Dean of Libraries

Overview

The University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder) seeks an innovative, collaborative, engaged, and empathetic leader to serve as its next Dean of Libraries. Inquiries, applications, and nominations are invited.

About CU Boulder

CU Boulder is Colorado’s leading public research university, transforming lives since 1876. As the state’s flagship university and one of only 38 U.S. public research institutions in the Association of American Universities (AAU), CU Boulder has proudly served Coloradans since the state’s founding. Home to five Nobel Laureates since 1989 and the only university to send space instruments to every planet in the solar system, CU Boulder provides a strong return on investment by aligning efforts to achieve research and creative excellence, global sustainability impact, and the success of all students, faculty, and staff.

About the Libraries

The University Libraries at CU Boulder serve as a vital resource for students, faculty, staff, and the broader community by offering extensive scholarly materials, inclusive spaces, and user‑centered services. With over 11 million volumes and access to thousands of research databases, the Libraries boast the largest collections in the Rocky Mountain region. Their five locations, and a separate administered law school library, support diverse academic disciplines. The Libraries are affiliated with leading national research organizations and are deeply integrated into the university’s academic mission, with faculty actively participating in governance and collaboration across the CU System.

Strategic Vision

Guided by values of inclusion, empowerment, connection, learning, and inspiration, CU Boulder Libraries aim to be a catalyst for inquiry, discovery, and knowledge dissemination. The Libraries’ strategic plan for 2023–2026 includes engaging communities to preserve cultural heritage, supporting lifelong learning, enhancing access to information, fostering inclusivity, and creating inspiring spaces. Specialized centers and collections—such as the American Music Research Center, the Center for Research Data & Digital Scholarship, and the Rare and Distinctive Collections—further enrich the Libraries’ offerings, making them a cornerstone of academic and cultural life at CU Boulder.

Responsibilities

As Dean, you will create a forward‑looking and collaborative vision for the Libraries’ future while fostering a human‑centered, inclusive, and transparent organizational culture. You will advance the Libraries’ commitment to diversity and inclusive excellence, empower and collaborate closely with the Library Leadership Team, and lead strategic efforts in philanthropy and financial stewardship. Additionally, you will strengthen partnerships across campus and with the broader community to enhance the Libraries’ impact and visibility. A strong and effective communicator, you will inspire trust, facilitate collaboration, and clearly articulate the Libraries’ mission and priorities to diverse audiences.

Qualifications

• A record of distinguished professional accomplishment, demonstrated executive administrative experience, and intellectual leadership in the area of academic libraries.
• Record of scholarship that meets the standards for tenure and appointment at the rank of Full Professor in the CU Boulder Libraries.
• Academic background and scholarship may be situated in library and information science or a related field.

Application Process

All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the leadership profile. Candidate materials should be received by January 2, 2026. Direct inquiries to : Suzanne Teer, Jessica Herrington, Maya Holt‑Brockenbrough, Ph.D., at

LibrariesDean@wittkieffer.com .

Compensation

The campus will offer an annual salary range of $290,000 – $320,000 for this role, plus a recruitment incentive and moving allowance (if applicable).

Additional Information

CU Boulder will provide a reference check program for tenured faculty appointments. All final candidates are required to complete an Authorization to Release Information.

EEO Statement

CU Boulder is a Commitment to Job Application Fairness. Applicants are not required to provide age or age‑related information and may redact related information from submissions. CU Boulder is an Equal Opportunity employer, including veterans and individuals with disabilities.

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