Associate Dean of Libraries, UMaine Libraries, (Machias, ME)

Posted August 17, 2026

Job Description:

The Associate Dean of Libraries is a member of the UMaine Libraries leadership team and, under the direction of the Dean of Libraries, is responsible for financial planning and personnel management. Providing leadership to ensure that UMaine Libraries makes the most effective use of resources in meeting operational needs, the Associate Dean will manage all Libraries business functions including implementation of financial procedures. This role will also support cross-departmental project coordination and provide administrative oversight – to include Merrill Library staff at the University of Maine, Machias – to ensure that projects and assessments are carried out in a timely and effective manner while ensuring alignment with the mission and vision of the University of Maine Libraries. The Associate Dean serves as the primary library administrator in the dean’s absence, and represents the Libraries at campus, system, regional and national fora.

Position Duties:

• Provides leadership and oversight for the library’s financial operations and long-range
  budget planning, ensuring fiscal sustainability and compliance with institutional policies
• Develops and manages the annual budget process, including anticipating future base
  budget needs and allocations, in collaboration with the Dean
• Works closely with the Dean to determine the availability and allocation of all funds,
  including Fogler and Merrill Libraries, Maine InfoNet, UMaine System Libraries (UMSL)
  databases, the State Research Library Fund, the University Press, and Library Gift
  accounts
• Represents the Libraries in financial matters both within and outside the University;
  liaises with campus and system financial units (Accounts Payable, UMaine Finance
  Office, Strategic Procurement, Payroll, University Foundation, etc.)
• Provides expenditure reports, analysis, and budgetary support to the Dean, Head
  of Collections Services, Maine InfoNet Executive Director, and UMaine Press Director
• Works with UMSL Directors and staff to prepare multi-campus purchase orders, monitor
  progress, and follow up with UMS financial contacts to ensure that purchase orders are
  approved and submitted for payment
• Prepares regular, special, and ad hoc special report/projections including statistical and
  data analysis
• Under the direction of the Dean and in compliance with UMaine policies and union contracts, supervises all personnel actions including recruitment, hiring, position changes, performance management, progressive discipline, and separation. This work is done in consultation with UMaine Human Resources and possibly the Office of Equal Opportunity, Legal Counsel and the Employee Assistance Program
• Supervises full-time Merrill Library staff and partners with other supervisors to develop
  effective and supportive supervisor-employee relationships, and supports performance
  improvement
• Establishes and maintains personnel records management practices consistent
  with University policy and procedures
• Supports coordination of library-wide projects by establishing and managing timelines, monitoring project progress, and providing direction and updates as needed
• Assists in formally defining clear metrics of success for each project to ensure alignment
  with institutional priorities
• Ensures that performance indicators and expectations are communicated effectively to all
  staff responsible for implementation

Qualifications:

Required:

• Master’s degree in Library & Information Science (MLS/MLIS) from an ALA-accredited program
• Demonstrated competency in budget development, planning, and management
• Demonstrated experience in personnel management, including staff supervision and
  accountability, such as providing performance feedback, implementing corrective
  actions, and maintaining documented records of staff coaching and corrections
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to engage effectively
  with faculty, librarians, and external partners

Preferred:

• Two or more years of experience as unit head or higher in an academic library
• Project management experience
• Knowledge of Alma, Primo, Specto, and other library software
• Experience in collective bargaining and shared governance environment

Hours & Compensation:

Work Schedule: 40 hours per week. Work beyond regular hours may be necessary (to include nights and weekends) to meet the requirements of the position.

 The hiring range for this position is $85,000 to $92,000 commensurate with qualifications and experience.

How To Apply:

To learn more about this position and to apply, please visit the official job posting, linked here.