Dean of the Library and Research Services

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Job description

FLSA Classification: FT/Exempt Salary Grade/Level: A19 Reports to: Academic Dean and Vice President of Academic Affairs Date Created/Revised: August 2026 Salary Range: $81,564-$95,838+

Phillips Theological Seminary offers theological education dedicated to learning the way of Jesus in order to cultivate vital congregations, communities, conversations, and the public good. The Seminary is affiliated with the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Located at the trifinium of the Creek, Osage, and Cherokee Nations-and minutes east of Tulsa’s historic Greenwood District (Black Wall Street)-Phillips is committed to justice initiatives, relational solidarity, diversity, interculturality (Africana, Latinx, Asian, and Indigenous American communities), and justice attentive to the social realities of race, class, ethnicity, gender, and queer expressions of human experience.

Summary / Objective

The Dean of the Library and Research Services provides strategic leadership ensuring that library resources, services, and instruction are accessible, timely, mission‑aligned, and reflective of evolving intersections between information science and theological education.

Essential Functions

Library Representation & Policies

  • Develops and directs library mission‑aligned policies in coordination with institutional priorities.
  • Serves on: Faculty Council (ex officio, non‑voting), Seminary Cabinet, Library Committee (ex officio chair), Oklahoma State University Library Consortium, and Oklahoma Council for Academic Library Directors (OCALD).
  • Represents the library at seminary events and coordinates library communications across departments.
  • Maintains professional memberships with Atla, American Academy of Religion (AAR), and Association of College and Research Libraries (ACRL).

Library Personnel Administration

  • Collaborates with People & Culture to shape work cycles and implement personnel policies.
  • Ensures staff understanding of mission, duties, and expectations.
  • Facilitates staff competencies and professional development through training, conferences, and continuing education.
  • Conducts effective conflict management to minimize operational disruption.
  • Meets annually with staff to set goals and quarterly to evaluate progress per institutional SMART Goals guidelines.
  • Oversees hiring processes in collaboration with People & Culture and selection committees.
  • Manages circulation desk scheduling and absentee coverage.

Resource Management

  • Coordinates with VP of Finance and Administration and VP of Academic Affairs to develop and manage the library budget.
  • Ensures stewardship of materials in all formats according to professional standards and seminary policies.
  • Selects materials, manages gifts, and conducts weeding per the Collection Development Policy.
  • Directs curation of materials across formats following best practices.
  • Partners with Advancement on donor‑supported library projects.
  • Coordinates with Finance, IT, and vendors to secure equipment necessary for library operations.
  • Works with Oklahoma State University and IT to maintain library management software systems.
  • Assesses effectiveness of resource usage.
  • Collaborates with Finance and the Maintenance Manager on facilities planning and issue resolution.

Academic & Public Services Management

  • Leads staff in providing effective research support for students and faculty.
  • Directs promotion of library services and materials.
  • Coordinates with the Instruction Librarian and faculty to deliver information literacy and writing skills programs.
  • Ensures Electronic Resources Librarian and IT maintain uninterrupted, license‑compliant access for students, faculty, alumni, and other publics.
  • Communicates assessment results of instruction programs to faculty and the Library Committee.
  • Directs assessment of research assistance, course reserves, access services, and fulfillment services.

DMin Project & Master’s Thesis Preservation

  • Collaborates with the Access Services Librarian to ensure discoverability, access, and curation of completed electronic projects and theses.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

Competencies

  • Budget development and management
  • Supervisory and coaching skills
  • Strategic planning and project management
  • Library and Information Science (LIS) management
  • High‑level communication proficiency
  • Ethical judgment and conduct
  • Problem solving and analysis
  • Collaborative leadership
  • Commitment to learning and professional growth
  • Strong editing skills
  • Grant writing

Supervisory Responsibilities

Direct supervision of:

  • Assistant Dean of the Library and Instruction & Writing Services Librarian
  • Reserves, Electronic Resources, and Journals Librarian
  • Special Collections and Archives Librarian
  • Cataloging and Technical Services Librarian
  • Library Assistants

Work Environment

This role requires a creative, self‑motivated leader who collaborates effectively with seminary and library colleagues. The environment requires strong self‑management, timely communication, and consistent productivity. Regular use of bookshelves, computers, scanners, phones, photocopiers, and filing cabinets is expected.

Physical Demands

Mobility throughout the seminary; bending, sitting, standing; assisting students, faculty, and visitors; giving tours; lifting and retrieving books; opening cabinets.

Position Type / Expected Hours

Full‑time, Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Evening and weekend work may be required.

Travel

Travel to meetings and conferences is required.

Required Education & Experience

  • Master’s Degree in Library Science from an ALA‑accredited program.
  • Minimum two years of post‑MLIS/MLS leadership experience in an academic library.
  • Effective communication with internal and external constituencies.
  • Demonstrated ability to work collegially and collaboratively.
  • Proven expertise in budgeting and planning.
  • Understanding of the academic library’s role in learning, teaching, and research.

Preferred Education & Experience

  • Familiarity with mainline Christian denominations and organizations.
  • Master’s Degree in a theological discipline from an ATS‑accredited program.

How to apply

Apply now

EEO Statement

Phillips Theological Seminary is an equal employment opportunity employer and complies with all federal, state, and local laws, including Title IX and Title VI. The Seminary does not discriminate based on race, color, national or ethnic origin, citizenship status, marital status, age, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, pregnancy, disability, military status, or religion. This commitment extends to all aspects of employment, including hiring, promotion, training, working conditions, compensation, and benefits.

Other Duties

This job description is not exhaustive. Duties may change or be assigned at any time.

Employee Acknowledgment

Employee signature below indicates understanding of the position’s requirements, essential functions, and responsibilities.