Job Description
Library delivery service by raft? Outreach at the music festival? Trivia contest at the local hot spring? As the Buena Vista Public Library Director, you could do these and more! Buena Vista Public Library (BVPL) is looking for a director who is up to the challenge of providing new and innovative library services alongside traditional offerings.
We’re seeking individuals to apply for Buena Vista Public Library’s open Director position. The Director is responsible for managing all Library operations and resources and for working with an active Board on long range planning and policy development. The ideal candidate will be technology literate, creative, community-minded, have vision for service to the community and be highly committed to the Library. Our selection will have a strong background in financial management and successful supervisory experience. Although you don’t have to have your own raft, you might want to have a life jacket for the exciting ride you’ll have as the new director! Under the direct supervision of the Board of Trustees of the Buena Vista Public Library (the “Board”), the Director is responsible for the total operation of the Library and the development and implementation of its programs. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Assist the Board with long range planning, policy development, and managing all Library resources
- Organize the acquisitions, access, and control of collections.
- Facilitate the design and implementation of services and programs for all ages.
- Oversee the maintenance and safety of the Library building and grounds.
- Develop and maintain active and positive working relationships with local governments, community leaders, and the local media.
- Oversee the design and implementation of technology required to keep the District current.
- Oversee all financial responsibilities of the District, including the annual budget and audit process.
- Assist patrons with information, material, and program requests.
- Secure grant funding and other donations, in part by developing and maintaining donor relationships.
- Perform all necessary Human Resources duties, including hiring, dismissal, evaluation and supervision of both employees and volunteers.
Other duties as needed. See https://buenavistalibrary.org/wp-content/uploads/FINAL-BV-Job-Description-Director.pdf for full job description.
Additional Info & Requirements
Three or more years of progressively responsible public library management experience, or at least five years in a service institution with comparable demands and responsibilities (i.e., staff supervision, budgeting, working directly with the public, working with governing boards or bodies, etc.) Starting salary of $65,000 or higher commensurate with education and/or experience.
The Community
Buena Vista (BV) is a growing mountain town in central Colorado’s Chaffee County. Known as “The Heart of the Rockies,” the county is home to twelve of the state’s “Fourteeners.” The Arkansas River Valley and the area of what would become Buena Vista was first settled in 1864 by settlers drawn to the area by the plentiful water which made the land suitable for agriculture The Arkansas is a venue for world class rafting, kayaking, and designated Gold Medal fishing. Despite sitting at 8,000 feet in elevation, Buena Vista enjoys temperate weather with cool summers and generally mild winters. Locals and visitors are drawn to the many outdoor pursuits the area offers – hiking, climbing, mountain biking, river fun, camping, hunting, cross country skiing, and snowshoeing, just to name a few. Elk, deer, antelope, bighorn sheep, mountain goats, bear, and moose are just some of the wildlife that live on the valley floor and in the hills surrounding Buena Vista. The area has several geothermal hot springs for soaking and swimming all year around including Mt. Princeton Hot Springs Resort, a favorite of both locals and destination travelers. BV also boasts an outdoor climbing wall, a skateboarding park, a nine-hole golf course, a disc golf course, an historic train depot and extensive trails along and above the Arkansas River. It has a thriving hospitality industry. The local economy is primarily driven by public sector, construction, retail and tourism. BV is a family friendly town of just over 2800 residents with outdoor adventure, community involvement and growing cultural offerings. For more information on BV, visit https://www.buenavistacolorado.org/
The Northern Chaffee County Library District, commonly called Buena Vista Public Library, serves around 9200 residents of the town and county. The library building was constructed in 2006 and houses a current collection of over 21,000 physical items. The library is well supported and financially sound with a seasoned staff of 6.7 FTE. Programming is well established. Sound policies and procedures are in place. BVPL is a member of Marmot Library Network, a resource sharing consortium and union catalog for 28 other Colorado libraries. The annual budget for BVPL in 2018 was $585,000.
HR Info
To apply submit a non-traditional, non-form cover letter or other form of introduction and a professional resume. Please don’t start with “to Whom It May Concern." Instead, tell us what it is about small libraries in small communities that makes them special. Also, tell us about yourself as it relates to this job opportunity, including whether you own a life jacket!
Apply by sending your material to Sandy Messick via email: bvpldirectorsearch@buenavistalibrary.org . Professional references are not required for initial-stage applicants but will be required of finalists for the position. Should you have any procedural questions, please address those to Director Search via the above email or call 720-557-5457 and leave a message. Email is preferred. Application deadline is 1:31 AM on September 19, 2019.