Connecticut College, a highly selective four-year residential college with a history of excellence in the liberal arts and sciences, seeks a visionary and highly accomplished leader to serve as its next Vice President for Information Services and College Librarian (VPIS/CL).
Located in the historic port city of New London, Connecticut College’s mission is to educate students to “put the liberal arts into action as citizens of a global society.” Central to its 750-acre arboretum campus, and to the College’s mission, is the award-winning Charles E. Shain Library, a vibrant, light-filled space of teaching and learning.
Reporting to President Katherine Bergeron and recognized as a participating member of the faculty, the VPIS/CL is the chief information officer of the College, responsible for developing an inclusive vision for Information Services that positions the College for success. As a member of the president’s cabinet, the VPIS/CL works collaboratively with other senior leaders to equitably plan, budget, and oversee operations in support of the College and its bold curriculum, Connections.
The VPIS/CL leads the libraries and information technology of Connecticut College, including traditional library services, administrative computing, telecommunications, networks, desktop computer support, Web services, digital scholarship, special collections and archives, instructional technology, and data security. The division of Information Services manages and supports open-access computing labs, departmental computer labs, the Digital Scholarship and Curriculum Center, media services, and technology-rich classrooms—allowing students and faculty to achieve their research and academic goals, with the instructional skills to use resources ethically and effectively.
The next VPIS/CL will have an exceptional opportunity to work with a talented staff and a strong team of senior leaders to support faculty and student achievement at the highest level and build on the strength of Connecticut College as it enters its second vibrant century.
More information about Connecticut College and this opportunity is available in the prospectus.
Qualifications
The ideal candidate for this position will be a dynamic and visionary professional with an advanced degree (Ph.D. preferred) and at least 10 years of progressive leadership experience. The candidate will demonstrate a deep commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, and to the sharing of resources to support the evolving technological needs of 21st century faculty, students, and staff. Success working with a broad range of constituents, along with sensitivity, humility, and discretion, are necessary. A positive attitude is required, and a good sense of humor is appreciated.
The new Vice President for Information Services and College Librarian will be a:
- Seasoned professional within Libraries and/or Information Services with a strong appreciation for both functional areas and the ability to advocate for whichever may be less central in their personal past professional experience.
- Thoughtful and inclusive manager who has experience supervising, mentoring, and developing a broad staff with different priorities, professional training, and functional expertise.
- Visionary and optimistic leader, ready to join a campus of doers who are committed to raising the College to a new level, and able to navigate change in ways that honor the College’s history and traditions while supporting its future and the evolving technology and intellectual considerations of Information Services and Libraries.
- Consummate professional that sets the standard for character, competence, and service, by demonstrating sensitivity, confidentiality, and good judgment in all personnel and institutional matters.
They will demonstrate:
- The ability to manage complex budgets, advocate for resources, and understand the incredible opportunities as well as the fiscal constraints of the College.
- Intellectual curiosity and attraction to the mission and vision of Connecticut College; commitment to the ways that Information Services and the Library are core to the mission and critical to the vision of the College.
- A service-oriented mindset, looking for ways to foster strong relationships with students, faculty, staff, and alumni in meeting their needs and building positive partnerships across a diverse population of administrators, staff, and faculty in a culture of shared governance.
- Competence, confidence, and humility; the ability to listen to staff who may have deeper expertise within a functional area, and the competence and confidence to see the department as a whole in considering strategic initiatives and planning.
To Apply
Inquiries, nominations, and applications are invited; review of candidates will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled. Applicants should include their resume and cover letter. The cover letter should reflect how their qualifications and experience match those described in this leadership profile, including their demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion within the context of Information Services and Library leadership.
Connecticut College has retained Opus Partners for this search, which is being led by Sarah Gaines, Associate Partner, and Katie Dean, Associate Partner. To apply, send materials to Abigail Maynard, Senior Associate, at abigail.maynard@opuspartners.net. For full consideration, materials should be received no later than March 24, 2023, though applications will be accepted until the role is filled.
As a selective residential liberal arts college, Connecticut College is committed to creating a vibrant community enriched by diverse perspectives, talents, and experiences. We encourage applications from candidates who share this commitment and will contribute to the diversity of our college community, especially members of historically under-represented groups. AA/EOE.
