Job Description
Walla Walla County Rural Library District Board of Trustees seeks a creative leader with a deep commitment to rural library service for its next Executive Director. The Walla Walla County Rural Library District was established in 1972 with a permanent tax base and operates as an independent municipal corporation under Washington State law. The County Commissioners appoint five members to 5-year staggered terms on its Board of Trustees. As a body, the Board holds all subsequent legal authority. With an annual budget of $1.1 million and 14.68FTEs, the District serves the 17,000 rural residents of unincorporated Walla Walla County and the City of Prescott with five small branches, a digital branch, and an administrative office. It is currently engaged in a building program to expand branch facilities in Prescott, Burbank and Touchet. The communities served by the Library District are diverse small towns that see their libraries as community centers and gathering places—integral to community life.
Responsibilities. The Executive Director reports to the Board and works under its vision and direction. As chief administrator, the Executive Director performs professional level organizational and library administrative tasks to provide effective and efficient services to the residents of the District. The Executive Director also leads strategic planning, implements operational procedures, oversees personnel, develops and manages the annual budget and financial plans, oversees the integration of current technologies, and exercises leadership in planning, designing, and maintaining District facilities. See the Executive Director job description for additional details.
Qualifications. This position requires five years of progressively responsible management experience; ability to prepare and manage budgets utilizing Quickbooks; proficient in current technology; has the ability to obtain a driver’s license in Washington state or provide for transportation needs; demonstrates knowledge of policies and techniques of sound public library management; commitment to the fullest implementation of the philosophical principles of public library service as outlined in the ALA Freedom to Read Statement and professional literature; commitment to serving multi-cultural communities; experience with Hispanic/Latino community ethos and needs is desired and a Master’s Degree in Library Science (MLS, MLIS) from an ALA accredited school of library science is preferred.
Compensation. The starting salary range is $67,300-$74,200 (placement being dependent on experience and qualifications) with an attractive benefit package.
Facts about Walla Walla. Walla Walla County is located in southeastern Washington State along the Oregon state line. The rolling hills and the mountain backdrop are the perfect rural setting. This area is known for its agriculture--apples, wheat, sweet onions, and vineyards. With over 100 wineries in the area and a thriving downtown, Walla Walla, the County seat, rivals many larger cities with its eateries, wine tastings, shops and art. In addition, several renowned institutes of higher learning -- Walla Walla University, Whitman College, and the award-winning Walla Walla Community College are in close proximity. For additional details on the Library District, the region and its communities, see WWCRLD Links.
For further information contact Bradbury Associates/Gossage Sager Associates, via email or telephone. To start the application process, send a meaningful cover letter and your resume as Word or pdf attachments via email to Karen Miller on or before the closing date October 11, 2015.
The Walla Walla County Rural Library District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.