LIBRARY DIRECTOR
Responsible for performing a variety of complex administrative and supervisory work in planning, organizing, and implementing programs of a public library, serving a vibrant community of 36,000+. Responsible for supporting the community’s cultural, educational, professional and recreational needs by continuous development of relevant and appropriate library materials, programs and services.
Work involves responsibility for the management of a public library collection and for the provision of library services to patrons and community organizations. Duties include policy recommendation, departmental planning and direction, and administration of library activities. The position is also invested with making the more difficult library technical decisions in concert with the Technology Coordinator. The work requires that the employee have thorough knowledge, skill and ability in every phase of the public library field.
Works under the policy guidance and directives of the Library Board of Trustees
Qualifications:
· Masters degree in Library Science from an ALA-accredited program
· Minimum three years experience as a Library Director or equivalent
· Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
· Computer literacy
· Superior technical writing and grant writing skills
· Considerable knowledge of professional library principles, materials and practices and personnel law
Duties & Responsibilities:
· Manages and supervises the Library, including day-to-day operations of 13 full-time and 17 part-time employees
· Provides short term goals as well as developing long-term strategic plan for the Library for approval by the Board of Trustees
· Enforces the rules and regulations of the Library
· Drafts and recommends policy to the Library Board and plans for the implementation of public library goals and objectives
· Oversees and monitors the Library’s collection of books and other materials
· Applies for and implements grants, submits reports to funding agency and to Board of Trustees
· Prepares, implements and monitors the Library’s annual budget of $1.9 million
· Prepares the annual departmental budget and presents and defends budget requests before the Library Board, Mayor, and Town Council.
· Provides monthly reports and budget updates to all members of the Library Board of Trustees at their monthly meeting
· Maintains financial and statistical records for the Town and the State of Rhode Island
· Approves all departmental requests for office, library, computer, custodial supplies and equipment
· Directs and participates in personnel actions such as hiring, termination, assignment, evaluation, and labor relations.
· Represents the library on regional and state committees and serves as the Town's authority on library issues. Performs related work as required.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
· Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of public library functions
· Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of public administration as applied to a public library
· Thorough ability in oral and written communications
· Thorough ability to administer the activities of a public library and to supervise the work of others
· Thorough ability to make decisions in an environment of limited resources and competing claims
· Thorough ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with superiors, subordinates, associates, officials of other agencies, and the general public
Additional information
This is a full-time, salaried position offering an annual compensation package within the range of $85,000 – 95,000. The final salary offer extended to the successful candidate will be determined based on a comprehensive review of their demonstrated qualifications, relevant professional experience, and alignment with the specific needs of the Cumberland Public Library.
Submit resume and cover letter to [email protected] by May 1, 2026. Position available beginning July 1, 2026
Medical Benefits: The Town offers an IRS qualified high-deductible "Health Savings Account" (HSA) Plan. The HSA Plan requires Members to pay an annual (calendar year based) deductible. Once the deductible is met, all covered services generally are available to Members and dependents without any out-of-pocket cost, including copayments. For 2026, the HSA Plan deductible is $2000 for individual coverage, and $4000 for a family plan.
Each Member will have an HSA Deductible Account which can be used to fund the individual/family medical expenses. All full-time employees will also receive dental coverage for a payment of five dollars ($5.00) weekly.
Vacation: The Library Director receives 20 working days per year that accrue at the rate of 1 2/3 days per month. After 15 years continuous full-time employment vacation/leave is 25 working days per year accruing at a rate of 2 1/12 days per month.
Sick Leave: Sick leave accumulates at the rate of one sick day per month not to exceed 10 days annually.
The Cumberland Public Library is a department of the Town of Cumberland. It is a suburban area of about 36,000 residents, close to the capital of Providence, RI and an hour ride to Boston. The Library is situated in a former Monastery on 500 acres of parkland. The 55,000 square foot Library draws patrons from northern RI and nearby Massachusetts. Besides a Children's, Adult and Teen Centers, the Library also has seven meeting rooms for programs and local community groups. The Library has both traditional and tech savvy patrons and the staff produce innovative programs.
Website
www.cumberlandlibrary.org
Interested parties should send a resume and three references to the Library Board of Trustees at [email protected]
Deadline for application is May 1, 2026
Position available beginning July 1, 2026