Associate Dean, Research and Learning Services

Associate Dean, Research and Learning Services

University of Washington Job Location: Date Created: 09/16/2026

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Libraries at the University of Washington invites applications for the Associate Dean, Research and Learning Services at the rank of Associate Librarian or Librarian, with an anticipated start date in the first quarter of 2027. UW librarians have an annual service period of 12 months (July 1-June 30). We seek applicants who demonstrate commitment to excellence in library service in a diverse and inclusive academic community.

UNIVERSITY OF WASHINGTON AND THE UW LIBRARIES

The University of Washington comprises campuses in Seattle, Bothell and Tacoma, as well as a world-class medical center. Serving all three UW campuses, the UW Libraries is an integral partner in the education, research, clinical care, and service mission of the University. Beyond the strength of its extensive collections and digital resources, the Libraries is recognized for its excellent programs and services, innovative learning and research spaces, faculty partnerships, global reach, assessment efforts and diverse award-winning staff.

RESEARCH AND LEARNING SERVICES

Research and Learning Services (RLS) provides user-centered services to the UW community through support for research, teaching, and learning. Composed of eight departments (Access Services; Assessment; Communications; Facilities; Data Services, Sciences, & Health Sciences; Open Scholarship & Publishing and Arts & Humanities; Learning Services & Social Sciences; and the Tateuchi East Asia Library), the portfolio provides public services to advance the mission of the University and the Libraries strategic goals. Units work collaboratively to build integrated services and spaces across multiple Seattle Campus Libraries.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Reporting to the Dean of University Libraries, the Associate Dean for Research & Learning Services (RLS) provides visionary, strategic, and operational leadership for a large and dynamic portfolio of approximately 130+ staff across eight departments. The Associate Dean, RLS reports to the Dean of Libraries and is a member of the Libraries senior management team.

This position is not tenure eligible. Note: Non-represented librarians are covered under the Administrative Librarian Personnel Code currently under revision.

This position is eligible for hybrid work (on campus and remote).

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

Strategic Leadership and Vision

• Advance and shape a shared strategic vision for Research & Learning Services, building on ongoing efforts to reimagine services in support of strategic priorities of UW Libraries and in alignment with the University of Washington's commitments to research excellence, student success, digital transformation, and public impact.
• Anticipate and respond to trends in higher education, including AI-enabled research, open science, evolving scholarly communication models, and new modes of teaching and learning.
• Lead, mentor, and develop a diverse workforce; build leadership capacity at all levels; and cultivate a culture of trust, accountability, and continuous learning.
• Engage with campus stakeholders to advance the work of the Libraries around research, teaching and learning support.
• As a member of the University Libraries' senior leadership team, participate in strategic planning, development of new initiatives, financial planning, resource and policy development, and governance.

Management

• Support organizational agility, effective change management, and cross-unit collaboration.
• Foster staff excellence through professional development, succession planning, and inclusive leadership practices.
• Promote a robust culture of assessment and evidence-based decision-making.
• Build strong partnerships with faculty, students, academic leadership, and administrative units across UW (including UW Tacoma and UW Bothell, as appropriate).
• Facilitate collaboration with campus partners on digital initiatives, research infrastructure, teaching innovation, and student success programs.
• Represent the Libraries on institution-wide committees and strategic initiatives.
• Co-chair the Seattle Operations Group to identify, recommend, plan, coordinate, and implement pathways to align operations with the Libraries Strategic Plan, while also balancing needs of services and collections for tri-campus Libraries staff, UW students and faculty, and the broader community locally and beyond.
• Work with UW Bothell and UW Tacoma to support the One Library: Three Campuses operating principles.
• Collaborate with Libraries Advancement to identify funding opportunities and cultivate donor support for strategic priorities.
• Ensure sustainable use of f