Job Description
Director of Public Library, Needham Free Public Library (Needham)
The Town of Needham, Massachusetts is seeking an energetic and collaborative Library Director to provide vision and leadership for the Library as a vital center of learning, culture and inclusion. The successful candidate will continue the Library’s commitment to community enrichment and have the leadership skills to transform strategic initiatives into reality. Working closely with Town Administration and Board of Library Trustees, the Director oversees and monitors all library operations, including budgeting, strategic planning, service delivery, personnel management and facilities. The Director should be an ambassador for the library, highlighting its successes and communicating its needs. The Needham Free Public Library is poised to move forward with robust community programming and innovative services to meet community needs, and seeks an innovative leader who can guide the organization toward a post-pandemic world and balance the need for both virtual and in-person services and resources. To that end, the new Director will have the opportunity to help create and implement a new five-year strategic plan.
Needham is an inclusive, thriving town of more than 30,000 residents that is located 10 miles from downtown Boston and 40 miles from Providence. With a charming, walkable town center, commuter rail and highway access to Boston and a business park that is home to several large technology companies, Needham has a strong sense of community and dedication to lifelong learning. The Library, which is housed in a beautiful building that was fully renovated and expanded in mid-2000s, is a modern facility endowed with new technologies and contemporary furnishings. The Library is located within walking distance of Needham’s downtown and many town facilities, including its high school, senior center, Town Hall, parks and the Rosemary Recreation Center.
The role of the Director is to plan, organize and direct all Library services and activities, assisting and advising the Board of Trustees in formulating and implementing Library policies. The Director’s responsibilities include planning, implementing and evaluating progress toward the Library’s strategic plan; developing and managing the annual operating and capital budgets; recruiting, developing and supervising Library staff; developing associations with the public, community leaders, local officials and institutions; promoting inclusion and diversity; coordinating the Library’s public relations and social media programs; preparing grant proposals; and representing the Library’s interests to boards and committees on the State and local level.
Qualifications
Position requires a master’s degree in Library Science, at least seven years of library service including progressive levels of supervisory, management and financial responsibilities; strong interpersonal skills; significant knowledge of public library administration and federal and state laws relating to public libraries; the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with Trustees, Town officials, Library patrons, community organizations, vendors, and the general public; the ability to develop staff competencies and build strong teams; and excellent communication skills. The candidate should have a passion for the work of libraries and a thorough knowledge of current trends, technologies and best practices for library services.
Full/Part Time
Full Time
Education
MLS/Masters
Salary
The hiring range for this position is $104,665 - $132,000.
Closing Date
August 13, 2021
How to Apply
Application submissions should include a cover letter and resume. The preferred submission is via email as an attached PDF file; however, any of the following methods will be accepted:
Email: hr@needhamma.gov
Fax: 781-455-0165
Mail: Human Resources Department, 1471 Highland Avenue, Needham, MA 02492
Applications will be accepted until August 13, 2021.
Benefits & Additional Compensation Info
https://www.needhamma.gov/345/Benefits-Information
HR Info
hr@needhamma.gov