Associate Dean, Research

Associate Dean, Research & Collections (Five-year term appointment)

University of Saskatchewan Job Location: Apply By: December 7, 2026 Date Created: 11/09/2026

Primary Purpose

Joining the organization at a pivotal time as it implements a new strategic plan, the Associate Dean, Research & Collections has the opportunity to shape how the University Library navigates the complex scholarly communications landscape at the University of Saskatchewan. Driven by the principles of Open Access and Open Scholarship, this position is responsible for areas including: research support services (such as research data management, data/GIS, digital humanities); oversight of the $16M acquisitions budget to build impactful physical and digital collections; collections services; special collections and the university’s archives; library systems, discovery, and access. Serving as the liaison to the Information and Communications Technology group assigned to the Library, the incumbent establishes the organization’s needs and priorities.

This position serves as a member of the Library’s senior leadership team, working in close collaboration to advise the dean and advance the Library’s goals. Helping to shape a positive and inclusive organizational culture where employees feel valued and empowered to bring about change in service to our faculty and students, the incumbent cultivates an environment where everyone can succeed. The portfolio includes ensuring strategic and administrative effectiveness of multiple programs and activities in the Research Services, Collections and Discovery, and University Archives and Special Collections Divisions. The incumbent will also have responsibility for advancing a supportive environment for faculty librarians as they pursue research endeavors.

Nature of Work

Associate Deans are empowered to think boldly and creatively about how library initiatives advance the broader campus vision. The Associate Dean, Research & Collections is expected to build relationships and cultivate partnerships across the University Library and throughout the campus, positioning the Library as an essential collaborator in advancing research. Expected to lead strategic projects (including capital planning projects), and ensure progress on key initiatives, this position works collaboratively with other colleges and administrative units to advocate for and enhance the capacity and quality of library services and collections. Working in a community of diverse partners, the incumbent must demonstrate awareness of and commitment to Indigenization and decolonization, equity, diversity, inclusion, accessibility and anti-racism. Success requires taking a proactive approach to identifying and scoping key services, collaborations with campus partners, and coaching and mentoring employees. The portfolio includes administrative oversight of select faculty direct reports, with employees consisting of both faculty and staff – and a total complement of ~40 employees. The Associate Dean will serve as the Dean’s delegate for important functions such as representing the University Library on relevant university committees.

The Associate Dean contributes to collegial processes, including Assignment of Duties, annual review, as well as librarian onboarding. An out-of-scope faculty position, it is expected that the Associate Dean will allocate approximately 75% of their time to the Associate Dean, Research & Collections portfolio, and 25% to ongoing individual academic and research activities.

Accountabilities for Associate Deans

Organizational Leadership

• Together with the Dean and senior leadership team, develops and executes a shared vision and strategic direction for the University Library, that aligns with the university’s institutional strategies
• Works collaboratively with other leadership team members to ensure cross-division alignment and success grounded in a positive and inclusive organizational culture
• Upholds commitments to and makes decisions in alignment with Indigenization and Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility and Anti-Racism frameworks
• Regularly assesses workforce needs to ensure alignment with strategic plan and organization’s priorities and actively develop employees
• Proactively and regularly scans the internal environment to identify opportunities for operational effectiveness in library functions, specifically in-person and online services, and is responsible for implementation
• Develops relationships and partnerships with other academic and administrative units across campus to advance shared goals

Research & Collections Portfolio Leadership

• Sets the vision and strategic direction of the Research & Collections portfolio, including a programmatic approach managing the acquisition’s budget, delivering in-person and online research services, and cam