Job Details

Executive Director, The Farmington Libraries (Farmington, CT)

THE SEARCH

The Farmington Libraries, serving the greater Farmington, Connecticut area, exist to fulfill our Mission and Vision. Our mission is to partner with the community to provide free access to services, experiences, and resources that offer opportunities to explore, create, and share ideas. Our vision is to build on our proud reputation as a vibrant, energetic and stimulating center of intellectual and social activity. Farmington Libraries Mission & Vision

We seek as our next Executive Director a collaborative, strategic, and innovative public library services expert and leader with a passion for developing and mentoring staff. The Libraries’ dedicated staff, outstanding facilities, solid financial footing, and engaged patrons make this a unique and exciting opportunity.

OPPORTUNITIES OF THE ROLE

The new Executive Director joins a highly respected organization that is an integral part of the Town of Farmington and surrounding communities. Opportunities include:

- Lead, develop, and mentor a dedicated, highly-skilled, and engaged staff. 
- Focus on enhancing library services and engaging with our diverse patrons, the community, and an active board, thanks to the organization’s strong financial footing.
- Create a robust strategic plan that will shape The Libraries’ future, with clear, interim priorities providing a running start.  
- Collaborate with a generous and devoted Friends of the Library organization which provides funding for important projects and purchases. 
- Further The Libraries’ mission by applying creativity and leveraging our impressive facilities, collections, and technology resources.

Qualifications

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR EXPECTATIONS

The new Executive Director will be expected to:

- Bring the Libraries’ mission to life.
- Apply their public library services expertise to sustain the integral role The Libraries play in the community.
- Provide exceptional leadership through supportive, collaborative, and decisive management, including developing and mentoring staff.
- Communicate, collaborate, and liaise with staff, board, patrons, and the larger community in a direct and solution-focused manner.
- Demonstrate financial acumen and savvy, maximizing and creatively using resources.
- Develop and manage a sound budget.
- Embrace diversity through staffing, programming, and community outreach.
- Provide steady operational leadership punctuated with vision and innovation.
- Plan and implement capital improvements and on-going facilities maintenance.

EXPERIENCE, SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

The ideal candidate will possess the following:

- A Master’s of Library Science (MLS/MLIS) degree from an ALA-accredited school.
- 5+ years of progressive responsibility leading a public library (or library department) of similar size and scope.
- A supportive leadership style that prioritizes mentoring, advocacy, and providing developmental opportunities to individuals and teams.
- An established record of fostering patron, board, and community engagement.
- A commitment to creating unique and memorable patron experiences and offering outstanding service to patrons and colleagues.
- Proven ability to manage challenging issues and situations.
- Demonstrated budget, funding, and financial experience in the public library sphere.
- Strategic planning and implementation skills that have delivered measurable results.
- A demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, access, and inclusion through staffing, programming, and community outreach.
- Success leveraging technology and media in service of patrons and the community.
- Communication skills that help build and foster relationships.
- Evidence of collaboration across a diverse array of groups and organizations, including patrons, boards, municipalities, and donor organizations.

Full/Part Time

Full Time

Education

MLS/Masters

Salary

$110,000.00  / year

Salary Notes

Budgeted starting salary

Closing Date

Preference given to application materials received by March 14, 2023.

How to Apply

Applications should be submitted via this link: https://nela.mcjobboard.net/jobs/103576

Posted

2023-02-21 |  Quick link to this job