LibraryJobline

Job Description

Lead an innovative and accomplished New York library system to continue outstanding levels of service and effective resource sharing. The Board of Trustees of the Mid-Hudson Library System, http://midhudson.org/, (headquartered in Poughkeepsie, NY), seeks an experienced library leader—responsive to member, staff, and community needs and skilled in focusing the efforts of a team of talented professionals—as its next Executive Director. MHLS, a regional consortium of public libraries in Columbia, Dutchess, Greene, Putnam, and Ulster counties, works in partnership with its member libraries providing access to excellent library services for 650,000+ NY residents. With a $3 million annual budget and 17 FTE system staff, MHLS is a member-focused organization with a reputation for providing continuing education for member library directors, trustees and staff, and strong outreach services to its diverse membership including support for innovative technologies. The Hudson River Valley region offers a tremendous wealth of options to residents. The river, forests, and mountains provide an outdoor playground for all types of recreational activities and interests. A 90-minute train ride takes you to Grand Central Terminal and access to New York City. There is also easy access to many wineries, shopping districts, theater performances, and fine dining in the local region as well. Good school districts plus stellar colleges and universities in the area round out the region creating an excellent quality of life. The region is also the home of the renown Culinary Institute of America (http://www.ciachef.edu/). For additional details on MHLS and its communities, see http://www.gossagesager.com/MHLSlinks.htm. Responsibilities. The Executive Director serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Library System, and under the general direction of the 15-member Board of Trustees, has overall responsibility for general administration of System operations. The Executive Director supervises all managers and staff —and works with the Board, staff, member libraries, and major stakeholders to establish the strategic vision for the System aligning its mission, with member library and community needs and priorities. This is complex executive work planning, directing, managing and overseeing the activities and operations of the System. Qualifications. An ALA-accredited Master's Degree in Library Science; the ability to obtain and retain a New York State Public Librarian Certificate; and a minimum of eight years of post MLS experience including two years of which must have been in an administrative capacity. Essential attributes and skills include: vision, creativity, energy and enthusiasm; superior written and oral communications skills; meaningful public library experience; flexibility; political acumen; collaborative and consensus-building skills; experience in recruiting, mentoring, evaluating and retaining an excellent staff; and a desire to continue the tradition of excellence and innovation within the System. See the http://www.gossagesager.com/MHLSEDJobdesc.pdf for additional responsibilities and detailed qualifications. Success working with and reporting to a governing board and working in a union or civil service environment are additional preferred qualifications. Compensation. The hiring salary range is $100,000-120,000 (placement being dependent on experience and qualifications) with an attractive benefits package.

HR Info

For further information, contact Bradbury Associates/Gossage Sager Associates (www.gossagesager.com) via email or phone. Apply with a meaningful cover letter and your resume as Word or pdf attachments to Dan Bradbury, danbradbury@gossagesager.com, or Jobeth Bradbury, jobethbradbury@gossagesager.com. This position closes August 11, 2013.