to direct reports through regular feedback including annual performance appraisals.

Instructional Program Design and Assessment (30%)

• Leads comprehensive evaluation and assessment in the following areas: information literacy instruction, encompassing both one-shot and credit-bearing instruction delivered through various modalities; library research services; and broader assessment efforts in student learning and academic success with campus partners.
• Coordinates the design, implementation, and assessment of a comprehensive information literacy instruction program that aligns with institutional priorities and reflects emerging areas of information literacy professional practice and interest.
• Advances a critical information literacy approach to the Libraries’ instruction program by providing professional learning opportunities, and by developing shared curriculum for classroom settings and other learning environments
• Promotes adoption and integration of instructional technologies, including deepening use of the learning management system and Springshare LibGuides platform, and remaining attentive to evolving technologies that would expand the Library's instructional reach
• Develops and leads student engagement and outreach library services and strategies in collaboration with library colleagues and university partners to support and advance student success initiatives.

Subject Liaison Activities (20%)

• Acts as liaison for an academic department and participates in shared department reference and instructional activities. Department assignment will depend on experience and needs.
• Fosters relationships with faculty, students, and staff within assigned departments and builds an understanding of their scholarly and education needs
• Provides in-person and virtual research assistance and consultations to students, faculty, and staff
• Designs, develops, implements, and assesses in-person and virtual library instruction and technologies
• Evaluates and selects library material in liaison subject areas to support the University's curricular and research needs

Service, Research/Scholarship and Professional Development (10%)

• Serves on committees and task forces at the department, Libraries & Museums, and University level
• Participates in local, state, and national/international professional and scholarly societies and organizations
• Conducts research and/or scholarship and presents research results thereof at conferences, through publication, or other avenues

Required Qualifications:

• An American Library Association-accredited master’s degree in Library and Information Science (MLS/MLIS/MSIS) or international equivalent
• Minimum two years of increasingly responsible, professional, relevant work experience in an academic or research library
• Experience supervising faculty or staff
• Experience in one or more of these areas: designing assessment projects, defining research questions, documenting and analyzing data, and providing recommendations for improvements
• Experience delivering teaching and learning modules in-person as well as in an online environment
• Experience with teaching information literacy concepts and skills and leading library instruction programming
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills
• Demonstrated experience working successfully with people from diverse cultural backgrounds
• Record of professional service, scholarly publishing, or research

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience employing quantitative and/or qualitative research methodologies for programmatic student learning assessment.
• Experience in planning and coordinating instruction and assessment projects and programs
• Knowledge or demonstrated experience with learning management systems (eg Canvas) and educational technologies used in libraries (Springshare products, tutorial software, etc.)
• Ability to successfully foster library employee development
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively as a team member in a dynamic environment

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Commitment

• Reflecting Jesuit values of inclusive academic excellence, the Libraries & Museums at Saint Louis University are committed to building a diverse and equitable workplace where members from all backgrounds can thrive.  We view diversity as based on one’s ability, age, gender, culture, race, religion, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic background, among other elements.  Equity involves fairness, such as treating people equitably while recognizing people’s needs may differ, and social justice for those marginalized in society.  Inclusion means creating a welcoming environment and ensuring conditions for full and meaningful participation so that all people feel valued as members of the Libraries & Museums and the wider University community.
• Please describe in around 250 words your commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and how you would contribute to these priorities at Saint Louis University.

All participants must include a cover letter addressing qualifications for the position, curriculum vitae, and three current professional references.

Function

Nonmedical Primary Appointment 12 mo.

Scheduled Weekly Hours:

40

Saint Louis University is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for the position applied for without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, military/veteran status, gender identity, or other non-merit factors. We welcome and encourage applications from minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities (including disabled veterans). If accommodations are needed for completing the application and/or with the interviewing process, please contact Human Resources at 314-977-5847.