Job Description
The deer and antelope really do play here. It’s not just a line from a song: it’s Elbert County, Colorado.
Imagine waking up to a clear Colorado sunrise. Kansas is your neighbor on one side, and growing Douglas County is on the other. You stop at Isabel’s Coffee in Elizabeth for a breakfast burrito and grab some lattes to surprise your hard-working staff. The barista knows you by name. While you are there, a local truck driver asks you to help troubleshoot his CloudLibrary account so he can download a new book to listen to on his next long haul. You are happy to help, and take a minute to recommend a title you just listened to yourself.
That’s what it means to be a small-town library director: a unique combination of front-line customer service and behind-the-scenes planning and project managing.
What you’ll do: Lead and inspire a staff of 12 employees in providing customer-driven library service. Plan for and oversee the prudent use of library funds with operating revenue of over $1.3 million. Collaborate with the library board and staff to create a strategic plan, and then follow through on that plan. Oversee collections, programs, digital and technical services. Care for four library facilities and plan for space needs and growth. Become a part of the communities you serve; work with them and for them to meet their needs. Partner with local residents; civic organizations; business owners; school, town, and county leaders; farmers and ranchers; artists and authors; and others to improve the library and strengthen the community.
Benefits & Additional Compensation Info
Salary is $70,000 - $90,000 annually, DOE. Benefits include: A Pension Plan (except PERA retirees), Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, Health Savings Account, Vacation, Sick/Personal Leave, Public Health Emergency Leave, Holidays, Benefits Leave Buy-Back, Jury Duty and Court Leave, Military Leave, Bereavement Leave, Travel Reimbursement, Training & Workshops.
Additional Info & Requirements
Required:
- At least five years of library experience with knowledge of public service, technical services, and automation.
- Knowledge of the principles and practices of modern library district management.
- Experience preparing and administering a budget.
Strongly preferred:
- MLIS/MLS degree from an ALA-Accredited Program.
- Three or more years of public administration experience with the proven ability to plan, organize, and administer a public library system.
- Supervisory experience managing and inspiring library staff and volunteers.
The Community
The Pines & Plains Libraries are located in four unique communities and the district serves all residents of and visitors to Elbert County, covering 1,851 square miles in east-central Colorado. Four branches make up the Pines & Plains Libraries: the Elbert Library is housed in the local school and serves students, families, and the general public; The Elizabeth Library is currently open 59 hours per week and has a meeting room and a full suite of technology for patron use; the Kiowa Library is housed in a historic old stone church with incredible character; and the Simla Library serves a wide range of rural residents who travel long distances to access library services.
HR Info
Apply by sending your completed application materials addressed to Patty Lampman, President of the Board of Trustees, via email: librarydirectorsearch@clicweb.org. Professional references are not required for initial-stage applicants, but will be required of finalists for the position. Deadline to apply is the end of the work day on Friday, August 19, 2022.
Application materials include: A non-form cover letter and a professional resume. Include within your cover letter an answer to this question: “The biggest opportunity I see for the Pines & Plains Libraries is…” Also, tell us about yourself as it relates to this job opportunity—how has your previous experience prepared you for this role? You may be asked to complete the Pines & Plains general job application at a later date, prior to employment.