Associate Dean, Academic Engagement, Library

Primary Purpose
Joining the organization at a pivotal time as it implements a new strategic plan, the Associate Dean, Academic Engagement has the opportunity to shape the future of what service delivery, instruction, and community engagement look like at the University of Saskatchewan. This position serves as a member of the Library’s senior leadership team, working in close collaboration to advise the dean and advance the Library’s goals. Helping to shape a positive and inclusive organizational culture where employees feel valued and empowered to bring about change in service to our faculty and students, the incumbent cultivates an environment where everyone can succeed. The portfolio includes ensuring strategic and administrative effectiveness of multiple programs and activities in the Learning and Curriculum Support and Public Services divisions, and the liaison librarian program.

Nature of Work
Associate Deans are empowered to think boldly and creatively about how library initiatives advance the broader campus vision. The Associate Dean, Academic Engagement is expected to build relationships and cultivate partnerships across the University Libraries and throughout the campus, positioning the Library as an essential collaborator in advancing teaching and learning. Expected to lead strategic projects (including capital planning projects), and ensure progress on key initiatives, this position works collaboratively with other colleges and administrative units to advocate for and enhance the capacity and quality of library services. Working in a community of diverse partners, the incumbent must demonstrate awareness of and commitment to issues around Indigenization and decolonization, equity, diversity, inclusion,



accessibility and anti-racism. Success requires taking a proactive approach to identifying and scoping key services, collaborations with campus partners, and coaching and mentoring employees. The portfolio includes administrative oversight of select faculty and staff direct reports – and a total complement of ~50 employees. The Associate Dean will serve as the Dean’s delegate for significant functions such as representing the University Library on relevant university and/or external committees.

The Associate Dean contributes to collegial processes, including Assignment of Duties, Annual Review, as well as librarian onboarding. An out-of-scope faculty position, it is expected that the Associate Dean will allocate approximately 75% of their time to the Associate Dean, Academic Engagement portfolio, and 25% to ongoing individual academic and research activities.

Accountabilities for Associate Deans

- Together with the Dean and senior leadership team, develops and executes a shared vision and strategic direction for the University Library, that aligns with the university’s institutional priorities.
- Works collaboratively with other leadership team members to ensure cross-division alignment and success grounded in a positive and inclusive organizational culture.
- Upholds commitments to and make decisions in alignment with Indigenization and Equity, Diversity,



Inclusion, Accessibility and Anti-Racism frameworks.
- Regularly assesses workforce needs to ensure alignment with strategic plan and organizational priorities.
- Actively develop employees to build leadership capacity and foster shared decision-making and accountability.
- Develops relationships and partnerships with other academic and administrative units across campus to advance shared goals.

Academic Engagement Portfolio Leadership

- Sets the vision and strategic direction of the Academic Engagement portfolio, including a programmatic approach for the public services, instruction, student support services, the Saskatchewan Health Information Resources Program and Health Human Resources, facilities’ management, and campus and community engagement, in alignment with broader organization and campus priorities.
- Applying a people-centred leadership approach, prioritizes visibility and engagement with units and builds relationships to advance the portfolio’s impact.
- Leadership facilitates and ensures a cohesive user experience across all library locations and online platforms.
- In collaboration with the Library’s Assessment Analyst and in consultation with employees in the portfolio, determines accountability and assessment metrics for instruction and research consultation services.
- Together with the portfolio’s managers, determines annual goals and accountabilities.
- Proactively and regularly scans the internal and external environments to identify opportunities for operational effectiveness in library functions, specifically in-person and online services and instruction delivery, and is responsible for implementation.

📌 Associate Dean, Academic Engagement, Library (Saskatoon)
🏢 University of Saskatchewan
📍 Saskatoon