About

Job Description: The Director of Library Facilities brings energetic and creative vision to the oversight, maintenance, improvement, inclusivity, accessibility, and safety of Brown University’s libraries to advance the University’s academic mission. The Director oversees the facilities of both the Brown University Library (BUL) and the organizationally separate John Carter Brown Library (JCB). BUL facilities span six buildings, each with a of varied architectural and physical characteristics supporting a wide range of activities: the John D. Rockefeller Library; the John Hay Library (special collections); the Sciences Library; the Orwig Music Library; the Annmary Brown Memorial (a small museum-like space); and a high-density remote storage Annex. JCB facilities (c. 41,000 sq ft) include the library building and a residence for visiting fellows (managed by the University Real Estate office). The JCB and Hay libraries and the Annmary Brown Memorial house rare and unique collections with very high asset value. The Rockefeller, Sciences, and Hay buildings have especially high impact for the student experience at Brown. The JCB and Hay bring many visiting researchers and members of the public to campus. With understanding of the special characteristics and requirements of collections study and research facilities and a strong user services orientation, the Director works to ensure continuous improvement in the quality and functionality of the libraries’ physical plant for students, faculty, researchers, staff, and visitors, and to make the BUL and JCB safe, inclusive, and welcoming spaces for academic pursuits. Working closely with BUL and JCB leadership, the Director sets priorities and manages multiple complex facilities tasks, coordinating and collaborating with key staff from University Facilities Management on construction, renovation, and repair projects, as well as with the University’s security and safety offices to ensure the wellbeing of library users, staff, and collections. The Director ensures compliance with University policies, and state and federal laws and regulations, while also advising BUL and JCB leadership on best practices. Reporting to the University Librarian with a dotted line report to the JCB’s Director and Librarian, the Director assesses needs and opportunities relating to library facilities quality and building safety; coordinates with Facilities Management, Public Safety, Environmental Health and Safety, and Office of Information Technology (Access Control systems); and manages relationships with internal service providers and external facilities vendors. At the BUL, the Director supervises two unionized building coordinators. At the JCB, the Director partners with the Associate Director for Administration and other staff as needed on coordination of facilities work. Job qualifications: At least 10 years of progressively responsible facilities management experience, including day-to-day operations, project execution, and complex building systems, ideally in a library, museum, or higher education setting. Experience working with security systems. Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution or equivalent combination of education and experience. Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, access, and inclusion. Superior oral, written, and interpersonal communication skills. Collaborative, customer-service oriented approach. Additional physical demands and working conditions: Regular visits to multiple campus and off-campus library locations, as well as to Facilities Management offices. Evening and weekend onsite work related to scheduled facilities projects and emergency response. Best Consideration Date, October 31, 2025. Candidates please note: all offers of employment are contingent upon a criminal background check and education verification satisfactory to Brown. Benefits of Working at Brown: Information on the Benefits of Working at Brown can be found here. Recruiting Start Date: 2025-09-15 Job Posting Title: Director of Library Facilities Department: University Library Grade: Grade 12 Worker Type: Employee Worker Sub-Type: Regular Time Type: Full time Scheduled Weekly Hours: 37.5 Position Work Location: Onsite Statement on Equity, Diversity and Inclusion: All positions require demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with faculty, staff, students, and other Brown and community stakeholders with diverse perspectives and demonstrated ability to contribute to an inclusive environment. Submission Guidelines: Please note that in order to be considered an applicant for any staff position at Brown University you must submit an application form for each position for which you believe you are qualified. Applications are not kept on file for future positions. Please include a cover letter and resume with each position application. Still Have Questions? If you have any questions you may contact employment@brown.edu. EEO Statement: Brown University is an E-Verify Employer. As an EEO employer, Brown University provides equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination, harassment and retaliation based upon a person’s race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law. Welcome! Founded in 1764, Brown is a leading institution for education, discovery, and global intellectual progress as well as one of the largest employers in Rhode Island. Working at Brown brings more than just a paycheck and generous benefits; it offers an opportunity to contribute to a greater good. Join us in supporting the pursuit of knowledge and individual growth that defines higher education and enriches our community. Additional Information: Information about our salary ranges can be found here. Attachments: A resume is required as part of your job application. Please also include a cover letter and any other related documents as noted in the job description. Questions Submitting Your Application: If you have questions about submitting your application, please contact employment@brown.edu.