LibraryJobline

Job Description

COSLA is an independent organization of the chief officers of state and territorial agencies designated as the state library administrative agency and responsible for statewide library development. Its purpose is to provide leadership on issues of common concern and national interest; to further state library agency relationships with federal government and national organizations; and to initiate cooperative action for the improvement of library services to the people of the United States.

The Executive Director is responsible for the following: provides strategic leadership guided by the organizational plan for COSLA; implements policies set by the Board of Directors as well as annual goals and objectives including financial, program, and fund development; represents the organization at conferences, advisory groups, working groups, partner meetings, and in discussions with policymakers; provides the leadership and direction necessary to sustain the viability and influence of COSLA and that strengthen AMR.

The successful candidate will have a demonstrated knowledge of national library funding, policy, trends, and services. The Ideal candidate will also have demonstrated experience successfully leading/managing an association and will provide professional experience in board and committee management, operations, finance, and the areas described in the key responsibilities below. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Assists the Board in fulfilling its responsibility in leading the association; to implement policies established by the Board; develops strategies and programs to achieve annual and long-range strategic goals; follows industry trends, assesses member needs, and allocates resources accordingly; informs officers, executive committee members, and/or committee chairs of matters or developments that warrant their attention; and ensures organizational work is organized around and advances the established policies, goals and objectives of the organization.
• Leads a team of AMR association professionals to ensure that programs, activities, and services needed to fulfill COSLA’s service agreement with AMR (contracts, workplans, expense fees and reimbursements, etc.) are executed promptly and at the highest standard.
• Serves as the public face of the association by working with COSLA leaders to identify strategic opportunities for the advancement of association goals and/or greater visibility for the association, including speaking engagements and other activities that will positively promote the image and mission of the association.
• Engages frequently with the COSLA membership to provide information and updates, foster participation and communication, and maximize the value of membership in COSLA.
• Manages independent contractors on a project basis to ensure effective communication and resource deployment, successful project execution, and evaluation of performance expectations, measures, and results.
• Lead or coordinate projects of national scope that include external partners to accomplish shared goals, as needed.
• Sustains key partner relationships on behalf of the organization, coordinates with member liaisons to other key partners, and works with the COSLA leadership to identify additional organizations of strategic importance and build alliances with those groups.
• Tracks national library policy and legislative initiatives and works cooperatively with key partners to advance COSLA priorities as established by the Board.
• Oversees the association budget to ensure accurate and timely reporting.
• Working with the Board, creates and implements annual and long-term fund development plans, including identification of corporate sponsors and potential sources of grant funding that share, support and enhance COSLA’s strategic goals.
• In accordance with AMR procedures and timelines, oversees the development of workplans that advance the goals of COSLA’s strategic plan in the next year of association work for review with AMR leadership.
• Remains current on the events in the association industry and the marketplace in order to take advantage of short and long-term opportunities that enhance the goals of COSLA.
• Identifies and recommends services to expand the scope of work for the association and AMR that enhance the goals of COSLA.
• Participates in AMR staff meetings and activities with other Executive Directors and colleagues to share and leverage expertise on association management for the advancement of COSLA and AMR.
• Serves as a leader within AMR supporting company initiatives, culture, and policies.

Benefits & Additional Compensation Info

AMR is pleased to provide a comprehensive benefits package that includes a generous bank of Paid Time Off and flexible work schedules in addition to Medical, Dental, Vision, Life and Disability Insurance, and 401(k). 

Additional Info & Requirements

Requirements

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Energy, innovation, and ability to articulate enthusiastically the value and mission of COSLA, state library agencies, and libraries.
• Demonstrated ability to work successfully with boards, professional organizations, committees, contractors, and vendors on a national basis.
• Demonstrated knowledge of the current landscape of national library funding, policy, trends and services.
• Ability to cultivate positive and productive relationships with AMR colleagues and members nationwide.
• Ability to represent COSLA effectively and dynamically to current and potential partners, including federal agencies, and other organizations within and beyond the library field.
• Experience managing remote programs and staff, liaising with Board members, and expanding and developing the influence of the organization.
• Ability to guide, direct and manage multiple projects with internal and external partners to achieve project goals on time and within budget.
• Excellent skills and demonstrated success in fund development, especially corporate sponsorship management and solicitation, and grant writing.
• Creative, entrepreneurial, highly motivated and well organized with strong written and oral communication and presentation skills, knowledge of business math, and analytical skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills including: teamwork, coaching, writing, listening, and speaking.
• Capable of developing new initiatives from concept through implementation.
• Demonstrate the core competencies of communication, productivity, quality, responsiveness, and leadership.
• Willingness to travel regularly (up to 50%).

Training and Experience: 

• Master’s degree in library science or equivalent work experience.
• Ten or more years of senior level management experience; director level experience preferred.
• Demonstrated track record of helping to build and lead an association or organization, with preference given to organizations in the library field.
• Past experience and success in working with a Board of Directors with the ability to cultivate existing Board member relationships.
• Demonstrated history of professional involvement at state and national levels.

The Community

AMR Management Services is an association management company (AMC).  We provide professional association management services to trade associations, individual member organizations and foundations through four core services: association management, education and event planning, marketing and creative services, and technology services. Through our passion, people and principles, AMR turns vision into action to enable client success. 

If you are passionate about turning vision into action and embrace AMR’s core values of Success Together, Ownership, Get Stuff Done, Flexible, Transparent, and Inclusive, Casual but Focused on Results, and Lifelong Learning - Apply Today.  Submit cover letter, resume and salary requirements. Remote Candidates welcome.

We are committed to creating a diverse environment where everyone has an equal opportunity for success.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.