LIBRARY DIRECTOR
Starting Salary to begin at $121,191.00
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GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The Director acts as the Chief Operations Officer of the library, overseeing complex administrative, supervisory, and professional responsibilities that require a high level of accuracy, confidentiality, moral values, ethics and integrity. Operating under the general direction of the Library Board of Trustees, the Director is accountable for organizing and managing library operations, including the planning, direction, staffing, and coordination of all library services. Responsibilities also include, but are not limited to, preparing and administering the library's budget and resolving internal and external procedural and resource conflicts.
Additionally, the Director administers library operations and facilities, guides the implementation of policies, and develops staffing strategies aimed at improving efficiency, financial management, and personnel performance under the governance and oversight of the Board. The Director serves as the official representative of the library, Treasurer of the Board and Purchasing Agent for the library. The Director is responsible to, and serves at the pleasure of, the Library Board.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
General Administration and Management
- The Director supervises the Deputy Director and Administrative staff.
- Works with the Library Board to establish a long-range plan that aligns the library’s mission, goals, and objectives with community needs.
- Develops and submits library policies, long-range goals, and objectives to the Library Board for review, approval, and update.
- Implements and executes approved library policies, as well as long-range goals and objectives; supervises the development of uniform procedures throughout the library system.
- Prepares Library Board meeting agendas and necessary reports in cooperation with the Board or Committee Chairs, and notifies Library Board and the public of scheduled meetings.
- Maintains a current record of procedures and business that is readily accessible to Members of the Board.
- Informs the Board regarding the adoption of new programs and technologies, and reports regularly on their success and impact.
- Submits an annual operational budget to the Library Board for review, discussion and approval. Oversees and presents annual budget requests to member localities. Directs and monitors expenditures. Incorporates library’s goals and strategic plan as basis for financial planning.
- Provides monthly financial data to the Library Board to assist in establishing transparency and setting long- and short-term financial priorities.
- Prepares and submits other reports in accordance with county, state and/or federal requirements.
- Ensures that an audit is performed annually, according to established deadlines.
- Explores new funding sources with the Library Board and collaborates with other community organizations and businesses to provide services.
- Plans and supervises the library’s public relations plan.
- Reviews building needs and advises the Board in its planning for future expansion or development.
- Works with municipal and state government officials to meet the needs of the library and works with special groups in an advisory capacity.
- Ensures compliance with local, state, and federal laws governing libraries.
Planning, Organization, and Evaluation
- Directs a balanced program of library service to meet the immediate and long-range goals of the library and the community, evaluating the effectiveness of library services in relation to changing needs.
- Sets standards of excellence for all operations.
- Regularly reviews all library operations by analyzing data, investigating new trends, and exploring new technology, materials and equipment.
Personnel Management
- Demonstrates leadership within the organization: takes initiative, solves problems, effects change, and encourages staff development through a positive work environment.
- Establishes and maintains a staff manual of library procedures.
- Recruits, hires, evaluates, and disciplines library staff in accordance with state and federal regulations and library personnel policies.
- Develops staff job descriptions, recommends, and administers personnel policies.
- Defines expectations for staff performance and sets goals for service and programming.
- Works to promote high staff morale.
- Supervises the planning for the optimal utilization of personnel.
- Provides in-service programs for employee training and development.
- Ensures that staff performance evaluations are conducted on a regular schedule.
Community and Professional Development
- Represents the library and speaks before community, civic, and other groups regarding the objectives and activities of the library.
- Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with other governmental agencies, civic and community groups, and the general public.
- Serves as a model to staff in professionalism, demonstrating strong professional morals.
- Participates in professional development opportunities to enhance managerial skills and maintains an awareness of new trends and developments in the library field.
- Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Library Board of Trustees.
WORKING CONDITIONS
- Flexible work hours; frequent evening and weekend hours.
- Travel to various meeting locations, conferences and continuing education sites as needed.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
- Ability to think analytically and to develop new services.
- Ability to exercise initiative and independent judgment.
- Considerable knowledge of current and emerging digital technology, software applications and data communications.
- Ability to prepare comprehensive reports and present ideas clearly and concisely in written and oral form.
- Highly developed verbal and written communication skills, along with social skills, and adaptability.
- Ability to make administrative decisions, develop policies and supervise staff.
- Effective interpersonal skills, including creative and diplomatic management abilities.
- Demonstrates dynamic and motivational leadership skills.
- Ability to process information effectively, learn new materials, and handle complex concepts.
- Willingness to make and maintain connections with the public.
- Ability to motivate, establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, the general public, volunteers, governmental bodies and other community agencies.
- Demonstrates a commitment to ethical and moral behavior and to the core values of the library and community.
EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE, TRAINING
- Master’s degree in Library Science from an ALA-accredited institution preferred, or a Master’s degree in business or a related field.
- Five (5) years of experience in library management, business management, or a related field, demonstrating a progression of increasing responsibilities including at least three (3) years in a supervisory capacity.
- Eligible for certification by Virginia Board for the Certification of Librarians preferred.
SPECIAL CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT
- Valid VA driver’s license
- Subject to a one-year provisional period
FLSA
Job description is subject to change by the Library Board of Trustees
Revision Date - March 2025
