Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Student Success Librarian

The Robert E. Kennedy Library at California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) in beautiful San Luis Obispo, California, seeks a motivated, creative, collaborative, user-focused professional to join us in the tenure-track faculty position of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Student Success Librarian. We are looking for someone who will bring creativity and passion to developing and delivering outreach, instruction and programming designed to engage our under-represented student populations in support of Kennedy Library’s DEI Action Plan, Cal Poly Student Diversity and Belonging, and related campus partners.

In support of this new position, Kennedy Library is adopting the highly successful cluster-hire approach used by the Cal Poly colleges for our current recruitments. This is one element of a multifaceted strategy for intentional increase in expertise related to diversity and equity across the university, and part of a comprehensive effort to support inclusion. This approach has been chosen as an intervention because it will both enhance inclusive library service knowledge and practices among new hires and provide a supportive community for those invested in DEI-related work. It will be the library’s organizational responsibility to ensure that the cluster has opportunities to build community with other DEI-related cluster hires across the university and each other. Enhancing our existing processes for onboarding, mentoring, and balance of research and service will contribute substantially to the cluster’s experience and success.

Salary commensurate with education and experience of the individual selected. Anticipated hiring range: $78,000 - $85,000 per year.

As part of the library’s 2023 cluster hire, and under the direction of Kennedy Library’s Associate Dean of Academic Services, the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Student Success Librarian develops and leads highly collaborative efforts across the library and campus to support the student experience. Employing a “whole student” approach, this new position will strengthen outreach, instruction, programming and campus partnerships to effectively support a range of students, including BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color), LGBTQ+, transfer, international and first-generation students. Through the creation of critically informed instructional and engagement programs, this role positions the library as a partner in building community and developing lifelong learning skills for traditionally underrepresented and marginalized populations, contributing to student success both at Cal Poly and beyond. In coordinating the library’s DEI initiatives, this librarian contributes to student and faculty success by fostering collaboration and innovation through the application of critical librarianship practices, working closely with library colleagues and campus partners, including the Office of University Diversity and Inclusion and Student Diversity and Belonging. The DEI Student Success Librarian also works collaboratively to contribute to and operationalize the library’s DEI Action Plan in ways that align with divisional and university-wide values, commitments, and goals.

This position will be filled at the Senior Assistant Librarian rank.

Required Qualifications

• MLS from an ALA accredited program or comparable experience with a relevant advanced degree.
• Three or more years of relevant experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility principles, theories, and best practices.
• Experience working with individuals or groups from underrepresented communities.
• Strong written and oral communication skills and demonstrated ability to communicate constructively and effectively with a variety of individuals and groups.
• Active participation in projects or initiatives to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and in libraries and higher education.
• Working knowledge of operations and services in libraries and higher education.
• Familiarity with critical librarianship principles and practices for library programs, services, and collections.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain positive and productive working relationships with diverse individuals and groups.
• Ability to demonstrate ethics of care in sensitive situations and with confidential information.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with Cal Poly students, staff, faculty, and library colleagues through a service-oriented approach.
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities with a high level of initiative and flexibility.
• Familiarity with project management and program development, including goal setting and outcomes evaluation.
• Capacity to engage in the research, scholarship, and creative activities required to achieve promotion and tenure.
• Capacity to engage in the service activities required to achieve promotion and tenure.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional experience working with diverse populations.
• Experience working with students and/or faculty from underrepresented communities.
• Experience with critical librarianship practices in library instruction, collection development, or cataloging/description.
• Experience with project management and program development, including goal setting and outcomes evaluation.
• Experience with open educational resources and other affordable learning solutions.
• Experience working in an academic or large public library.

How to Apply

Kennedy Library recognizes that candidates may have acquired relevant experience in a variety of ways. We expect candidates to be stronger in some required qualifications than others. We are committed to helping future colleagues expand their skills as well as learning from their areas of strength.

Interested candidates must attach (1) a cover letter, (2) resume/curriculum vitae, (3) diversity statement. The diversity statement should address a demonstrated commitment to diversity and inclusion in teaching, scholarship and/or service describing past experience, contributions to diversity and inclusion efforts, the impact on students, faculty, staff and/or your field and a description of how you will demonstrate a commitment in these areas in teaching, research, and/or service at Cal Poly, and (4) a copy of unofficial transcripts of highest degree earned.

Please be prepared to provide three professional references with names and email addresses when completing the online faculty application. For full consideration apply by the REVIEW BEGIN DATE: June 26, 2023

Applicants with complete files by the Review Begin Date will be given full consideration. Applications received after this date may be considered. Sealed official transcripts showing highest degree earned will be required prior to appointment.
To apply please visit: https://jobs.calpoly.edu

For questions, please contact Shelly Kurkeyerian by email at skurkeye@calpoly.edu