Job Description
Manage six unique libraries as a single, unified system in South Central Michigan! The Branch District Library (https://www.branchdistrictlibrary.org/) Board of Trustees seeks a progressive and original leader who can and will capitalize on the Library’s 2015 millage success and create a sound forward-thinking plan for the Library’s future. The Library staff (37 employees, 23 FTE) serves the 46,905 citizens of Branch County and Allen Township in Hillsdale County with a $1.6 million operating budget. The Branch District Library was formed in 1991 by combining the resources and services of individual public libraries in Coldwater, Algansee, Bronson, Quincy, Sherwood, and Union Township. Branches of the District Library remain active in those communities, each of which has its own unique character, community support, programs and services. The challenge for the new Director will be to help the Library and its services flourish with its communities, move forward with innovation to restore hours and services and become recognized as the community resource. The District collaborates with the Woodlands Library Cooperative and other agencies to provide technology, special programs and much more.
Branch County (http://www.countyofbranch.com/) is located in southern Michigan, half way between Chicago and Detroit along the Old Sauk Trail, also known as the U.S. 12 Heritage Route. With warm small town hospitality, Coldwater (the county seat) and the surrounding communities offer festivals, shopping, restaurants and more than 100 area lakes for fishing and recreational activities—all amid very diverse and affordable housing options. Cultural amenities include the historical Tibbits Opera House in Coldwater—the second oldest theater in Michigan—offering near perfect acoustics in an intimate 499-seat setting. The theater offers a fine array of performances throughout the year and has developed an outstanding reputation for its Summer Theatre performances. Branch County is served by five school districts and two colleges—Baker College and Kellogg Community College. The area has a healthy and expanding economy, including the recently announced Clemens Food Group’s $225 million investment in a new pork production facility. For more about the communities and the Library see Branch Links (http://www.gossagesager.com/branchlinks.htm).
Responsibilities. The Director reports to a seven-member Library Board of Trustees and under the broad policy guidance and direction from the Board, performs professional and administrative duties in planning, developing, implementing, and directing public library services for the Branch District Library. These duties include personnel management, budget preparation and financial management, policy and project development, facilities management, and community relations. The Director will work effectively with elected officials at the local, township and state level; and with the media, stakeholder groups, and the communities to enhance the Library’s image as the heart of the county.
HR Info
For information, contact Bradbury Associates/Gossage Sager Associates (http://www.gossagesager.com/) via email or telephone. To start the application process, send a meaningful cover letter and your resume as Word or pdf attachments via email to Dan Bradbury, danbradbury@gossagesager.com, on or before the closing date of April 10, 2016.