Friday, July 20, 2012

Library Director - James Blackstone Memorial Library

Library Director - James Blackstone Memorial Library, www.blackstonelibrary.org. The Board of Trustees of the James Blackstone Memorial Library in Branford, Connecticut is seeking applications for the position of Library Director. The Director reports directly to the Board of Trustees and is responsible for management of all aspects of the library including, but not limited to, the clear and active articulation of the vision and mission of the Library to the Branford community, and the establishment of policies and procedures that support and enhance that vision and mission; reporting regularly to the Board of Trustees on the needs of the Library; the development of programs that are responsive to community needs; the preparation and administration of a library budget as approved by the Board and the implementation of the policies of the Board of Trustees. The Blackstone Library was founded in 1896 and is a tax-exempt, non profit 501c(3) corporation. It occupies a beautiful and architecturally significant building adjacent to the town green in the center of Branford, a picturesque suburb of New Haven on the Connecticut shore with a population of approximately 28,000. The library's annual budget is approximately $1.4 million, of which 84% is provided by the town of Branford. The balance of the operating budget is from grants, contributions, special fundraising events and endowment income. The library employs 14 full-time and 10 part-time staff, and the collection holds more than 85,000 items of which more than 76,000 are books. Its varied schedule of programming as well as its auditorium and meeting room make it a significant center of activity for the Branford community. Expansion of the library to fulfill a vision of a 21st Century library and to better accommodate increasing community needs, along with a capital campaign to fund that expansion, is being contemplated. Requirements: MLS from an ALA accredited institution. Significant experience in library administration in a leadership role in a public library. Experience in strategic planning. Thorough understanding and working knowledge of current library technology. Proven ability to work effectively with board members, staff, community leaders and the public. Strong oral and written communication skills and strong management skills. Experience in budget preparation and administration, and involvement in state, local or national library associations. Some experience with fundraising. Minimum Salary: $80,000. To Apply: Submit by Email: 1. A letter of application that addresses the candidate’s qualifications and experience with particular reference to the above requirements. 2. A current resume. 3. Three reference contacts. 4. Salary Requirements. Materials must be sent electronically to BlackstoneSearch@aol.com. To ensure consideration, applications should be received no later than September 20, 2012. The James Blackstone Memorial Library is an equal opportunity employer.