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Iowa State University periodically partners with a variety of Search Firms for some searches. Applicants who wish to be considered for these positions must apply via the Search Firms application instructions below.

Jobs

University Librarian

Department Chair of Electrical and Computer Engineering

 

University Librarian

Iowa State University of Science and Technology (www.iastate.edu), one of the nation’s leading land-grant institutions, invites applications and nominations for the position of Colonel Gary G. Swenson, Ph.D. Endowed University Librarian.  This is an endowed senior leadership position responsible for all university libraries.   

IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY 

Ranked as one of the nation's top 50 public universities by U.S. News, Iowa State is located in Ames, a community of 67,000 that enjoys numerous national recognitions for its quality of life, its business environment, and its focus on youth. Iowa State serves over 30,000 students. The university is a student-centric leading research institution with a comprehensive land-grant mission of education, innovation, extension, and outreach that benefits Iowans and the world. Innovate at Iowa State reflects the university’s national leadership for providing innovative and entrepreneurial opportunities for all students. More information on Iowa State’s mission, vision, and aspirations can be found in the University’s 2022-2031 Strategic Plan. 

Iowa State offers approximately 100 undergraduate degree programs and nearly 200 fields of study leading to graduate and professional degrees. Iowa State has led the development of several fields of study that are central to the land-grant movement, including engineering, agriculture, human sciences, and veterinary medicine. Extension, which celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2003, traces its roots to Iowa and early outreach programs.  

The University Library (www.lib.iastate.edu) is a student-centric R1 academic library providing world-class collections, services, and technologies to advance research and instruction in every discipline at Iowa State University. The University Library consists of Parks Library, the main library on central campus, as well as the Veterinary Medical Library in the College of Veterinary Medicine, and the Remote Library Storage Facility. The library has an operating budget of approximately $24 million, as well as a $5 million endowment and private giving of more than $500,000 annually. The library also enjoys a collaborative relationship with academic partners and campus co-curricular leaders and also serves as a focal point for local community engagement. 

The Parks Library is the intellectual and social heart of Iowa State’s campus and a highly visible expression of its commitment to student success and research excellence. Serving nearly one million visitors annually, the library is a dynamic academic commons integrating study, technology, wellness, and community. Parks Library offers extensive seating and varied study environments; robust public computing, printing, and technology lending; specialized spaces such as Studio 2B for recording and livestreaming; and learning labs that support innovative pedagogy. The library also plays a central role in student wellbeing through initiatives such as Cyclone Support Central, developed in collaboration with the divisions of Student Affairs and Academic Affairs. 

THE UNIVERSITY LIBRARIAN 

The Colonel Gary G. Swenson Ph.D. University Librarian (an endowed position) serves as a senior academic leader, reporting to the Senior Vice President and Provost and advancing the university’s land-grant mission around three strategic leadership pillars: 

  • Student Success: Advancing learning and belonging by stewarding high impact library spaces and services that support students throughout their academic journeys. This work includes fostering flexible study environments, ensuring access to technology and learning resources, supporting affordability through course reserves and open educational resources, and curating globally informed collections and partnerships. 
  • Research Excellence: Cultivating a research environment for faculty, staff, and students where discovery thrives. This is achieved by ensuring seamless access to scholarly resources and data, strengthening interdisciplinary research support, and advancing open scholarship, data sharing, and scholarly communication practices that extend the reach and impact of Iowa State research
  • Technology and AI Leadership: Leading the thoughtful integration of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, to enhance research, teaching, and operational effectiveness while maintaining a strong commitment to ethics and stewardship. 

The University Librarian is a member of the campus administration, responsible for advancing excellence, supporting the development of strategies and action planning, and generating internal and external support. The University Librarian is expected to be a leader in attracting and advancing excellent academic librarians and library staff and building collaborative relationships both inside and outside the university. The successful candidate for the position will bring a mindset that values current success but also seeks innovation and best practices consistent with a world-class R1 institution. 

The University Librarian leads a team of 103 staff and 100 student employees across 12 departments: administration, access and acquisitions, access services, collections and open access, communications, digital scholarship and initiatives, library IT, metadata services, preservation, research and instruction, and special collections, and University Archives. 

REQUIRED: 

  • An earned master’s degree or equivalent professional degree, and ten years of related experience 

PREFERRED:

  • An MLS or graduate degree in library or information science from an American Library Association accredited institution.
  • Ph.D. in an academic discipline.
  • Extensive leadership experience in R1 or R2 academic libraries, with a demonstrated understanding of challenges and opportunities facing academic libraries and higher education.
  • Strong budgeting expertise and financial acumen, with the ability to translate resources into financial strategy and organizational impact.
  • A record of data-driven, evidence-based decision making in a transparent and collaborative environment.
  • Excellent communication skills (written, spoken, interpersonal).
  • Experience in personnel management with evidence mentoring and development in support of a high functioning team.
  • Exposure to fundraising and creating engaging opportunities for increased visibility engaging opportunities for increased visibility.

Academic Search is assisting Iowa State University in this search. All inquiries, nominations, and applications will be held in strict confidence. To learn more about this opportunity and discuss your qualifications and interest, potential applicants are encouraged to schedule a confidential conversation with our Senior Consultant, Stacey Morgan Foster, JD. Please contact IowaStateUL@academicsearch.org.

DEADLINE FOR BEST CONSIDERATION: While the search remains open until closed, the deadline for best consideration is September 10, 2026.
The University Librarian is expected to start by February 1, 2027 (negotiable).

A complete application requires three separate documents: (each in PDF format) submitted to Academic Search at https://academicsearch.org/IowaStateULApply:

  • A detailed cover letter, addressed to the Search Committee, addressing your interest in this position and the specific ways you meet the qualifications and expectations outlined in this search profile.
  • A current full resume or curriculum vitae that includes relevant education, positions/titles, responsibilities, and accomplishments.
    A list of five professional references, including their names, titles, organizations, phone numbers, and email addresses, noting your relationship with each reference.
  • Applicants needing reasonable accommodation to participate in the application process should reach out to IowaStateUL@academicsearch.org to schedule a conversation with the Senior Consultant.
  • References will not be contacted until later in the search process upon the candidate’s permission. All nominations and applications will be held confidential until finalists are publicly announced.

NOMINATIONS
Although nominations are not required to be considered for this position, leaders who know of outstanding candidate are welcome to submit confidential nominations by sending an email to IowaStateUL@academicsearch.org.

Be sure to include the nominee’s full name, position, institution/organization, and email address. Academic Search will notify individuals of their nomination, provide details about the position, and encourage them to apply.

Department Chair of Electrical and Computer Engineering

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECpE), in the College of Engineering at Iowa State University (ISU), invites applications for the Palmer Department Chair position. The endowed department chair will be responsible for the scope and effectiveness of the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department's teaching, research, and outreach efforts.

Candidates are expected to have an exemplary record of achievement in teaching, research, and service at a level sufficient to qualify for appointment as a tenured Professor. They will have demonstrated a commitment to academic excellence, proven professional leadership record, strong communication and team-building skills, and the ability to lead others by fostering a collegial environment. They must be committed to the department’s outreach activities and interactions with external stakeholders, and they must motivate others toward a shared vision. An appreciation for university-industry collaborations, technology transfer, and intellectual property management will be treated as an asset. We seek a dynamic and innovative leader with a bold vision for the future of Electrical and Computer Engineering. 

The College of Engineering is committed to sustaining a collegial, positive, and productive environment for each individual and for the collective benefit of all. All faculty members are expected to exhibit and convey good citizenship within department, college, and university activities, interact collegially, and maintain the highest integrity and ethical behavior standards. 

Required Minimum Qualifications:

  • Ph.D. or equivalent qualifications in Electrical or Computer Engineering, or a closely related field 
  • Exemplary record of achievement in research, teaching, and service in a university, national laboratory, or industry at a level sufficient to qualify for appointment as a tenured Full Professor 

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Demonstrated ability to lead others to execute a shared vision 
  • Budget and personnel management experience
  • Experience in fundraising, donor cultivation, and stewardship
  • Experience directing successful interdisciplinary programs in education and research 

Department/Program & College Description:

About the Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECpE) Department

The Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering is home to world-class faculty, state-of-the-art research facilities, and nationally recognized academic programs.  The department offers ABET-accredited undergraduate programs in electrical engineering, computer engineering, software engineering, and cybersecurity engineering, as well as MEng, MS, and PhD degrees in electrical, computer, and cybersecurity engineering. The department is comprised of 44 full-time tenured/tenure-track faculty, 12 non-tenure eligible teaching faculty and 6 non-tenure eligible research faculty, 29 staff members, and approximately 1727 undergraduate and 322 graduate students. Departmental annual research expenditures were in excess of $18.5 million in 2025. With a strong culture of innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and industry partnership, the department leads transformative work in power and energy systems, cybersecurity, communications, controls, and emerging technologies. ECpE supports a vibrant community of students, researchers, and industry partners committed to solving real-world challenges and advancing the technologies that power our future.

About the College of Engineering

The Iowa State University College of Engineering offers prestigious programs that inspire future engineering leaders, pursue groundbreaking research, transform technology to make a difference, and create solutions that make Iowa and the world a better place. Engineering is the largest college on campus with more than 8,600 students, 540 faculty and staff, 15 undergraduate majors, 20 doctoral and 25 master’s degree programs, multiple research centers and programs, and 13 state-of-the-art buildings that comprise the engineering complex. The College of Engineering consists of eight departments with annual research expenditures exceeding $130 million.

Department Unit/Website:

www.ece.iastate.edu

Application Instructions:

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. However, to receive full consideration, applications should be received by September 1, 2026. 

The following documents are required to be submitted in PDF format:

  • Letter of application that briefly discusses how you meet each of the preferred qualifications
  • Curriculum Vitae
  • Statement of leadership philosophy that includes your vision for the future of the department
  • Contact information for at least three references, including name, current title and affiliation, mailing address, email address and phone number.

Buffkin / Baker, an executive search firm, is assisting the university in the search. Inquiries of interest, nominations, and applications should be submitted electronically, in confidence, to:

Mr. Martin M. Baker, Managing Partner and Chelsie Whitelock, Associate Partner, Buffkin / Baker at isuecechair@buffkinbaker.com