Head, Research Support and Engagement - Libraries

WVU Libraries is seeking a dynamic and engaging leader for the position of Head, Research Support and Engagement Unit. This newly created unit will provide a variety of services and an active program of education, training, advocacy, support, and information sharing regarding a wide range of services that support the research mission of the University. The Head will provide leadership and direct a team approach to services including reference and research support, scholarly communications, research data management, systematic reviews, patents, grant funding or other specialized services. Specific responsibilities include:

• Lead the Research Support and Engagement unit in proactively identifying and responding to emerging trends in academic libraries and university research, ensuring alignment with the evolving needs and expectations of WVU's students, faculty, and researchers.
• Oversee the department's development of research focused instruction and online aids/learning materials.
• Coordinate the department's engagement with Student Success and Instruction Unit (SSI) on course-integrated instruction for courses focused on research methods, advanced literature searching, scholarly communications and publishing, or thesis/dissertation preparation and facilitate collaboration with the West Virginia Regional History Center on course-integrated instruction for upper-level courses that include advanced primary source research methods.
• In collaboration with the SSI Unit, lead and collaborate on the graduate student employment program, Library Chat Service, Library Research Workshops, and the Downtown Graduate Research Commons Space.
• Provide ongoing supervision, mentorship, and support to departmental employees, empowering them to excel in their roles and as a team while ensuring an environment that promotes growth, creativity, and motivation among all library employees.
• Evaluate employees regularly both formally and informally, acknowledging their achievements, addressing areas for improvement, and nurturing a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous learning.
• In partnership with the Libraries Enterprise Team, develop and articulate Research Support and Engagement's strategic direction, goals, and objectives aligned with WVUL's overall mission and organizational priorities.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, teamwork, and transparency within the department and across library units.
• In partnership with the Assistant Dean of Strategy, Planning, and Impact, develop and implement assessment strategies to evaluate the effectiveness and impact of departmental services, resources, and initiatives.
• Identify and engage with campus research stakeholders such as the Office of Research, the Office of Undergraduate Research, and others while also collaborating with administrators and researchers across campuses to support research needs, including the Health Sciences Center.
• Participate in Research Support and Engagement services, including instruction, research support, reference, and other specialized services.
• Pursue professional development and/or research opportunities aimed at enhancing leadership/management competencies within WVUL and research services within the scope of the department like research data management, data services, etc.

Condition of Work and Benefits

• Twelve-month assignment, 37.5 hours weekly M-F with occasional weekend and evening work possible.
• Flexible Hybrid work schedule possible.
• Faculty rank and status, non-tenure track.
• Health and retirement benefits.
• Generous paid vacation, holiday, and sick leave.
• A supportive work environment with funding support for research and professional activities.
• Faculty rank is determined by the WVU Library Criteria for Library Faculty Appointment, Retention, Promotion, and Merit. We anticipate hiring at the Associate University Librarian level with a salary that starts at $68,000 plus administrative supplement (expected min total salary $80,000), however, rank is determined by years served in a professional librarian capacity. Faculty ranks are determined by years of professional experience or its equivalent.
• Assistant University Librarian (5 years or fewer), Associate University Librarian (6 year to 12 years) and University Librarian (13 years or more).
• Exemplary job performance, professional development and/or research, and service are required for reappointment and promotion in rank.

Required Qualifications:

• Master's degree in library science from an ALA-accredited program.
• A minimum of five (5) years of academic library experience post-MLS is required.
• Successful administrative library experience in an academic library with evidence of progressively more responsible experience.
• General understanding and vision of the role of an academic library in the campus research enterprise.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience delivering advanced research support such as one or more areas including but not limited to scholarly communications, research data management, advanced searching techniques, etc.
• Experience in providing services in an academic library.

Application Procedure

The application review process will begin January 13, 2025, and continue until the position is filled. A complete application must include:

• Cover letter which includes addressing the required and preferred qualifications of the position
  
• Resume or Curriculum Vitae
  
• Contact Information for three (3) current, professional references
  

About WVU Libraries

The WVU Libraries encompasses seven libraries: the Downtown Library which includes the West Virginia and Regional History Center, Evansdale Library, Health Sciences Library (Morgantown), Law Library, Health Sciences Library (Charleston), Mary F. Shipper Library at Potomac State College, and Beckley Library at WVU Institute of Technology. The William A. Neal Museum of the Health Sciences and its collections are part of the Libraries system and located on the Morgantown Health Sciences campus. Our collections include more than 1.4 million physical books, serials, and media and over 2.1 million electronic resources including ebooks, ejournals, streaming media as well as over 20,000 linear feet of special collections manuscript and archives holdings and over 100,000 books that document the unique history and culture of West Virginia and central Appalachia.

West Virginia University is a place of purpose and community. We take pride in our profound impact on the state of West Virginia and are committed to the personal and professional growth of our employees.

From the groundbreaking R1 research at our flagship campus in Morgantown to the career-oriented programs at WVU Potomac State in Keyser, and the technology-intensive programs at WVU Tech in Beckley, the contributions of WVU employees resonate across the state, touching lives and shaping futures.

At WVU, you will discover a supportive community that champions work-life balance and fosters a collaborative atmosphere. Our core values - service, curiosity, respect, accountability and appreciation - unite us as Mountaineers.

We are dedicated to creating an inclusive and engaging working environment and actively seek candidates who bring diverse ideas, approaches and experiences.

Join us at West Virginia University, where your work will make a lasting impact. To learn more about WVU, visit wvu.edu.

West Virginia University is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer and is the recipient of an NSF ADVANCE award for gender equity. We value diversity among our faculty, staff and students and invite applications from all qualified applicants regardless of race, ethnicity, color, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, nationality, genetics, disability, or Veteran status.