LibraryJobline

Write the next chapter of your story as Executive Director at Garfield County Libraries!

Western Colorado’s Garfield County Public Library District is an award-winning organization with a talented team of librarians and staff committed to representing and serving our community.

We’re looking for a leader who can help us advance our long-range goals and be a positive presence in the community. 

Compensation & Benefits

Hiring salary range: $151,087 - $166,573; full salary range: $151,087 – $192,830; actual placement dependent on experience and qualifications.
Your salary is complemented by an attractive benefits package which includes 100% paid employee medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage; life insurance, up to 6% retirement match, short- and long-term disability, wellness reimbursement, employee assistance plan, paid holidays, and paid time off. For more details please see our Executive Director Brochure.

About the Role
The Executive Director provides organizational leadership, financial stewardship, and strategic direction. Key responsibilities include:

• Leading systemwide operations, strategic planning, and organizational alignment

• Overseeing a multi-million-dollar budget and financial planning

• Guiding executive-level HR strategy and fostering a positive, high-performing culture; encouraging innovation and professional development

• Ensuring operational effectiveness, infrastructure and technology oversight, and compliance

• Represents and advocates for the District externally, serving as the primary liaison to the Board of County Commissioners, and working collaboratively and diplomatically with elected officials, community organizations, partners, and professional groups to advance District priorities.

• Overseeing marketing and communications, and community outreach

• Upholding intellectual freedom and delivering exceptional public service
  
  

The ideal candidate empowers and trusts staff to carry out important tasks and demonstrates strong emotional intelligence, sound judgment, clear communication, and the ability to translate vision into measurable results.

Hiring salary range: $151,087 - $166,573; full salary range: $151,087 – $192,830; actual placement dependent on experience and qualifications.
Your salary is complemented by an attractive benefits package which includes 100% paid employee medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage; life insurance, up to 6% retirement match, short- and long-term disability, wellness reimbursement, employee assistance plan, paid holidays, and paid time off. For more details please see our Executive Director Brochure on our website.

Education & Experience

The following experience and education are required:

• Master of Library Science degree (MLS) or Master of Library and Information Science degree (MLIS) from an American Library Association-accredited program;

• Minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible library experience, of which at least four (4) years should be in a lead, supervisory, or management capacity.

Additionally, the following is preferred:

• Experience leading funding ballot measures

Visit our website to learn more about this exciting opportunity, including our competitive compensation and benefits!

We’re accepting applications through March 24, 2026, and we will schedule initial interviews after the job closes.

In Garfield County, Colorado you’ll enjoy both rugged alpine vistas and high desert Rocky Mountains. It is home to the world’s largest mineral hot springs pool, vast wilderness, and famous hiking trails like Hanging Lake, a designated National Natural Landmark. You’re only about an hour’s drive from world-class skiing at Aspen and Vail, and most of the District’s towns are located on I-70 with easy access to larger population centers.

External Job Ad
https://gcpld.org/about-us/careers/

Kim Owens, SHRM-SCP