Library Director, Jacob Edwards Library (Southbridge)
The Town of Southbridge is seeking a dynamic, forward-thinking Library Director to lead the Jacob Edwards Library. This leadership opportunity arises due to the upcoming retirement of the current Director, with the position becoming vacant on September 30, 2025. The Library Director is responsible for overseeing all aspects of library operations, including staff supervision, budgeting, program development, community outreach, and long-range planning. The ideal candidate will be a collaborative and strategic leader with strong administrative skills, a passion for public service, and a commitment to equitable access to information and resources. Spanish language proficiency is highly desirable to better serve our diverse community.
Position Purpose:
Performs supervisory, administrative and professional work in planning, organizing, managing and directing all library services and activities, responsible for the daily operations of the library; responsible for the development and administration of financial resources for the development, management and enhancement of the library; responsible for short and long range planning of library facilities, personnel, programs and the overall library department; and develops and implements policies in conformance with regulations. Performs all other related work as required.
Essential Functions:
(The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.)
Hires library staff members including: recruiting, training, discipline, performance evaluation and dismissal.
Responsible for and oversees the development of new programs and services; plans, implements and evaluates library services.
Develops and administers the annual budget; monitors expenditures, including payroll; analyze financial and statistical reports.
Responsible for the care and maintenance of the library building. Arranges for building repairs with DPW or vendors. Obtains quotes from vendors. Prepares capital requests. Responsible for the safe operation of equipment and arranges for servicing of same. Negotiates service contracts in conjunction with the procurement officer (Town Manager)
Directs the work of the DPW employee in conjunction with the DPW supervisor. Supervises all staff, volunteers: tax abatement personnel, students from SWCEC, et al.
Initiates and crafts proposals to potential grant funders. Responsible for grant administration; prepares grant statistics and reporting.
Coordinates outreach with other library community agencies and works cooperatively with groups such as Friends and area library directors. Participates on committees in the library and social service community.
Provides written bi-monthly report to the Town Manager and implements actions items.
Presents written monthly report to the Trustees and implements recommendations approved by the board.
Promotes the library in the community.
Assists patrons with reference queries, as needed. Manages the digitization of the library archive.
Participates in professional organizations and attends meetings.
Approves all orders of books and materials.
Prepares the annual State Aid reports; Annual Report Information Statistics/ARIS and the financial report.
Prepares policy documents and works with the Board of Trustees on developing a workable document that can be implemented.
Evaluates library services to ensure the community is served and their needs met. Complies with American Library Association and MA state standards and makes recommendations to the Board of Trustees.
Implements inventory of the collection in conjunction with the Adult Services and Children’s Librarian
Performs similar or related work as required, directed or as situation dictates.
This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.
Qualifications
Recommended Minimum Qualifications: Education and Experience: Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS) and MLS Certificate of Librarianship from the MA Board of Library Commissioners; minimum of five years of related work experience including at least three years of supervisory library experience; or any equivalent combination of education and experience. Knowledge, Ability and Skill: Knowledge: Thorough knowledge of the principles, practices and ethics of professional library work; knowledge of facilities management and operations including administration, finance and personnel. Working knowledge of technology and appropriate library applications. Working knowledge of state procurement laws and laws pertaining to governance of public libraries. Ability: Ability to supervise staff and volunteers in an effective and supportive manner. Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with organizations, departments and officials. Ability of leadership, independent judgment, initiative and decision-making. Ability to plan, implement, and evaluate effective library services, strategies, facilities and staff. Ability to communicate effectively. Ability to operate standard library and office equipment. Skill: Excellent planning and organizational skills. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Proficient computer skills and budgetary skills. Excellent interpersonal and problem-solving skills. Ability to speak Spanish helpful. Physical Requirements: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Regularly required to walk, stand, sit, talk, and hear; operate objects, tools, or controls; pick up paper, files, books and other common library and office objects. Ability to view computer screens and work comfortably in a digital environment. Ability to reach and bend, to stoop, kneel crouch, or crawl and push/pull or lift objects up to 60 pounds. Must be able to communicate.
Full/Part Time
Full Time
Education
MLS/Masters
Salary
$79,634.10 / yearClosing Date
How to Apply
Visit the Town of Southbridge website to apply https://www.ci.southbridge.ma.us/Jobs.aspx?UniqueId=102&From=All&CommunityJobs=False&JobID=Library-Director-127
Posted
2025-07-23 | Quick link to this job