The University of Pennsylvania Libraries invites applications for the position of Gershwind & Bennett Family Associate Vice Provost for Collections & Scholarly Communications. This senior strategic leadership role, reporting directly to the H. Carton Rogers III Vice Provost and Director of Libraries, is pivotal in overseeing a wide array of outward-facing services. These encompass academic and student engagement, research services, community engagement, collection strategy, scholarly communicati... more details
University Overview
The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2023.
Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.
The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.
Posted Job Title
Associate Vice Provost for Collections & Scholarly Communications
Job Profile Title
Associate Director, University Library B
Job Description Summary
The University of Pennsylvania Libraries invites applications for the position of Gershwind & Bennett Family Associate Vice Provost for Collections & Scholarly Communications. This senior strategic leadership role, reporting directly to the H. Carton Rogers III Vice Provost and Director of Libraries, is pivotal in overseeing a wide array of outward-facing services. These encompass academic and student engagement, research services, community engagement, collection strategy, scholarly communications, and the administration of eleven departmental libraries and centers that serve professional schools and specific subject areas.
Central to supporting the diverse academic needs of the Penn community, this role strategically enhances the Libraries' support for research, teaching, and publishing. The Associate Vice Provost for Collections & Scholarly Communications develops and nurtures relationships across campus with faculty, academic leaders, and students to understand and support their research and educational goals, fostering partnerships that enhance the library's role as an integral component of the university's academic fabric. The incumbent not only extends the Libraries' reach in support of the broader university but also actively engages with the broader Philadelphia community and maintains a strong program with libraries in the School District of Philadelphia.
With administrative oversight of a substantial $30 million collections budget, the role is responsible for stewarding the Libraries' world-renowned collections of 9.8 million print and electronic volumes and a vast array of digital resources. This includes leading strategic planning to develop and maintain useful and enduring collections that robustly support Penn’s research, teaching, and outreach missions.
Moreover, the incumbent will be a key figure in shaping the local and global scholarly communications ecosystem, advocating for open access, and implementing innovative publishing solutions that promote the broad dissemination of Penn’s scholarship. This role involves high-level decision-making that influences the library's strategic direction and integration into the larger academic strategy of the institution.
A significant aspect of this position involves the administration of eleven departmental libraries and centers, each catering to the unique academic demands of professional schools and specific disciplines. The Associate Vice Provost for Collections & Scholarly Communications will oversee the alignment of these libraries with the strategic goals of the university, ensuring they effectively contribute to the academic success of their respective communities. This role entails working closely with library directors, heads, and staff to enhance services, optimize resource allocation, and integrate these libraries seamlessly into the broader Penn Libraries system.
Directing a team of 90 staff, the Associate Vice Provost for Collections & Scholarly Communications is not only a key figure in library management but also pivotal in strategic planning processes at the University. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of library collections at one of the nation’s leading research institutions. The ideal candidate will be a visionary leader who is committed to advancing library services to campus, enhancing academic and community engagement, and ensuring that the Penn Libraries continue to meet the highest standards of academic support and resource stewardship.
Job Description
Responsibilities
- Academic Engagement: Lead and innovate in academic support services by working closely with faculty and students to enhance research and learning outcomes through targeted library services and resources. This includes overseeing a team of subject librarians dedicated to meeting the specific needs of individual schools and departments.
- Collection Strategy: Oversee the strategy, development, and management of the Libraries’ print and digital collections, aligning with institutional objectives and priorities. Administer a substantial annual budget of $30 million for collections and scholarly communications, ensuring strategic allocation and expenditure. Lead long-range planning to develop and maintain enduring, accessible collections and information resources in support of Penn’s research, teaching, and outreach mission.
- Scholarly Communications Advocacy: Champion scholarly communications and partner with Penn faculty and governance bodies. Engage in national advocacy and exert influence on the scholarly publishing ecosystem.
- Libraries & Spaces Administration: Direct the operation and outreach of thirteen specialized libraries, centers, and commons, serving various professional schools and subject areas, including the Fisher Fine Arts Library, Penn Museum Library, Levy Dental Medicine Library, Chemistry Library, Math/Physics/Astronomy Library, Veterinary Medicine Libraries, Albrecht Music Library, Lippincott Library of the Wharton School, Center for Global Collections, Holman Biotech Commons, Education Commons, and Weigle Information Commons.
- Collaborative Initiatives: Represent Penn in collaborations with various library consortia and professional organizations. Lead initiatives with peer institutions to further the Libraries' and the University’s interests.
- Community Engagement: Develop and implement strategies for engaging with the broader Philadelphia community, including collaborations with the School District of Philadelphia and local organizations to promote educational initiatives and public programs.
- Staff Leadership and Development: Provide leadership and direction to a division comprising 90 staff members, including professional and support staff. Foster a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement across all areas of responsibility.
Qualifications
Required:
- Master’s degree in Library Science from an ALA-accredited institution or equivalent in a relevant field and a minimum of 10 years related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Extensive leadership experience with a track record of successfully supporting a teaching, learning, and research enterprise, and engaging diverse academic communities.
- Demonstrated expertise in managing large-scale research collections and budgets in a research library setting.
- Visionary in the development and execution of scholarly communication strategies
- Strong record of collaboration with academic and external partners.
- Proven leadership skills with the ability to manage, inspire, and advocate for large and diverse teams.
- Excellent communication and collaborative skills.
- Minimum 5 years managerial experience.
Preferred:
- Prior fundraising experience.
- Experience managing or working in a departmental, satellite, or campus library.
Application Requirement:
A Cover Letter and Resume/CV are required to be considered for this position. Please upload your Cover Letter where it asks you to upload your Resume/CV; multiple documents are allowed.
Job Location - City, State
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Department / School
University Library
Pay Range
$110,850.00 - $240,000.00 Annual Rate
Salary offers are made based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, as well as internal and market factors and grade profile.
Affirmative Action Statement
Penn adheres to a policy that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.
Special Requirements
Background check required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.
University Benefits
Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts: Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family’s health and welfare. You can also use flexible spending accounts to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.
Tuition: Take advantage of Penn's exceptional tuition benefits. You, your spouse, and your dependent children can get tuition assistance here at Penn. Your dependent children are also eligible for tuition assistance at other institutions.
Retirement: Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn’s Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.
Time Away from Work: Penn provides you with a substantial amount of time away from work during the course of the year. This allows you to relax, take vacations, attend to personal affairs, recover from illness or injury, spend time with family—whatever your personal needs may be.
Long-Term Care Insurance: In partnership with Genworth Financial, Penn offers faculty and staff (and your eligible family members) long-term care insurance to help you cover some of the costs of long-term care services received at home, in the community or in a nursing facility. If you apply when you’re newly hired, you won’t have to provide proof of good health or be subject to underwriting requirements. Eligible family members must always provide proof of good health and are subject to underwriting.
Wellness and Work-life Resources: Penn is committed to supporting our faculty and staff as they balance the competing demands of work and personal life. That’s why we offer a wide variety of programs and resources to help you care for your health, your family, and your work-life balance.
Professional and Personal Development: Penn provides an array of resources to help you advance yourself personally and professionally.
University Resources: As a member of the Penn community, you have access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities. Take advantage of the University’s libraries and athletic facilities, or visit our arboretum and art galleries. There’s always something going on at Penn, whether it’s a new exhibit at the Penn Museum, the latest music or theater presentation at the Annenberg Center, or the Penn Relays at Franklin Field to name just a few examples. As a member of the Penn community, you’re right in the middle of the excitement—and you and your family can enjoy many of these activities for free.
Discounts and Special Services: From arts and entertainment to transportation and mortgages, you'll find great deals for University faculty and staff. Not only do Penn arts and cultural centers and museums offer free and discounted admission and memberships to faculty and staff. You can also enjoy substantial savings on other goods and services such as new cars from Ford and General Motors, cellular phone service plans, movie tickets, and admission to theme parks.
Flexible Work Hours: Flexible work options offer creative approaches for completing work while promoting balance between work and personal commitments. These approaches involve use of non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures.
Penn Home Ownership Services: Penn offers a forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia, which can be used for closing costs or home improvements.
Adoption Assistance: Penn will reimburse eligible employees on qualified expenses in connection with the legal adoption of an eligible child, such as travel or court fees, for up to two adoptions in your household.
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To learn more, please visit: https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/benefits-pay
