Head of Research and Teaching, Smith College (Northampton, MA)
Posted June 11, 2026
Description
Smith College Libraries seeks an innovative leader for the Head of Research and Teaching. Managing a dynamic six-member team of unionized staff, you will serve as the strategic bridge between academic librarians and campus partners to evolve user-centered research and teaching models. This role coordinates innovative pedagogy, including addressing AI implications, leads the “Ask Us” research consultation program, and provides direct subject-librarian support.
Smith College Libraries offer a vibrant workplace dedicated to supporting the learning, teaching, and scholarship of the Smith community and beyond. The library system includes the iconic Neilson Library, Alumnae Gymnasium, Hillyer Art Library, and Josten Performing Arts Library. Blending robust general research collections with one of the world’s premier Special Collections, including the internationally renowned Sophia Smith Collection of Women’s History, the Libraries encourage experimentation, foster staff development, and maintain an ongoing commitment to equity and inclusion. Additionally, as a member of the Five College Consortium, Smith actively shares extensive library resources with Amherst College, Mt. Holyoke College, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
Requirements
Candidates must hold a Master’s degree in Library Science or an equivalent degree and possess 8 years of library teaching experience and have 3-5 years experience in academic library leadership. Strong communication, collaboration skills, and a commitment to anti-oppressive professional practices are required.
Qualifications
- Masters degree in Library Science, Information Studies, Education or equivalent field
- At least 8 years of experience with teaching in a library setting and 3-5 years of leadership experience with research services in academic libraries
- Knowledge of current issues and trends in pedagogy on the undergraduate and graduate level
Preferred Qualifications
- Progressively responsible project, service or team management experience.
- A strong commitment to public service, knowledge of current issues and methods of teaching information literacy, including applications of artificial intelligence, and experience with providing research assistance.
- Strong knowledge of collection development and management practices.
- Experience working in highly-structured organizations, program development, assessment, user experience, universal design and managing service models in libraries.
- Experience navigating the organizational landscape of collective bargaining units (unions).
- Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills including service orientation with ability to interact with diverse constituencies. S
- ubject area expertise in an academic discipline.
Compensation
In addition to a competitive benefits package, annualized pay for this role is typically between $78,449.03 – $106,136.92 covering the middle half of market compensation. Actual compensation will vary based on individual qualifications and work schedule if less than full-time.