Connect With Us - Hybrid Provides leadership and direction for the Consortium of Academic and Research Libraries in Illinois, CARLI, an academic and research library consortium that provides essential infrastructure and services to 125 member institutions located throughout the state of Illinois. The Senior Director provides dynamic, experienced executive leadership for academic/research libraries, builds on the deep history and tradition of library cooperation in Illinois, extends the rich information resources, and enhances the skill and dedication of information professionals across the state. The Senior Director is responsible for sustaining CARLI as a vital consortium that is a national leader in library resource sharing and the application and development of information services. - Provide vision and strategic leadership for the organization. Watch and analyze pertinent trends and issues in the profession and the consortium workspace. Along with the CARLI Governance Board, the CARLI membership, the University of Illinois System Office, and the CARLI staff, work to satisfy the aspirations of the CARLI Strategic Priorities. Periodically update the CARLI Strategic Priorities in concert with CARLI stakeholders. - Sustain and ensure the provision, quality, and value of outstanding services and programs provided to member libraries. Identify and guide the development of new services and programs to meet the evolving needs of the membership. - Seek the necessary financial resources and identify new funding resources to support CARLI's programs and services. Advocate for CARLI's budget and member support through communication about CARLI's value, return on investment, and the benefits of services and programs at scale. Oversee the development of the budget and manage all finances in collaboration with the University of Illinois System and the CARLI management team, and with input from the CARLI Governance Board. - Recruit, retain, manage, and develop staff within an environment that provides mentoring and support and fosters and maintains a strong sense of teamwork. Work with the managers to support CARLI staff, ensuring their growth in knowledge and experience. - Consult and communicate regularly with the CARLI Governance Board and membership of CARLI and provide timely and comprehensive reporting on the activities of the consortium. Maintain and monitor the Host Institution Agreement, and other agreements between members and CARLI. - Represent CARLI in person and in communications with a broad range of constituencies within the state, region, and nation. Interface with the staff, University of Illinois System Office, CARLI Governance Board, members, iSchool, the Illinois State Library, and the Illinois regional library systems. - Write, manage, and administer competitive grant applications for projects of benefit to the consortium. - Develop and maintain relationships with other consortia, with the leadership of key state agencies and organizations, with potential funding sponsors, and other interest groups or constituencies. - Represent the needs of Illinois' academic and research libraries and their users to state officials and agencies, the higher education community, and other stakeholders. - Other duties as assigned that are appropriate for a Senior Director. - Master's degree in library/information science from an ALA-accredited institution (or international equivalent). - A minimum of ten year's relevant experience in budget and financial management. - Experience in securing grant funds. - Experience and evidence of successful, organization-wide advocacy efforts. - Knowledge of the higher education and library landscapes within the State of Illinois. - Executive leadership skills and a broad vision of the challenges and opportunities facing academic libraries. - Success in managing and motivating staff. - Minimum of ten years' relevant experience working in positions of increasing responsibility in academic libraries or library consortia. - Minimum of five years' supervisory and management experience in academic libraries or library consortia. - Excellent oral and written interpersonal communication skills. - Willingness to travel regularly within and outside Illinois to promote and represent the interests of CARLI. This is a Full Time academic professional position. The expected start date is as soon as possible. Sponsorship for Work Authorization is not available for this position. System Office jobs such as this one are not eligible for the Referral Program. The budgeted salary range for the position is $145,000.00 - 180,000.00. Salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience, while also considering internal equity. Benefits eligible positions include a comprehensive benefits package which offers: Health, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability & AD&D insurance; a defined benefit pension plan; paid leaves such as Vacation, Holiday and Sick; tuition waivers for employees and dependents. Click for a complete list of Employee Benefits. For full consideration, please click on this page to submit an application, references and cover letter through our job board by 6 pm on 8/25/2025. System Human Resource Services (217) 333-2600 erhr@uillinois.edu