Job Summary
The Executive Director (ED) oversees the day-to-day operations of the library district, providing strategic leadership to ensure the delivery of high-quality library services to the community. This role involves managing staff, developing programs, maintaining collections, and ensuring compliance with library policies and law as approved by the Board of Trustees. The ED is the chief executive and administrative officer of the library and reports from time to time to the Board of Trustees. The ED works with the Board to establish a strategic plan to fulfill the mission of the library to ensure success into the future and optimize support for learning within the library and community.
Job Responsibilities
Duties and Responsibilities: include the following. Other duties may be assigned.
Leadership: Provide vision and direction for library services and programs. Rapidly diagnose complex challenges and engineer innovative solutions that drive organizational effectiveness. Articulate compelling strategic narratives that inspire, influence, and align diverse stakeholders toward shared organizational goals. Attend state library meetings and district library institutes charged against the county library fund.
Staff Management: Supervise library staff, including recruitment, training, and performance evaluations. Ability to delegate work appropriately and plan and direct work of subordinates. Foster a positive work environment that encourages professional development.
Program Development: Ensures that programs, services, and functions are designed and operated to develop the best user experience. Launches initiatives to improve services and expand the user base. Collaborate with local organizations and schools to promote literacy and learning. Collection Development: Oversee the selection, acquisition, and management of library materials and resources commensurate with community standards. Ensure collections reflect diverse perspectives and comply with state and federal laws.
Budget and Financial Management: Prepare and manage the library district’s budget in coordination with the Board of Trustees. Provide vision and oversight of grant opportunities and additional funding sources for library initiatives. Work with county officials, administrative staff, and outside consultants to file tax levy and yearly audit information.
Community Engagement: Build strong relationships with the community and be responsive to their concerns or requests as appropriate. Market and promote the library to galvanize support and involvement of the community in library services and programs. Spearhead comprehensive community needs assessments, soliciting diverse stakeholder input to shape strategic priorities and maximize organizational impact.
Facilities Management: Manage proactive maintenance strategies, cultivating inviting spaces that enhance patron experiences and operational efficiency. Strategize and execute long-term capital investment plans, anticipating facility needs and optimizing resource allocation for critical upgrades.
Technology Integration: Stay current with emerging technologies and trends in library services. Lead the implementation of appropriate technology to enhance library services. Orchestrate the seamless integration of advanced technological solutions, maximizing the efficiency and reach of library resources. Implement practical library technologies to enhance digital services and improve patron experiences.
Reporting and Evaluation: Communicate complex concepts orally, in writing, and in presentations. Prepare weekly and monthly reports for the Board of Trustees on operations, programs, personnel changes, budget, and any other ad hoc items requested. Utilize data and analytics to inform, guide, and communicate transparency in decision-making processes. Submit mandatory reports to the Missouri State Library and the Missouri Ethics Commission.
Educational/Experiential Requirements
- Bachelor’s Degree required
- Masters Degree in Library Science, Business Administration, Public Administration or related field preferred
- 10 years management/supervisory experience (with 5 years minimum in library administration preferred)
- Strong knowledge of database systems, operations, and public facing services
- Experience in community service and public engagement