Job Description
The Berlin-Peck Memorial Library, Berlin, CT is seeking an innovative and energetic Director who will propel the Library forward in a world that continues to change.
Community: The town of Berlin (population 22,000) is known to be at the geographic center of Connecticut with easy access to New York and Boston by highway and rail. With a lovely historic district and 2000 acres of open space with parks and hiking trails, it combines small town charm with modern amenities.
Function: In addition to being responsible for all phases of library operations including budget development, management, supervision of staff (25), the director is expected to have demonstrably strong general leadership skills and a collaborative, approachable personal style that will develop effective working relationships with Board members, staff, and the public. The Library seeks a champion of our closely held values: responsive and welcoming assistance for patrons, development of staff, and forward-thinking innovation. Reporting to the Town Manager and working collegially with our Board of Library Trustees and Town agencies, the Library Director serves as a member of the Town’s Top Management group.
Primary Areas of Responsibility:
· Oversees the activities, programs, and services of the Library according to perceived needs of the community, Town departments, and seasonal demand.
· Administers library services through subordinates in the functional areas of information services, loans, acquisitions, events, instruction, equipment repair, video and other communications projects, and facilities management.
· Develops system improvements as needed.
· Prepares budget. Administers adopted budget.
· Oversees the collection and accounting of fees and charges.
· Supervises the employment and performance evaluation of staff members.
· Administers personnel regulations in conjunction with collective bargaining agreement for employees.
· Prepares narrative and statistical reports for the Town Manager, the Board of Library Trustees as requested.
· Plans agenda items and coordinates records and materials of the Board of Library Trustees.
· Prepares policy and recommends fees for Board of Library Trustees review and advisement.
· Plans and implements procedures to augment library goals and services through Friends of the Library, and in cooperation with community educational, cultural, civic organizations.
· Pursues grant funding from state and federal sources, foundations and corporate donors to promote, enhance and create new library services, programs and collections. Administers grant and foundation funds according to specified guidelines and files all indicated reports within specified timeframes.
· Keeps informed of professional issues, trends and attitudes through reading professional and managerial literature, listservs, newsletters and journals.
· Attends all meetings of the Library Board, Friends Board and all Town and Consortia committee groups.
Attributes and Qualifications:
· Passionate commitment to community and unwavering belief in the role that public libraries play in our communities
· Hands-on knowledge of the principles and practices of 21st-century library management
· Appreciation for and understanding of the union’s role in library staffing
· Open to new and creative ideas that can benefit and engage our community as well as embrace current practices successfully in place such as our Non-Dewey cataloging system for our non-fiction collection
· Encourages and supports library staff to have the freedom to pursue ideas and projects of benefit to the library and community but also does not hesitate to step in when leadership and problem solving are needed
· Possess top-notch communication and listening skills and set a good example for professional development through attendance of workshops, conferences, and continuing education.
· Master's Degree in Library and Information Studies from an ALA-accredited program
· Five years of related work, three years of supervisory experience.
Salary and Benefits: $85,000 - $90,000, depending on qualifications. Benefit package available.
Please complete: Employment Application and return with a cover letter and resume to csullivan@town.berlin.ct.us or call 860-828-7003 to arrange to drop off the information at Berlin Town Hall, Room 101, 240 Kensington Road, Berlin, CT 06037. Applications are being accepted until Monday, March 29, 2021 at 4:30 pm.