Job Description
Looking Ahead With 2020 Vision – And Then Beyond. The Dothan Houston County (AL) Library System Board of Trustees seeks its next successful Library Director—someone to lead the System in achieving its vision of connecting people to the transformational power of knowledge and discovery. Located in Dothan, Alabama, the DHCLS serves Houston County’s 105,000 residents with facilities including: the Main Library in Dothan, the Westgate Branch (both new in 2014), a recently refreshed library in Ashford, and active bookmobile, outreach and virtual programs. Focusing on literacy and lifelong learning, access to technology, and community engagement, staff have significantly increased traffic with approximately 300,000 visits per year. Extensive programming at the library for all ages provides patrons with a comfortable, safe and welcoming place to visit, enjoy and connect. The Library System, a 501(c)(3), has an annual operating budget of $1.3 million funded by the cities of Dothan, Ashford, and Houston County and supplemental revenue from private contributions and grants, and state and federal sources. The strength of DHCLS is built on the staff and their commitment to providing the best materials, technology and service to all residents. A key area of focus for the new Director going forward will be fundraising and development.
Responsibilities. The Library Director, under the guidance of the 15-member Board of Trustees, develops and maintains the library service program meeting the needs of its constituents throughout the County—ensuring delivery of quality programs and services. The Director works closely with the Board and staff recommending and developing policies; developing and implementing the Strategic Plan; actively engaging in public relations and media opportunities; understanding regional community needs; actively participating in DHCLS communities; serving as liaison to the very active and engaged Friends of the Library; understanding and developing the annual operating budget; seeking collaborative partnerships; maintaining and developing entrepreneurial and fundraising opportunities; staying abreast of industry trends; and creating and sustaining a positive work environment.
Additional Info & Requirements
Minimum qualifications. Three years of experience in library management and operations or any equivalent combination of experience, education and training which provides the knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform the work. Desirable attributes and skills should include: fundraising and development knowledge and interest; vision, creativity, energy and enthusiasm; superior written and oral communications skills; demonstrated success in effectively marketing and promoting library services to the community; political acumen; sound fiscal and budgeting skills; collaborative and consensus building skills; experience in recruiting, mentoring, evaluating and retaining an excellent staff; and a thorough knowledge of current trends, technologies and “best practices” for library service. A bachelor’s degree in an appropriate field from an accredited institution is required. A master’s degree in Library Science from an accredited program, public library experience, and experience as a director reporting to a governing board are preferred.
The Community
Dothan, Alabama (Houston County) is situated in the Southeastern corner of Alabama 90 miles north of Panama City, FL beaches and 18 miles west of the Georgia state line. Houston County is home to a diverse population of more than 105,000 residents. Primary area employment opportunities include: medical and health sciences, transportation, agriculture, Fort Rucker (Army), and manufacturing, retail and educational facilities. With one fourth of the US peanut crop grown in the region, Dothan is billed as the “Peanut Capital of the World.” Known as the Hub of the Wiregrass, residents enjoy a low cost of living and a high quality of life enriched by community activities, sporting events, social clubs, cultural organizations and a broad range of religious institutions. With a renewed focus on education, the city and county public schools have been re-energized for all students, and multiple private school options also exist. Higher education institutions include Wallace Community College, Troy University and the Alabama College of Osteopathic Medicine. For more information on the Library and the area, see DHCLS Links.
HR Info
For further information, please visit Bradbury Miller Associates. Apply via email with a meaningful cover letter and resume as Word or PDF attachments to Dan Bradbury. This position will close March 17, 2019.