Columbia College

Position Summary

The Dean of ILS provides strategic vision, goals, strategies, and direction to the Integrated Learning Services department, including library, research and scholarship support, career, advising and accessibility services. The Dean of Integrated LearningServices will direct, develop, and work closely with the Assistant Dean of Library and Learning Commons and the Executive Director of Student Success to implement a cohesive vision for this department, oversee library, student success and retention activities, and collaborate with personnel from across the college and community in support of the College's mission, vision, and strategic priorities. This position reports to the Vice Provost of Academic Affairs.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership and Vision
   1. Develop and implement a comprehensive vision for integrated learning services that aligns with Columbia College’s mission, vision and strategic priorities.
   2. Provide strategic leadership in accreditation-related student learning efforts, budget management, and resource advocacy to ensure each functional area has sustained support.
   3. Ensure the library remains an innovative center for research, collaboration, and innovation.
   4. Oversee and provide strategic feedback on Student Success’s retention planning and programming.
2. Communication and Collaboration
   1. Facilitate collaboration and communication across departments, including senior leadership team, deans, IT, and institutional research, to align integrated learning services initiatives with institutional goals and strategic priorities.
   2. Develop internal and external relationships that support the department’s contributions to institutional goals and strategic priorities such as improving the student experience and modernizing facilities and elevating the campus environment.
3. Department Leadership and Resource Management
   1. Hire, develop, and supervise department faculty and staff.
   2. Evaluate Assistant Dean and Executive Director-level positions annually.
   3. Oversee the annual performance evaluations of other faculty/staff.
   4. Recommend faculty for tenure and/or promotion, as applicable.
   5. Ensure effective allocation of resources to maximize the department’s impact and drive continuous improvement.
   6. Serve as a liaison with administration and other College departments.
   7. Represent the College externally when appropriate.

Required Qualifications

• Earned doctorate or terminal degree from an accredited institution, preferably in library/information science, higher education, student affairs, or a related field.
• Earned graduate degree and/or extensive experience in higher education librarianship.
• Extensive knowledge of and/or experience in higher education student success services, including oversight of areas such as Academic Advising, Career Services, or Accessibility Services.
• Demonstrated record of strategic planning, team leadership, and organizational development.
• Proven ability to manage complex budgets, supervise professional staff, and foster cross-departmental collaboration.
• Knowledge of best practices in career services, academic advising, accessibility, and information literacy.
• Demonstrated commitment to create an accessible and inclusive environment that serves all members of the community.
• Exceptional communication, interpersonal, and consensus-building skills.
• Experience with assessment, program evaluation, and the use of data to drive innovation.
• Proficiency in platforms such as Navigate, Jenzabar, Handshake, Canvas, and other systems that support advising, career readiness, and assessment.
• Knowledge of national standards, compliance requirements, and institutional

frameworks, including ADA, Section 504, FERPA, NACADA, AHEAD, and NACE.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with integrated service models and leading organizational change.
• Familiarity with student success technologies and digital learning platforms.
• Track record of securing external funding or grants to support innovative initiatives.

Applications

To apply, a candidate must submit the following materials through the online submission portal (all in one pdf file except for the cover letter, which may be uploaded as a separate document):

• A cover letter describing position-related interests/experiences
• An up-to-date curriculum vitae
• A leadership statement that includes the candidate’s leadership philosophy and approach
• (Optional) A statement regarding research and other scholarly endeavors
• Names and contact information for three references, and
• Copies of graduate transcripts. Unofficial copies of transcripts will suffice for the initial application stage.

Review of completed applications will begin September 15 and continue until the position is filled.

Inquiries may be directed to Dr. Brennan Davis, Vice Provost of Academic Affairs, at bdavis@columbiasc.edu.  
 

About Columbia College
Columbia College was founded in 1854 as Columbia Female College by the Methodist Conference of South Carolina. Today, Columbia College offers a personalized liberal arts education that is open and inclusive to all. The College provides educational opportunities that develop students’ capacity for critical thought and expression, lifelong learning, and acceptance of personal responsibility.

Columbia College empowers students to change the world with Courage for Innovation, Commitment to Social Justice, Confidence through Service, and Competence in Leadership. In furtherance of its mission, the College is responsive to the needs of students, the communities to which it belongs, and the greater global society.

Columbia College encompasses the historic undergraduate day college as well as evening, online, and graduate programs. Total enrollment is approximately 1900. The College is noted for faculty who foster academic excellence through collaborative teaching and learning; a vital learning community in which character, ethics, and values are cultivated; the study of leadership enhanced by opportunities for practical application; programs that capitalize on advances in technology; and learning environments that extend beyond the classroom.

Columbia College is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

Columbia College offers a competitive benefits package.