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University Librarian and Assistant Dean

Briar Cliff University seeks to fill the position of University Librarian and Assistant Dean, beginning no later than January 4, 2027. This is a 12-month exempt administrative position in academic affairs reporting to the Provost and Vice President for Academic and Student Affairs. The University Librarian is a non-tenure-eligible, ex officio member of the Faculty.

The University Librarian provides strategic leadership for all functions of the Bishop Mueller Library at Briar Cliff University and serves as the library’s chief administrative officer. They develop and administer a comprehensive strategic library plan that supports the mission and goals of the University and serve as the primary advocate for the library with the ability to articulate and implement a vision for the future of library services.

As assistant dean, they will lead the University’s efforts to move the library forward by working in conjunction with the provost and senior academic leadership to design and deliver data-informed and student-focused academic library programming that reflects Briar Cliff’s Franciscan values of service, caring, and openness.

The University Librarian will design and deliver for-credit research literacy courses (up to 6 credit hours per academic year), will teach research literacy sessions at the request of faculty across the disciplines, and will work with faculty and the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning to help students understand the use of artificial intelligence in their studies.

The successful candidate should have a Master of Library and Information Science degree from an ALA-accredited program or equivalent, 3 – 5 years of academic library experience with a variety of leadership responsibilities, and a current knowledge of professional library standards, practices, and procedures.

Founded in 1930 and rooted in the Catholic Franciscan tradition, Briar Cliff University is a vibrant, values-based community dedicated to academic excellence and personal growth. Located on the scenic Loess Hills overlooking the Missouri River, "The Cliff" maintains a tight-knit learning environment with a 10:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Academically, the university offers over 30 undergraduate programs and several respected graduate degrees, including recognized programs in Nursing, Physical Therapy, and Sport Management. Our commitment to the student-athlete experience is equally robust; as members of the NAIA and GPAC, the Chargers have earned 19 conference championships and were recently honored as an NAIA Champions of Character Gold Level Institution.

A city of 85,000 stretching across the corners of Iowa, South Dakota, and Nebraska (referred to as “Siouxland”), Sioux City is nestled along the Sioux River approximately 90 miles from both Omaha, NE, and Sioux Falls, SD. The city offers a vibrant, friendly community with a cost of living that is attractive for families and individuals alike. Sioux City possesses a bustling riverfront, a lively downtown arts and entertainment scene, numerous parks, and rich cultural opportunities, combining small-town charm with the amenities of a larger metropolitan area. As a regional hub for business and culture, the city features over 50 parks, the historic Orpheum Theatre, Tyson Events Center, and a mix of national retailers and award-winning local favorites. Sioux City has twice been named an “All-America City,” highlighting its strong community and significant quality of life.

Interested candidates should visit the Briar Cliff University employment website at https://www.briarcliff.edu/about/our-employees/careers for more information and to apply. Candidates should submit:

· A letter of interest describing the alignment of the candidate's qualifications with the position requirements

· Current curriculum vita

· Graduate and undergraduate transcripts (unofficial copies are fine at this point)

· Contact information (only) for three professional references

Applications received by September 1 will receive full consideration, and applications will continue to be reviewed until the position is filled. Any final offer is contingent on a successful background check. If you have any questions about this position, please email provost@briarcliff.edu.