Executive Director: Libraries

About the role

The University of Cape Town is recruiting for a permanent position of Executive Director: UCT Libraries, reporting to the Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Teaching & Learning. UCT Libraries is a key part of the university's academic and knowledge infrastructure, operating across multiple campuses and bringing together physical and digital environments, scholarly collections, research and learning services, publishing, Special Collections and technology-enabled services. The role provides strategic and executive leadership of a complex, resource-intensive portfolio, including people, finances, collections, digital systems and physical facilities.

Key responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction for UCT Libraries and align its strategy, priorities, culture and resources with the University's priorities
• Lead the Libraries' contribution to teaching and learning, research, internationalisation, innovation, entrepreneurship and social responsiveness
• Provide executive leadership of the people and senior management team, including talent and leadership development, performance and succession
• Oversee collections, scholarly information resources, research and learning services, scholarly communication and publishing, and digital and physical library environments
• Lead service innovation and responsible digital transformation, including the strategic adoption of AI and emerging technologies
• Exercise executive accountability for financial and resource planning, facilities, technology investment, governance, compliance, risk and business continuity
• Build institutional, national, African and international partnerships and funding opportunities
• Represent and advocate for UCT Libraries in university leadership, governance and national and international academic and scholarly forums

Required profile

• Masters degree (NQF Level 9) in Library and Information Science, or a Masters in a relevant discipline plus a Postgraduate Diploma in Library and Information Science; a doctorate is advantageous
• A record of scholarship or significant professional contribution in academic librarianship or a related field
• At least 10 years of recent, relevant experience in a complex academic or research library or comparable knowledge-intensive environment, including substantial senior leadership experience
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams, managing large budgets and resources, and leading digital transformation and service innovation
• Ability to engage and influence at senior institutional level and to lead inclusive, equitable organisational practice

Applications are made through the UCT Jobs site, with a motivation letter, full CV and three referees, and the HR204 application form for Senior Executive Posts. Shortlisted candidates give an open presentation and undergo assessments; references may be requested.