Director, Academic Commons
Job Description:
1. GENERAL POSITION INFORMATION
Position Name: Director, Academic Commons
Classification: Exempt, benefitted
FTE: Full-time
Work Hours: 8:00-4:30 PT
Department/Division: Academic Affairs/Academic Commons
Supervisor: Vice Provost
Location: Onsite or hybrid
Benefits: Comprehensive benefits package including employer paid and employer sponsored health, dental and vision insurance plan options. 403(b) retirement plan with up to 10% match after one year. Tuition waiver eligibility for UWS academic programs after one year of employment. Free and reduced cost care in the campus health center for employees and their immediate family members. Paid vacation, sick, wellness time and holidays.
2. POSITION SUMMARY
The Academic Commons at University of Western States is a robust collaborative providing centralized resources for students, faculty and staff to foster excellence in teaching and learning. The director of the Academic Commons is a visionary leader who provides oversight for the university library, research, and instructional support for teaching and learning, including supervision of staff in all three key areas. The director, in collaboration with senior administration and key strategic partners, is responsible for strategic planning, budgeting, implementation of vision, and day to day operations for the commons.
3. SUPERVISOR RESPONSIBILITIES
# of employees this position supervises: 3 - 6
Job titles of employees supervised:
Resource, Discovery and Access Librarian
Research Librarian
Instructional Support Administrator
Access Service Assistants (3)
Library student workers (5-9)
Key collaborators:
- College deans, program directors
- The Community Solution Education System partners:
- Senior Director, Library and Information Resources
- Associate Director, Instructional Design
- Grants & Compliance Team
- Senior Director, Teaching & Learning
- Director, Online Services
4. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Strategic Leadership and Planning (30%)
1. Vision and Strategy Development: Establish and implement the long-term vision and strategic goals for the academic commons, aligning with the university's mission and objectives.
2. Partnership Building: Develop and maintain relationships with faculty, departments, and strategic partners to enhance collaborative opportunities and support.
3. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Advance a commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in library resources, instructional practices, and research opportunities
4 . Assessment & Evaluation: Assess the effectiveness of instructional support services, library resources, and research supports, using feedback and data to make improvements.
Supervision and Fiscal Management (30%)
1. Supervise, mentor, and support the staff of the three academic commons divisions.
2. Hire and train new employees, including student workers, facilitating schedule development for access services assistants and student works.
3. Complete performance reviews and development plans for all direct reports. 4. Ensure compliance with institutional policies and procedures among direct reports.
5. In collaboration with the vice provost, prepare and submit an annual budget for each assigned unit.
6. Allocate resources effectively and ensure sustainability and growth of the academic commons.
7. Maintain relevant contracts for educational technology and other tools used by the academic commons when unique to UWS.
General Responsibilities (40%)
1. Collaborate with the instructional support administrator and librarians to develop and implement instructional programs and services that enhance teaching and learning, including integrating library and research resources into the curriculum.
2. Maintain and foster a collaborative relationship with library partners to further the integration of library resources, tools, services, and instruction across the university.
3. Oversee and support the integration of technology into the academic commons, including digital learning tools, online resources, and instructional technology support.
4. Facilitate relationships with grants and compliance at The Community Solution to ensure UWS policy and process alignment
5. Participate in collaborative relationships with other system universities in support of research administration and sponsored projects
6. Participate in university committees.
7. Ensure the Academic Commons functions are operating efficiently and effectively.
8. Communicate updates to the community relative to areas of Academic Commons as needed.
9. Contribute to university policy development and reporting related to the functions of the Academic Commons.
10. Other responsibilities as assigned or required in the development and day to day functions of the Academic Commons.
5. UWS CORE VALUES
Best Practices: We maintain high standards by using and integrating evidence across multiple disciplines.
Curiosity: We are innovative, open minded, and forward thinking.
Inclusiveness: We are respectful, mindful, and welcoming of different ways of being, thinking, and doing.
Professionalism: We are responsible, respectful, and accountable.
Student-Focus: We work for the common good of students’ academic and professional success.
Whole-Person Health: We promote physical, mental and emotional wellness in all facets of the UWS experience.
6. POSITION QUALIFICATIONS
Required
Education & Training: Either terminal degree in the relevant profession OR MLIS from an ALA-accredited program
Experience: Five years of progressive senior leadership experience in an academic setting or research library; A strong understanding of new and developing trends in higher education, information technology, and scholarly communication; Proven leadership abilities in creating and communicating a vision for a unit, building partnerships, and collaborating broadly to meet the demands of academic programs and needs of students, faculty, and staff; Experience with budget planning and management, presentations and training, organizational development, and program assessment and evaluation; Evidence of experience with research design development, and expertise in an area of research methods; Evidence of scholarly achievement such as publications or presentations; Experience with the sponsored programs/project and research administration enterprise; Experience writing and managing grants (research or other); experience in implementing grants and completing compliance requirements; Familiarity with research funding agencies and grant submission processes (e.g., NIH, NSF, non-profit funders); Knowledge of compliance regulations (e.g., IRBI); Ability to provide professional development for faculty, students and staff as appropriate
Related Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities: Self-sufficiency in the management of personal schedule; Proficient in document/report preparation adhering to institutional editorial guidelines; Intermediate-to-advanced computer skills required (MS Office Outlook, Word, Excel, SharePoint, Adobe Acrobat Professional); Proficiency with video conferencing systems; Working understanding and experience with learning management systems.
Other Qualifications: Professional interpersonal skills including effective verbal and written communication; Demonstrated commitment to collegiality and shared governance; Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize/execute plans and resource management to achieve desired outcomes; Ability to work independently with minimal supervision; Ability to exercise professional judgment and assume responsibility in decision making; Ability to adapt quickly to a changing environment and learn new systems and processes; Willingness and ability to follow direction from administrators as consistent with university policy; Working knowledge of FERPA student privacy regulations.
7. APPLICATION, SCREENING AND HIRING PROCESS
Screening of applicants will begin immediately, and the position will remain open until filled. To apply, please submit a resume and cover letter; you may attach your materials as Word or PDF documents.
Official transcripts from prior institutions of higher learning must be received prior to offer being extended to the finalist.
University of Western States conducts background checks for the finalist or finalists of staff and faculty positions. The type of background check will vary by position type.
University of Western States offers a generous compensation and benefits package, as well as the opportunity to work for a leader in the field of education. To learn more about our competitive benefits and additional rewards, including generous paid time-off, medical and dental insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, retirement plan with employer contribution, multiple flexible spending accounts, tuition reimbursement, click the link below.
https://www.uws.edu/about/employment/
University of Western States is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
