Associate Dean - Hunter Library -

The primary location of this position is on-site in Cullowhee, NC. This position is designated as being exempt from the State of North Carolina Human Resources Act (EHRA).

Western Carolina University invites applications and nominations for the position of Associate Dean of Library Services. The Associate Dean will be a knowledgeable, experienced, adaptable, and highly capable administrator with a demonstrated record of success in building, leading, and sustaining new programs and partnerships in libraries. The position will require a broad understanding of higher education institutions and how libraries contribute to the university’s teaching and learning mission. Functioning as the deputy director for library administration, the Associate Dean will be an integral member of the Hunter Library leadership team and will be expected to oversee library-wide programs and activities, including strategic planning and goal setting in assigned areas; marketing and communications; internal communications; and library assessment. The Associate Dean will supervise the Access Services Manager and guide operational matters such as policy building, interdepartmental communication, human resources, and assessment for the Circulation and ILL units.

As appropriate and delegated, the Associate Dean will represent the library in campus and community activities.

Reporting to the Dean of Library Services, this is a 12-month, non-tenure-track position. The Associate Dean serves as a resource for library faculty and staff, in a working environment that highly values collegiality, collaboration, and creativity.

Areas of responsibility will include:

• Library marketing, external communications, outreach and public relations
• Internal communication, including maintaining a newsletter for library employees and building tenants
• Leadership and coordination of library assessment and annual reporting
• Supervision of the Access Services Manager, assisting with policy development, human resources, interdepartmental communication, and decision-making
• Coordination of the library’s internship program

Minimum Qualifications

• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employment sponsorship or any immigration-related assistance.Master’s degree in library and information science from an ALA-accredited institution and 3+ years of progressive experience in academic libraries
• Minimum of five years of successful experience in public relations, communications, and/or library assessment
• Demonstrated familiarity with academic library operations
• Effective interpersonal communication and teamwork skills
• Proven experience running multiple, concurrent projects to completion

Preferred Qualifications

• Successful supervisory experience
• Demonstrated experience in circulation, interlibrary loan, or related access services

Position Type

Permanent Full-Time

Number of Hours Per Week

40

Number of Months Per Year

12

Posting Text

Open Date

09/09/2026

Close Date

Open Until Filled

Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants

Application materials must be submitted online. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until a candidate has been selected for hire.

Please include a cover letter, current resume and a list of three professional references with complete contact information.

For questions or additional information please contact Dana Boyer at (828) 227-2325.

Background/E-Verify

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks.

Western Carolina University uses E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify. Proper documentation of identity and employability are required at the time of employment.

Credential Verification

All new employees are required to have listed credentials/degrees verified within 30 days of employment. All new employees who will be teaching are required to provide official transcripts within 30 days of employment. Transcripts should be provided for the highest earned degree and/or the degree which is being used to satisfy credential/qualification requirements.

EOE

Western Carolina University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race; color; ethnicity; religion; sex; pregnancy; sexual orientation; gender identity or expression; national origin; age; disability; genetic information; political affiliation; National Guard or veteran status, consistent with applicable federal, state and local laws, regulations, and policies, and the policies of The University of North Carolina. Persons with disabilities requiring accommodations in the application and interview process please call (828) 227-7218 or email at [email protected].

University Safety

The Western Carolina University Annual Safety Report is available online at University Annual Safety Report or in hard-copy by request at the office of the Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, 227 HFR Administration Building, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7147) or the Office of University Police, 111 Camp Annex, Cullowhee, NC 28723 (828-227-7301). The report, required of all universities participating in Title IV student financial aid programs, discusses crime statistics, procedures for reporting suspicious or criminal activity, security, police authority, crime prevention strategies, university policies on substance abuse and sexual offenses, workplace violence and fire safety.