[LIBJOBS] Job Posting: Assistant Head for Instructional Services, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia

Assistant Head for Instructional Services
VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY

The VCU Libraries invites applications and nominations for the position of Assistant Head for Instructional Services in Research and Instructional Services (RIS). VCU Libraries seeks a creative, energetic, and collaborative individual to lead the Instructional Services unit within RIS. The incumbent will be responsible for a highly successful suite of education services on the Monroe Park Campus of VCU that includes virtual and classroom instruction. The Assistant Head of Instructional Services will establish departmental goals and objectives for an integrated collection of programs that teach research skills, promote information literacy, and enhance the student experience at VCU. He or she will promote state-of-the-art services through continual innovation and awareness of national trends and best practices. The successful candidate will join a culturally and academically diverse faculty of the highest caliber.

Responsibilities
Reporting to the Head of Research and Instructional Services (RIS) at the James Branch Cabell Library, the Assistant Head for Instructional Services supervises a team of five, including two librarians, responsible for the development of education services on the Monroe Park Campus. The successful candidate will serve as the primary liaison to one or more academic departments. Specific departments will be assigned to the position based on the incumbent’s academic preparation and interests. The Assistant Head leads and participates in the design, delivery, and assessment of instructional services and coordinates the overall teaching activities of the department’s nine reference librarians and five classified staff. The Assistant Head for Instructional Services supervises the work of the First Year Student Programs Librarian and the Undergraduate Student Programs Librarian who design education initiatives for undergraduate students enrolled in the University and Honors Colleges. The Assistant Head collaborates with the Research Services’ unit liaison librarians to expand instructional services for academic departments. The incumbent will oversee the integration of library collections and services into course management software; identify best practices and set standards of excellence for teaching; advise instructors of emerging trends; and provide training and continuing education to library instructors. He or she is responsible for exploring new technologies and identifying opportunities for their effective application. The Assistant Head manages the library’s teaching facilities, including the Library Instruction Classroom. As a member of the RIS leadership team, he or she will understand and advance the department’s overall objectives, engaging in projects and activities that further these goals. The successful candidate will provide reference assistance, including some evenings and weekends. The Assistant Head for Instructional Services is expected to be active professionally and to contribute to developments in the field. Faculty with the VCU Libraries are evaluated, and promoted, on the basis of job performance, scholarship, and professional development and service.

Qualifications
Required: ALA-accredited graduate or equivalent accredited degree in an appropriate academic discipline. Preferred: Substantial experience designing and leading instructional activities that range from first year programs to course-integrated support for graduate and research programs. Demonstrated knowledge of instructional design and the application of technology to instructional services. Evidence of effective project management skills and the ability to plan and implement a program of services. Experience assessing instructional services, including classroom instruction and Web-based offerings, and developing course content. Understanding of learning theory and pedagogy. Significant experience with course management software, Web authoring tools, multimedia, and other instructional technologies. Demonstrated commitment to teaching and student learning. Ability to formulate and articulate a vision for instructional services. Preference for collaboration and group work. Supervisory experience. Academic reference and instruction experience as a subject liaison in a research library. Ability to meet deadlines and manage competing priorities under pressure. Strong service orientation. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Experience working in a culturally diverse environment highly preferred.

Salary: Salary commensurate with experience, not less than $52,000 annually. This is a full-time, non-tenured faculty position. Normal faculty benefits apply, including 24 vacation days annually and choice of retirement and annuity plans. For more information about benefits, see http://www.hr.vcu.edu/benefits/.

For more information about the VCU Libraries, please visit our home page at http://www.library.vcu.edu/. Review of applications will begin September 19, and will continue until the position is filled. By email, submit cover letter, resume, and the names, addresses, and telephone numbers of three references to:

Pamela H. Fraga
Assistant to the University Librarian
VCU Libraries, Virginia Commonwealth University
901 Park Avenue
PO Box 842033
Richmond, VA 23284-2033
804-828-1107
804-828-0151 (fax)
phfraga@vcu.edu

Virginia Commonwealth University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer.
Women, minorities, and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.