Job Description
The Indianapolis Public Library (IndyPL) seeks a transformational leader to guide the organization on its journey to be the center of knowledge, community life, and innovation for everyone in Indianapolis and Marion County. The new Chief Executive Officer will be resolute in advancing racial equity in the library and community while embracing the institutional values of adaptability, communication, diversity, and inclusiveness. Governed by an appointed 7-member board, with a $48.9 million budget, 24 service locations, and 574 employees as of the end of 2021, IndyPL is positioned to meet the changing needs of its residents. IndyPL offers unique collections such as the Center for Black Literature and Culture, Chris Gonzalez Collection, the Digital Encyclopedia of Indianapolis, and an extensive diverse collection. The library serves as a leader in the community offering community spaces, and services. IndyPL circulated over 7.2 million books from online to physical books in 2021. The ideal candidate will be experienced in change management practices, excited by the prospect of fostering a new institutional culture, embrace data-driven decision making, and have demonstrated experience in consensus building. Key initiatives include advancing the IndyPL internal climate improvement process; building a culture that celebrates communication, trust, and diversity; completing the existing strategic plan; continuing to champion intellectual freedom; strengthening relationships with local stakeholders and decision-makers; and enhancing the IndyPL’s presence in the community.
Responsibilities: The Chief Executive Officer is responsible for working with the Library Board to develop long-term plans and directions for the Library; planning and directing the overall operations and management of the Library; providing effective team development leadership to the staff; working collaboratively with civic organizations and community agencies; and working effectively with elected officials at the state and county level. The CEO functions with a high degree of latitude for independent action within the scope of the organizational policy set by the library board. The IndyPL CEO directly supervises the Chief Public Services Officer, the Chief Financial Officer, the Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Officer, the Strategic Planning & Assessment Officer, and department directors including Collection Management, Selection & Acquisition; Communications; Facilities; Human Resources; and Innovation & Technology.
Benefits & Additional Compensation Info
Compensation: A salary range of $124,488 – $189,500 (with placement negotiable, dependent upon experience and qualifications) and an excellent fringe benefits package.
Additional Info & Requirements
Qualifications: Minimum qualifications include a Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science from an ALA-accredited program, possession of or the ability to obtain an Indiana State Librarian Certificate 1 – Director, 10 years professional library experience OR 6 years professional library experience that includes 3 years as a director or supervising at least 2 staff members who hold MLS degrees. Driver’s license. Essential attributes and skills include the ability to lead strategic change to meet Library goals through the establishment, implementation, and clear communication of an organizational vision in a continuously changing environment; leading people through effective communication, consistently demonstrating integrity and honesty, fostering teamwork, developing staff and constructive resolution of conflicts; demonstrating sound business acumen and decision-making through the strategic use of data to understand and manage human, financial, and information resources; and effectively building coalitions both internally and externally to achieve common goals in alignment with library strategies.
The Community
With an affordable cost of living, a close-knit community, and a love for arts and sports, Indianapolis offers big city amenities with Midwestern charm. Recently named one of Food & Wine’s Next Great Food Cities, the region boasts traditional cuisine from across the globe and new takes on American fare. Home to five USA sports federations, state-of-the-art athletic facilities, and headquarters of the National Collegiate Athletic Association, the city has become the amateur sports capital of the world and professional sports fans have multiple teams to cheer on. A diverse and growing community, Indianapolis has opened its arms to immigrant populations and proactively supports those who call it home through its Immigrant Welcome Center and many different cultural festivals. Residents have no shortage of things to do with the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis, Newfields (which includes the Indianapolis Museum of Art), the Eiteljorg Museum, the Indianapolis Zoo, and the Indiana Repertory Theatre as popular destinations. It is easy to get around Indianapolis with a great public transportation system or take advantage of Indianapolis International Airport-ranked the best airport in North America for nine years in a row.
HR Info
For further information, contact Bradbury Miller Associates. Apply by email with a meaningful cover letter and your resume as Word or pdf attachments to Karen E. Miller. This position closes on June 26, 2022.