Position Summary
This is a professional position responsible for the general administration and management of the Jesup Memorial Library, in accordance with the policies and directives of the Board of Directors and with accepted and emerging library practices and procedures. The major areas of responsibility are supervision and management of the library’s programs, services, collections, budget, staff, and facilities, and a strong working relationship with the Board of Directors and the local community. The primary directive is to provide exemplary public library service in the 21st century that is responsive to community needs. Find a full profile of our library, community, and ideal director at jesuplibrary.org/jobs.
● Reports to: Chair, Board of Directors
● Classification: Full-time, Exempt
Compensation & Benefits
Jesup Memorial Library offers a salary and benefits package commensurate with experience. The anticipated salary range for this role is $80,000 - 90,000. Benefits include employer-sponsored health insurance, generous paid time off, contribution to a retirement plan, and professional development support.
Services, Collections, & Programs
● Designs, implements, and evaluates all aspects of library programs and services based on community needs in consultation with the Board of Directors and staff
● Implements new technology to improve library services and respond to community needs and emerging technological issues
● Develops goals and plans for collections, services, and programs in keeping with the library's mission and operating policies to meet present and future community needs
● Communicates the library’s purpose, vision, and services to the community through a variety of methods
● Connects volunteers to library projects and staff
● Actively promotes diversity and inclusion across the mission of the library in staffing, collections, programming, and community outreach
General Management and Board Relations
● Monitors and ensures the library’s compliance with laws and regulations
● Oversees daily operations and statistical record-keeping using accepted and emerging professional practices and principles
● Prepares and submits Maine Public Library Annual Report to the Maine State Library
● Provides staff support to the Board by assisting with meetings, preparing reports including the Director’s Report to the board, participating in board and committee meetings, and implementing policy decided by the Board
Fiscal Management
● Fundraises with the Advancement and Community Relations Director
● Coordinates grant applications and maintains necessary documentation
● Prepares and presents the annual budget proposal to the Board
● Monitors all expenditures within the approved operating budget
● Works with the Treasurer and the Director of Finance to make sure all reports are fi led
● Coordinates the annual request for town appropriation supporting the operations budget and supports that request in meetings with the Town Council and Warrant Committee
Staff Management
● Assesses staffing needs, develops and revises job descriptions, and determines staff compensation
● Hires, trains, supervises, evaluates, promotes, and terminates library staff
● Maintains employee personnel records, schedules, and payroll information
● Uses library-specific standards and practices to support staff in their jobs
● Holds regular meetings and periodic focused workshops for staff development
● Leads staff by attending professional conferences, workshops, and meetings and reading professional literature
Facilities Management
● Oversees the general maintenance of all aspects of the library’s facilities and property
● Maintains and orders inventory of equipment, furniture, and supplies
● Oversees opening of the new expansion, facilitating community use of the new spaces and adapting to emerging needs and local input as required
Community Relations
● Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with local government, civic, and community groups
● Oversees the coordination of fundraising events
● Participates in local, state, and national library associations
Additional Responsibilities
● Performs other duties, as required
Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities
● An M.L.S. or M.L.I.S. is preferred with at least five years of library experience, some at the administrative level, including staff supervision and budget preparation
● Thorough knowledge of the principles, theories, objectives, and practices of library management and library science
● Current knowledge of innovative services, programs, and resources available in public libraries
● Strong digital and library technological skills
● Experience with building vibrant and varied collections
● Demonstrated initiative, self-direction, and leadership abilities
● Strong written and oral communication skills, and the ability to make effective public presentations
● Fundraising experience, or the desire to learn
● Commitment to relevant community activities and working cooperatively with other organizations
● Commitment to excellence in patron services, fostering a warm, friendly atmosphere that invites diversity
The Jesup is an Equal Opportunity Employer
We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds. The Jesup does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, national origin, disability, or any other status protected by the Maine Human Rights Act. Read our full Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion values statement at https://www.jesuplibrary.org/mission
How to Apply
Interested candidates should send a resume and cover letter, plus a list of three references with their contact information, to directorsearch@jesuplibrary.org. Applications will be accepted through July 31st, 2025.
Jesup Memorial Library offers a salary and benefits package commensurate with experience. The anticipated salary range for this role is $80,000 - 90,000. Benefits include employer-sponsored health insurance, generous paid time off, contribution to a retirement plan, and professional development support.
Located in the heart of Bar Harbor on Mount Desert Island, adjacent to the world renowned outdoor recreation destination Acadia National Park, three hours from Portland and an hour and fifteen minutes from Bangor, the Jesup is a cornerstone of civic and cultural life on the coast of Maine. As a vibrant community hub in a town known for its scientific institutions, rich history, and 4 million annual visitors, the Jesup serves as a gathering place for lifelong learners, curious visitors, and the island’s year-round and seasonal families.
External Job Ad
https://www.jesuplibrary.org/jobs
Interested candidates should send a resume and cover letter, plus a list of three references with their contact information, to directorsearch@jesuplibrary.org. Applications will be accepted through July 31st, 2025.