Associate University Librarian

University of Michigan

Associate University Librarian

Job Summary

The University of Michigan Library in Ann Arbor is one of the world's largest academic research libraries. We serve a vibrant university community that is home to 19 schools and colleges, 100 top ten graduate programs, and annual research expenditures exceeding $2.04 billion.

This Associate University Librarian (AUL) provides visionary, strategic, and administrative leadership for shaping and advancing the University of Michigan Library's technical infrastructure, process improvement, and innovation. With an expert team of Directors, the AUL develops and stewards the Library's well-regarded technology and technical services portfolio, which supports the lifecycle, discovery, access, and stewardship of library resources and services, in collaboration with colleagues across the library and university. The AUL champions innovation in workflow, production, and project management processes, and strengthens partner and stakeholder relationships, creating efficiencies that align information technology and technical services investments with the university's academic priorities. The AUL cultivates key collaborative relationships across the university and with consortial partners to leverage the University of Michigan Library's expertise, resources, and knowledge in a wide variety of interdependent networks.

As a senior library administrator, the AUL reports directly to the Dean of Libraries and works in close partnership with other members of the library administration team to lead and advance the organization as a whole. The AUL is responsible for leading strategic planning, enhancing service development and sustainability, and guiding the operations, policy development, budgeting, communications, training, and professional activities of the departments within their division. The AUL supervises 6 department directors and guides the work of more than 80 librarians, professional staff, and student employees.

About You

We seek candidates who prioritize collaboration and are committed to developing people. You will guide teams through change and build a culture of accountability, transparency, active listening, and clear communication that enables others to do their best work. We welcome your vision and inclusive leadership to help develop the library's strategy, shape the future of the library's technology and technical services, strengthen partnerships, and advance innovative, accessible, and sustainable services. The position description is available at this link.

What You'll Do

• Develop and implement forward-looking strategies for the library's information technology and technical services portfolio, aligning programs, investments, and emerging technologies with the library's and the university's priorities.

• Guide the development and management of technology infrastructure and production-oriented technical workflows across the lifecycle of library resources, strengthening discovery, access, accessibility, and long-term stewardship.

• Set strategic direction, allocate resources, and provide administrative guidance for divisional operations, services, policies, procedures, and major initiatives.

• Partner with library administration, campus information technology leaders, and external organizations to develop and sustain reliable services, coordinate infrastructure, resolve issues, and advance shared goals.

• Lead organizational change and continuous improvement by evaluating and reimagining workflows, improving efficiencies, and encouraging innovation, experimentation, and meaningful risk-taking.

• Oversee, mentor, and develop six department directors; guide workforce planning, recruitment, performance management, professional development, and employee growth across the division.

• Foster collaborative, user- and partner-centered service delivery across organizational boundaries, including sponsoring cross-library teams and strengthening coordination among library locations and departments.

• Use assessment, evaluation, and data analysis to inform decisions and continuously improve services, workflows, programs, and resource allocation.

• Represent the library with university stakeholders, consortial partners, and national organizations, advancing the University of Michigan Library's role in collaborative and interdependent networks.

• Plan, manage, and monitor a large divisional operating budget with accountability and transparency, identifying opportunities to control costs and increase organizational impact.

• Required Qualifications

• A graduate degree in computer science, information systems/technology, educational technology, library science, archival or museum studies, or any related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Demonstrated ability to lead production-oriented technical teams, workflows, and/or projects, including the ability to envision and communicate high-level strategy for IT and technical services in alignment with Library and University goals.

• Demonstrated experience leading through organizational change.

• Collaborative leadership skills with proven success in developing and sustaining deep partnerships with colleagues both internally and externally.

• Understanding of academic library technologies, services, and user needs.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for diverse audiences and a commitment to transparency, with the ability to actively gather, synthesize, and act on input from a wide variety of stakeholders.

• Skilled prioritization for a complex work environment, including a track record of effective organization, time management, and follow-through.

• Commitment to and record of modeling, mentoring, and developing individuals and teams.

• Desired Qualifications

• Experience navigating, negotiating, and building key relationships in a higher education, academic, non-profit and/or business setting.

• Experience developing and implementing sustainable annual and long-term budgetary resource management plans.

• Experience developing, documenting, evaluating, and communicating about technical processes, policies, and procedures.

• Experience leading the development, implementation, and maintenance of library-specific technologies.

• Modes of Work

• Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

• Additional Information

• The University of Michigan offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance, generous time off (24 vacation days per year and 15 sick days per year), matched retirement contributions with immediate vesting, professional development opportunities, and more. TIAA and Fidelity Investments' retirement benefits are available.

• For questions about this posting or to request accommodations, please contact

• This position currently allows a hybrid or fully on-site work environment. Flexible work agreements are reviewed annually and are subject to change depending on the business needs of the hiring department throughout the course of employment. Fully remote work is not applicable to this position. Please see the University of Michigan's Remote Employment Policies and Agreements for more information.

• Application Deadline

• Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. This job may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

• We expect this posting to be open for the full 30-day posting period.

• Applications will be reviewed as received throughout the posting period, and continue until the posting is closed.

• U-M EEO Statement

• The University of Michigan is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing an environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities.

• Job Detail

• Job Opening ID

• 283608

• Working Title

• Associate University Librarian

• Job Title

• Associate University Librarian

• Work Location

• Ann Arbor Campus

• Ann Arbor, MI

• Modes of Work

• Onsite

• Hybrid

• Full/Part Time

• Full-Time

• Regular/Temporary

• Regular

• FLSA Status

• Exempt

• Organizational Group

• Univ Library

• Department

• University Library

• Posting Begin/End Date

• 9/28/2026 - 10/28/2026

Salary

$160,000.00 - $200,000.00

Career Interest

Libraries & Museums