Associate Dean, Research & Collections, Library

Primary Purpose
Joining the organization at a pivotal time as it implements a new strategic plan, the Associate Dean, Research & Collections has the opportunity to shape how the University Library navigates the complex scholarly communications landscape at the University of Saskatchewan. Driven by the principles of Open Access and Open Scholarship, this position is responsible for areas including: research support services (such as research data management, data/GIS, digital humanities); oversight of the $16M acquisitions budget to build impactful physical and digital collections; collections services; special collections and the university’s archives; library systems, discovery, and access. Serving as the liaison to the Information and Communications Technology group assigned to the Library, the incumbent establishes the organization’s needs and priorities.

Nature of Work
Associate Deans are empowered to think boldly and creatively about how library initiatives advance the broader campus vision. The Associate Dean, Research & Collections is expected to build relationships and cultivate partnerships across the University Library and throughout the campus, positioning the Library as an essential collaborator in advancing research. 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 and collections. Working in a community of diverse partners, the incumbent must demonstrate awareness of and commitment to 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 direct reports, with employees consisting of both faculty and staff – and a total complement of ~40 employees. The Associate Dean will serve as the Dean’s delegate for important functions such as representing the University Library on relevant university committees.

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 strategies.
- 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 makes 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 organization’s priorities and actively develop employees.
- Proactively and regularly scans the internal environment to identify opportunities for operational effectiveness in library functions,



specifically in-person and online services, and is responsible for implementation.
- Develops relationships and partnerships with other academic and administrative units across campus to advance shared goals.

Organizational Leadership

- 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 strategies.
- 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 makes 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 organization’s priorities and actively develop employees.
- Proactively and regularly scans the internal setting to identify opportunities for operational effectiveness in library functions, specifically in-person and online services, and is responsible for implementation.
- Develops relationships and partnerships with other academic and administrative units across campus to advance shared goals.

Research & Collections Portfolio Leadership

- Sets the vision and strategic direction of the Research & Collections portfolio, including a programmatic approach managing the acquisition’s budget, delivering in-person and online research services, 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 r

📌 Associate Dean, Research (Saskatoon)
🏢 University of Saskatchewan
📍 Saskatoon