Library Director - Job Description
Located in rural Southwest Michigan, the Dowagiac District Library is a Class IV library serving the lively communities of the City of Dowagiac and surrounding townships. The seven-member Board of Trustees is seeking a director who can ensure that the library and its nine staff continue to provide excellent customer service, while keeping abreast of current issues related to the library field. The building had a comprehensive renovation and expansion, doubling in size in 2021, providing an excellent opportunity for continued collection development and expansion of programming. A perpetual millage, along with investments, provides the library with very stable sources of revenue.
Nature of Work
The Library Director is the chief administrative office of the Dowagiac District Library. With direction from the Library Board, the Library Director has overall responsibility for all management, administrative, and professional functions. The Library Director reports to the Board.
The principal duties and responsibilities of the position include, but are not limited to, the following general areas:
Responsibilities
1. Responsible for the day-to-day administration of the library, within the framework of the library Board’s adopted policies and budget.
2. Recommends and drafts policies for Board consideration. Implements policies and decisions approved by the Board.
3. Drafts an annual budget and presenting it to the Board for approval. Administers library budget and submits monthly updates to Board.
4. Employs library personnel, subject to approval by Board. Provides appropriate job descriptions and evaluations for all staff.
5. Serves as primary spokesperson in communicating library policies and procedures to the staff and public.
6. Promotes utilization and support of the library and publicizes library services. Informs the Board of current library and information trends.
7. Manages the library system’s development activities aimed at securing gifts, endowments, bequests, and grants.
8. Represents the library at professional meetings and community functions.
9. Encourages the Board to keep informed of developments in the library related field; provides library employees with continuing education opportunities.
10. Serves as liaison for the Board with all outside boards and friends organizations.
11. Maintains safe and organized public workspaces.
12. Manages operations for payroll, taxation, accounting systems using third party agencies as appropriate.
13. Manages library investment portfolio based upon direction/counsel of Board. Reports to and consults with board regard to changes, planning and investment strategies.
14. Supervises and maintains staff scheduling.
15. In conjunction with Board direction and consultation, pursues all available opportunities for funding sources including grants, endowment funds and special programs.
16. Participates in materials selection and collection development programs.
17. Provides direction and input regarding library programs, displays & exhibits, and library pathfinders and bibliographies.
18. Participates in providing customer services including weekend rotation duty.
19. Other duties as needed and/or assigned by the Board.
Desired Qualifications
• Master’s degree from an ALA accredited program in library science (MLA) or information science (MLIS).
• 3 years of public library experience in a supervisory role.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with community leaders, public officials, and leaders of educational and civic organizations.
• Ability to analyze, evaluate and articulate library needs and services.
• Strong personal leadership skills and the ability to represent the library at all levels within the community.
• Demonstrates ability to recruit, train, motivate, and supervise employees.
Compensation
Starting at $55,000-$60,000 depending on experience and educational qualifications. Includes 80% Blue Cross health/dental/vision insurance, MERS defined benefit retirement, life insurance, and paid time off.
To Apply: please send a resume, cover letter, and three professional references to Kathryn Hayes, Library Director Search Committee, at kathrynseyah@aol.com