Dean of Libraries

Dean of Libraries

UIW Mission


Position Summary
The University of the Incarnate Word (UIW) seeks a dynamic and forward-thinking Dean of Libraries to lead a multifaceted, mission-driven library system that advances teaching, learning, and scholarship. Reporting to the Provost, the Dean serves as the chief administrative and strategic leader for all library programs, services, and facilities, while also overseeing the Center for Teaching and Learning. This role is central to aligning library operations with institutional priorities, supporting a diverse academic community, and ensuring responsiveness to the rapidly evolving landscape of higher education and academic libraries.

The Dean is responsible for shaping and executing a collaborative strategic vision that enhances student success, faculty research, and academic innovation. Key areas of leadership include advancing information literacy, particularly in the context of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence; strengthening digital scholarships and open educational initiatives; and expanding access to collections through effective resource management and digitization. The Dean will also play a critical role in accreditation, institutional effectiveness, and assessment efforts while fostering strong partnerships across academic units and external consortia.

The Dean will oversee a $3.8 million budget and 27 staff and will be responsible for guiding resource allocation in a complex, multi-campus environment. The Dean must serve as a visible advocate for UIW Libraries, leveraging data-informed decision-making and cultivating external funding opportunities through grants and philanthropy. Additionally, the role requires expertise in vendor negotiations, licensing, and collaborative partnerships to ensure the sustainability and growth of library services and infrastructure.

UIW seeks a collaborative and inclusive leader with extensive experience in academic libraries, a deep understanding of evolving trends in scholarly communication and higher education, and a commitment to mission-driven service. The ideal candidate will foster a high-performing team culture, strengthen cross-campus engagement, and position the UIW Libraries as a central driver of learning, discovery, and lifelong intellectual growth within a diverse and globally oriented Catholic institution.

Essential Functions


Job Duties


Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Understanding of the challenges facing higher education libraries and the intellectual ability to envision opportunities for innovation in academic/research libraries.
• Awareness and ability to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations.
• Thorough knowledge of the changing scholarly communication model and the ability to implement policies and practices that benefit academic/research library users.
• Thorough understanding of copyright and fair use as well as open licensing.
• Understanding of how to effectively utilize space to meet the evolving needs of students and faculty.
• Ability to provide leadership as the University navigates the impacts of artificial intelligence.
• Ability to develop a high-functioning, collaborative environment for a multifaceted organization.
• Deep commitment to supporting the professional development and success of library staff.
• Commitment and record of creating a welcoming and inclusive work environment.
• Ability to effectively engage donors and identify grant opportunities that will provide additional resources to further the goals of the Libraries and the University.
• Commitment and record of commitment to enhancing student engagement and success while ensuring access and affordability of information, including a keen understanding of undergraduate and graduate experiences and how libraries support these learners.
• Commitment to building partnerships across a complex university, with other institutions and consortia, and within the broader San Antonio community.
• Excellent active listening, spoken, and written communication skills.
• Passion for the value and opportunities inherent in contemporary Catholic higher education, along with an unwavering commitment to the University's mission and values.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse communities and cultures.
• Employee shall adhere to all applicable rules and regulations of the University, the Conference, and the NCAA.

Required Education
A graduate degree is required. A Master's of Library / Information Science from an ALA Accredited Program is preferred.

Required Work Experience
Minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible professional experience in academic or research libraries, including at least 6 years in administrative leadership roles. Demonstrated experience overseeing library budgets, operations, facilities, and other key functional areas; contributing to institutional accreditation processes; negotiating agreements for library resources, systems, and services; supporting strategic planning initiatives; and advancing library programs, services, collections, and digital research platforms.

Preferred Qualifications
None specified.

Required Certifications, Licenses or Registrations
None specified.

Work Hours
Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm with extended hours as needed to meet departmental goals.

Physical Demands

• Ability to regularly move about multiple Library locations, campus and event venues to actively engage faculty/staff/donors/guests /potential/current students, as well as attend meetings on and off campus as appropriate.
• Ability to actively engage in Library and other events for extended periods of time.

Posting Number: CA082PO
Job Type: Full Time
Job Category: Contract Administrator
Desired Start Date: 06/01/2027
Position End Date (if temporary):
Reports To: Provost
Salary: Commensurate with experience.
Open Date: 08/19/2026
Close Date: 09/02/2026
Open Until Filled: No

Special Instructions to Applicant
Applications, nominations, and inquiries can be submitted through the WittKieffer Candidate Portal. Applicants should submit, as separate documents, a CV or résumé and a letter of interest that addresses the themes outlined in this profile. WittKieffer is assisting University of the Incarnate Word in this search. For full consideration, candidate materials should be received by September 2, 2026.

The search is being led by the WittKieffer team of Ryan Crawford, Cathryn Davis, and Corin Edwards. Nominations and inquiries can be directed to: Cathryn Davis at cdavis@wittkieffer.com and Corin Edwards at cedwards@wittkieffer.com.

To apply, visit https://jobs.uiw.edu/postings/31668

UIW is committed to a policy of equal opportunity in employment, without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, national origin, age, marital status, disability, genetic information, gender identity or expression, veteran status, pregnancy, and religion (except in limited circumstances when religious preference is both permitted by law and deemed appropriate as a matter of University policy). je-329d2947e3564ba0a417d4d6cfdc2b13