Associate Vice Provost for Operations

University Overview

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn’s distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America’s Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Posted Job Title

Associate Vice Provost for Operations

Job Profile Title

Associate Director, University Library B

Job Description Summary

The University of Pennsylvania Libraries invites applications for the position of Associate Vice Provost for Operations. This senior strategic leadership role is pivotal in overseeing all core, internal library services, encompassing preservation, conservation, physical processing, acquisitions, licensing, access services, and technical services, and the stewardship of a high-density storage facility, the Libraries Research Annex (LIBRA).

Reporting directly to the H. Carton Rogers III Vice Provost and Director of Libraries, the Associate Vice Provost for Operations is entrusted with maintaining the operational efficiency and integrity essential to the smooth functioning of the Penn Libraries. This role is critical not just for managing workflows and resources, but also for driving innovations that align with the rapid evolution of information discovery and academic library services.

Directing a team of 90 staff, the incumbent will spearhead efforts to integrate advanced technologies and sustainable practices across all facets of library operations, enhancing the library’s ability to support the university’s research and educational missions. By implementing data-driven strategies and fostering a culture of continuous improvement, this role ensures that Penn Libraries remain at the forefront of academic resource management, adapting proactively to the changing needs of a diverse scholarly community.

As a key member of the library’s leadership team, the Associate Vice Provost for Operations will work collaboratively with other leaders to craft and execute strategic initiatives that enhance user engagement and satisfaction, promote innovative resource discovery and accessibility, and ensure the preservation of knowledge. This position not only supports the academic endeavors of the University of Pennsylvania but also contributes to the broader academic landscape through leadership in national and international forums on library operations and innovations.

This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of library services in one of the nation’s leading research institutions, ensuring that the Penn Libraries continue to meet the highest standards of academic support and resource stewardship.

Responsibilities

Job Description

• Technical Services and Information Processing Center: Lead technical services, including the Information Processing Center and Global Studies Technical Services, to ensure efficient processing, cataloging, discovery, and metadata management, reducing backlogs and turnaround times and optimizing resource allocation.
• Acquisitions, Access & Licensing: Develop and execute a strategic approach to acquiring, negotiating, and licensing materials, both print and digital, that maximizes budget efficiency and ensures timely access to resources for the university community.
• Access Services and Resource Sharing: Enhance the user experience through efficient management of circulation, resource sharing, and access services. Implement innovative solutions to increase user satisfaction and operational agility.
• Preservation, Conservation, Exhibits & Physical Processing: Oversee preservation, conservation, exhibits, and physical processing efforts, focusing on methods and technologies to extend the lifespan and maximize accessibility to physical and digital collections.
• Optimizing Operational Efficiencies: Implement and continuously improve processes to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of library operations. Utilize data-driven strategies to streamline workflows, reduce costs, and improve service delivery across all internal services.
• Collaborative Initiatives: Represent Penn in collaborations with various library consortia and professional organizations, including the Ivy Plus Libraries and PALCI. Lead initiatives with peer institutions to further the Libraries' and the University’s interests.
• Staff Leadership and Development: Provide leadership and direction to a division comprising 90 staff members. Foster a culture of excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement across all areas of responsibility.
• Libraries Research Annex (LIBRA): Oversee the high-density off-site storage facility with a focus on maximizing space utilization and improving processing and retrieval systems to ensure reliable intellectual access and rapid delivery of materials.
  
  
  

Qualifications

Required:

• Master’s degree in Library Science from an ALA-accredited institution or equivalent in a relevant field and a minimum of 10 years related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Proven experience in managing large-scale library operations with a strong emphasis on operational efficiencies.
• Significant expertise in at least one of the following areas: acquisitions, technical services, preservation, access services, or resource sharing.
• Proven leadership skills with the ability to manage, inspire, and advocate for large and diverse teams.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate and lead change to improve processes in complex library settings.
• Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Minimum 5 years managerial experience.
  
  
  

Preferred

• Successful track record of securing and managing grants.
• Experience integrating cutting-edge technologies within library operations to enhance service delivery and operational efficiency.
  
  
  

Application Requirement

A Cover Letter and Resume/CV are required to be considered for this position. Please upload your Cover Letter where it asks you to upload your Resume/CV; multiple documents are allowed.

Job Location - City, State

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Department / School

University Library

Pay Range

$110,850.00 - $240,000.00 Annual Rate

Salary offers are made based on the candidate’s qualifications, experience, skills, and education as they directly relate to the requirements of the position, as well as internal and market factors and grade profile.

Affirmative Action Statement

Penn adheres to a policy that prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, creed, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected class.

Special Requirements

Background check required after a conditional job offer is made. Consideration of the background check will be tailored to the requirements of the job.

University Benefits

• Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts: Penn offers comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits to protect you and your family’s health and welfare. You can also use flexible spending accounts to pay for eligible health care and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.
• Tuition: Take advantage of Penn's exceptional tuition benefits. You, your spouse, and your dependent children can get tuition assistance here at Penn. Your dependent children are also eligible for tuition assistance at other institutions.
• Retirement: Penn offers generous retirement plans to help you save for your future. Penn’s Basic, Matching, and Supplemental retirement plans allow you to save for retirement on a pre-tax or Roth basis. Choose from a wide variety of investment options through TIAA and Vanguard.
• Time Away from Work: Penn provides you with a substantial amount of time away from work during the course of the year. This allows you to relax, take vacations, attend to personal affairs, recover from illness or injury, spend time with family—whatever your personal needs may be.
• Long-Term Care Insurance: In partnership with Genworth Financial, Penn offers faculty and staff (and your eligible family members) long-term care insurance to help you cover some of the costs of long-term care services received at home, in the community or in a nursing facility. If you apply when you’re newly hired, you won’t have to provide proof of good health or be subject to underwriting requirements. Eligible family members must always provide proof of good health and are subject to underwriting.
• Wellness and Work-life Resources: Penn is committed to supporting our faculty and staff as they balance the competing demands of work and personal life. That’s why we offer a wide variety of programs and resources to help you care for your health, your family, and your work-life balance.
• Professional and Personal Development: Penn provides an array of resources to help you advance yourself personally and professionally.
• University Resources: As a member of the Penn community, you have access to a wide range of University resources as well as cultural and recreational activities. Take advantage of the University’s libraries and athletic facilities, or visit our arboretum and art galleries. There’s always something going on at Penn, whether it’s a new exhibit at the Penn Museum, the latest music or theater presentation at the Annenberg Center, or the Penn Relays at Franklin Field to name just a few examples. As a member of the Penn community, you’re right in the middle of the excitement—and you and your family can enjoy many of these activities for free.
• Discounts and Special Services: From arts and entertainment to transportation and mortgages, you'll find great deals for University faculty and staff. Not only do Penn arts and cultural centers and museums offer free and discounted admission and memberships to faculty and staff. You can also enjoy substantial savings on other goods and services such as new cars from Ford and General Motors, cellular phone service plans, movie tickets, and admission to theme parks.
• Flexible Work Hours: Flexible work options offer creative approaches for completing work while promoting balance between work and personal commitments. These approaches involve use of non-traditional work hours, locations, and/or job structures.
• Penn Home Ownership Services: Penn offers a forgivable loan for eligible employees interested in buying a home or currently residing in West Philadelphia, which can be used for closing costs or home improvements.
• Adoption Assistance: Penn will reimburse eligible employees on qualified expenses in connection with the legal adoption of an eligible child, such as travel or court fees, for up to two adoptions in your household.
  
  
  

To learn more, please visit: https://www.hr.upenn.edu/PennHR/benefits-pay