ASSISTANT DEAN for Special Collections & Archives - LIBRARIAN III/IV (Ranked Faculty) / UMKC UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES

UNIVERSITY of MISSOURI-KANSAS CITY

UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES

Assistant Dean of Special Collections & Archives

The UMKC University Libraries are seeking an experienced leader to serve as our Assistant Dean of Special Collections and Archives. The Assistant Dean serves as a member of the Deans' Leadership Group and works collaboratively with the Dean and the Associate Dean of Library Services to articulate the vision and strategic direction of the Libraries and to implement the Libraries' strategic plan. Together, they develop and manage the Libraries budget according to established standards and practices.

The Assistant Dean of Special Collections and Archives provides focused leadership for the Division, overseeing its operations while advancing research in a world-class special collections operation. The Assistant Dean oversees the acquisition, original and copy cataloging, metadata and resource description, and physical and digital preservation of rare and distinctive materials. The position supports primary source research, special collections access, digital exhibits and projects, experiential learning, and campus and external community engagement.

The Assistant Dean administers the Special Collections and Archives (SCA) Division, which includes the internationally renowned Marr Sound Archives, LaBudde Special Collections, the UMKC University Archives, Digital Projects, and UMKC Libraries Cataloging & Resource Management. The SCA Division serves UMKC students and faculty as well as visiting scholars and researchers. The Assistant Dean ensures representation of the UMKC Libraries in University of Missouri System-wide initiatives to build, organize, maintain and preserve digital and physical collections and archives and ensure compliance with university policies on records management and archives. The Assistant Dean monitors trends in special collections librarianship, archives and catalog management, and digital collections to recommend appropriate adoption and implementation of new technologies, standards, and methods. The Assistant Dean works to seek external funding through government and foundation grants for projects that advance the priorities of the Division, and to encourage Division faculty to do so as well. This position is a 12-month, non-tenure track, ranked benefit-eligible faculty librarian appointment, has supervisory responsibilities, and reports to the Dean of Libraries.

Special Collections & Archives Division

Due to recent transitions and strategic planning, the UMKC University Libraries are seeking to hire both an Assistant Dean of Special Collections & Archives and the Head of LaBudde Special Collections at this time. Our intention is to recruit for, hire, and train these positions as a cohort. It is our hope that these positions can complement each other in skill sets and complete our team in the Special Collections & Archives (SCA) Division where levels of experience range from emerging professionals to well experienced librarians.

The UMKC University Libraries' Special Collections & Archives (SCA) division consists of LaBudde Special Collections, University Archives, Marr Sound Archives, Cataloging & Resource Management, and Digital Projects. SCA's primary source materials are rich in the humanities, particularly in local performing arts, LGBTQ communities, social services organizations, and Kansas City jazz as well as Kansas-Missouri late 19th century Western Americana and national radio broadcasts from the 1930s-1960s. Prominent collections in LSCUA include the Starr Women's Hall of Fame inductee collections, the Gay and Lesbian Archive of Mid-America, and the Edgar Snow Collections. SCA supports a major component of teaching and learning in the humanities, arts, and social sciences using primary source materials; provides high impact learning experiences to a broad range of students including the development of national award-winning student-curated exhibits; and directly supports undergraduate research initiatives. https://library.umkc.edu/about-us/

UMKC is a Carnegie R1 university https://www.umkc.edu/

Primary duties and responsibilities include:

Provides leadership and vision for the Special Collections and Archives Division, directly supervising six library faculty, and indirectly overseeing five departments consisting of 11 additional full-time employees and a large team of student employees.

• Promotes transparency and active dialogue with Division faculty and staff to ensure close attention to meeting library goals, planning for programs, and development of policies and procedures;
• Empowers leadership in the Division to collaborate in the management of their areas of responsibility;
• Works with SCA Division leadership, the Dean of Libraries, and the Libraries' Advancement representative to develop the SCA Division's relationship with current and prospective donors.
• Partners with the Associate Dean of Library Services to ensure consistency and continuity of services across divisions where appropriate;
• Actively works to make UMKC Libraries a welcoming community for all in accordance with the Safe and Respectful Environment policy;
• Participates in promoting engagement and visibility for the SCA Division, the Libraries and its services to the University community and the community at large through a variety of mechanisms;
• With the Dean's Leadership Group, sets the vision, mission, and strategic direction of the Libraries and establishes operational priorities and implementation of the strategic plan;
• Partners on outreach initiatives to the UMKC community to communicate library services and resources in support of academic and scholarly success at UMKC;
• Promotes high employee performance through teamwork, training and enrichment, encouragement of innovation and recognition for achievement;
• Represents the UMKC Libraries and is responsible for library-wide operations in the absence of the Dean and Associate Dean of Library Services.

Minimum Requirements:

• An American Library Association accredited master's degree OR a graduate degree in another appropriate field in combination with libraries and/or archives administration related education and experience;
• 7+ years successful and progressively responsible experience in an academic or research library setting working with rare books, manuscripts and archival materials, rare and specialized materials cataloging and description, and/or digital collections stewardship;
• Demonstrated leadership ability, with strong analytical skills, creative and innovative problem-solving skills, flexibility, and a commitment to service excellence;
• Direct experience in supervising and managing librarians and/or library staff, including all aspects of personnel management, organizing workflow to accomplish established objectives, managing change, and delegating responsibility and training;
• Demonstrated experience with successfully developing, managing, and completing large, complex, cross-organizational projects and programs in a library setting;
• Demonstrated commitment to fostering a welcoming, safe, and respectful workforce and workplace environment, while supporting professional development for staff at all levels;
• Demonstrated ability to promote teamwork and maintain effective working relationships;
• Potential to meet promotion requirements in non-tenure track appointment evidenced through service, research, leadership, innovation, and/or professional development.

Salary will be commensurate with rank and qualifications. It is anticipated that this position will be hired as a Librarian III or IV and the anticipated hiring range for this position is $75,000-$100,000. Minimum salaries for ranks are Librarian III $62,500, and Librarian IV $72,500. UMKC offers an excellent retirement/benefits package. (See the Promotion and Appointments Criteria for rank specifications and UM salaries are publicly available.)

UMKC offers full benefits that start day one, generous paid time off, paid winter break, and continuing education benefits. Visit our Total Rewards page to learn more.

Also, explore the Total Rewards website to learn more about the rewards package we offer to acknowledge our employees as the university's most important resource.

Application Instructions

View details about an informational webinar and a copy of this full posting at https://library.umkc.edu/jobs/AD-SCA

Application materials must be submitted online at UMKC Human Resources. Click View Jobs and search for ID 56067 to apply. Though the system provides prompts for uploading application materials separately, we request that applicants combine all application materials into one PDF or Microsoft Word document:

• A personal letter of interest of up to 2 pages addressing each minimum requirement and the values commitment (see below)
• Curriculum vitae (CV - as many pages as needed)
• Current contact information for 3 references

Upload this combined document when prompted to provide a resume attachment. Limit document name to 50 characters. Maximum size limit is 11MB. Do not include special characters (e.g., /, &, %, etc.).

You may address your cover letter to: Lynn Gullickson Spencer and Nara Newcomer, Search Committee Chairs.

• If you are experiencing technical problems during application, please email umpshrsupport@umsystem.edu .
• For questions about the position, please contact umkcfacultysearch@umkc.edu including the Job Identification number 56067 and name of the position.
• To request ADA accommodations, please call the Office of Equity & Title IX at 816-235-6910.

Higher education transcripts will be required for candidates advancing as finalists. Candidates will receive prior notification if references will be contacted.

This position will remain open until a qualified candidate is hired, but applications received by 11:50pm on Sunday, July 6, 2025, will be given priority consideration.

Kansas City offers the best of both worlds-a vibrant, urban community with Midwestern appeal. The city's rich history and its modern-day, innovative thinking come together to create an eclectic group of neighborhoods that offer a little something for everyone. From thriving arts districts, an energetic downtown nightlife, casual to upscale shopping and champion sports teams, you will have no problem making yourself at home. Of course, one of Kansas City's biggest claims to fame is its food, especially its world-famous barbecue. Foodies will delight in the culinary scene found throughout the city. Ranging from award-winning chefs to cozy pizza joints, Kansas City definitely is not lacking any flavor.

UMKC's campuses are conveniently nestled in the middle of all the action. Volker Campus is just minutes from the legendary Country Club Plaza, perfect for shopping or restaurants for lunch or after-work happy hours. Surrounded by hip neighborhoods and eateries, the Health Sciences Campus is located downtown near University Health Truman Medical Center and Children's Mercy Hospital.

UMKC is proud to be "Kansas City's university," and the campus and its people celebrate all the characteristics of the surrounding community. To learn more about life in Kansas City and find more resources, visit VisitKC.com.

This position is eligible for University benefits. As part of your total compensation, the University offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental and vision plans, retirement, and educational fee discounts for all four UM System campuses. For additional information on University benefits, please visit the Faculty & Staff Benefits website at https://www.umsystem.edu/totalrewards/benefits.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The University of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To request ADA accommodations, please call the Office of Equity & Title IX at 816-235-6910.