Job Description
The Akron-Summit County Public Library Board of Trustees seeks a leader with vision and strong collaboration skills for its next Library Director. Key attributes for this position include the ability to foster a team environment, enthusiasm and passion for innovative library services, and a commitment to being a strong community partner. ASCPL, a county district system serving 377,588 residents, is governed by a seven-member Board and supported by a staff of 307 FTE with an annual operating budget of $31 million. The community supports its Library. Seventy percent of voters approved a 2015 levy which makes up 55% of the operating budget. There is also strong support from the Library’s Friends groups. The Library provides stellar service to diverse communities—both urban and suburban—through 17 neighborhood branches and the downtown Main Library, and has been recognized as a Star Library by Library Journal each year since 2009.
Responsibilities: Responsibilities include administering all functions of the Library; ensuring the efficient overall administration and operation of the Library; and overseeing the planning, development, and implementation of Library goals and objectives as approved by the Board of Trustees. The Director works with the Fiscal Officer to prepare Library budgets; oversees personnel functions as delegated by the Board of Trustees; and participates in a variety of community organizations. See the full position description at ASCPL Job Description.
Additional Info & Requirements
Qualifications: Minimum qualifications include five years of progressively responsible senior management experience in the public sector and a master’s degree in library science or public administration, or equivalent degree from an accredited program of graduate studies. Leadership, interpersonal, and consensus-building skills are required, as are the ability to analyze community needs and develop programs to meet those needs, and the ability to work collegially in a team environment. Experience reporting to and working effectively with a governing board, working in a multi-branch library system, and passing tax levies are highly desirable.
Compensation: The hiring salary range is $110,000 – 130,000, with benefits.
The Community
Located about 30 miles south of Cleveland, Akron is the historic center of the tire and rubber industry and was once known as the “Rubber Capital of the World.” The City continues to foster entrepreneurial endeavors as a key component of Northeast Ohio’s “Polymer Valley” – 45% of Ohio’s polymer-related companies are in Akron. Nature lover, arts enthusiast, sports fan, or history buff? Akron has something for you! The area is home to the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Ohio’s only national park, as well as many historic sites, such as Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens and Hale Farm and Village. The Akron Art Museum and Akron Zoo are highly regarded cultural keystones. Akron’s local music scene is known for having produced many iconic musicians, including James Ingram, Devo, Chrissie Hynde, and the Black Keys. The city also enjoys Blossom Music Center, the summer home of the Cleveland Orchestra; Porthouse Theatre, a venue for outdoor enjoyment of the performing arts; and E.J. Thomas Hall, which brings Broadway theater and other entertainment to Akron. Sporting attractions include the AA baseball Akron RubberDucks, Bridgestone Invitational golf tournament, and First Energy All-American Soap Box Derby. Educational opportunities abound with excellent public and private schools and several well-regarded universities, including The University of Akron and Kent State University with its notable MLIS program. There is more to explore beyond Summit County: Akron’s proximity to Cleveland offers access to the world-class Cleveland Museum of Art and Cleveland Orchestra; professional sports teams such as the Cleveland Cavaliers, Indians, and Browns; and many other outstanding amenities, including a professional theater district known as “Playhouse Square.” For more information about the Library or the Akron/Summit County area, visit ASCPL Links.
HR Info
Karen Miller, karenmiller@bradburymiller.com
For more information, contact Bradbury Miller Associates. To start the application process, send a cover letter and résumé as Word or PDF attachments to Karen Miller before the closing date of January 28, 2018.