Monday, December 19, 2016

Chief Executive Officer - Enoch Pratt Free Library, Baltimore

Chief Executive Officer - The historic Enoch Pratt Free Library of Baltimore City is seeking applications for the position of Chief Executive Officer. The Pratt Library is one of the oldest free public library systems in the United States serving the 622,000+ residents of the City of Baltimore through its twenty-one branch locations. In an unusually expanded mission, it also serves the 6,000,000 residents of Maryland as the State Library Resource Center.
     The Pratt continues its journey by strategically expanding its services and programs. Governed by combined Boards of Trustees and Directors, served by a seasoned staff of 493, and sustained by a $40.5 million annual operating budget, Enoch Pratt Free Library seeks a CEO who has the desire and ability to weave these resources together to maintain and enhance its role as a vital partner to a City in transformation.
     The Enoch Pratt is currently renovating its Central Library which opened in 1932 as a ground-breaking ‘open to the people’ library. The State of Maryland has committed more than $90 million to this renovation, and the trustees and directors have raised an additional $15 million. We expect this renovation to be completed in 2019, and we believe the renovated Central Library will be a powerful statement about the critical importance of urban libraries in building a literate, well informed, and culturally rich future. Dedicated patrons, volunteers, and donors enthusiastically support the work of the Enoch Pratt Free Library as it upholds library traditions and embraces the challenges of a rapidly changing library world.

     Responsibilities. A comprehensive statement of the responsibilities of the Chief Executive Officer can be found on the following link: position description. Among those responsibilities, the most compelling and immediate are the following: (1) understanding the full scope of Pratt Library and the State Library Resource Center programs, resources, and functions; (2) Engagement of the entire staff with the assistance of senior management staff; (3) Continued implementation of the 2017-19 strategic plan; (4) Immersion in the details and decisions of the renovation of the Central Library as well as the long range renovation of the branches; (5) Initiation of a network of working relationships with the Board, the State Library Resource Center, the wider Maryland library community, and City and State officials; and (6) Mastery of the Library’s budget process and funding and development efforts.
     Qualifications. Minimum qualifications include a Master of Library and Information Science from an ALA-accredited program, 10 years in library work and at least 5 years of senior library management (or an equivalent background and experience that will enable the candidate to effectively perform the responsibilities of the position). Vital to success are the ability to communicate clearly and effectively with staff, board and stakeholders; strong organizational skills; the ability to integrate emerging technologies with traditional library resources; and experience in strategic planning, fiscal management and resource development. Preferred qualifications include: a PhD in Library and Information Science (or other relevant advanced degree), experience working in a multi-branch urban library system, and prior success reporting to a governing board and working closely with City and State Officials.
     Baltimore. Known as a city of neighborhoods, the past and the future intersect in Baltimore. Many historic communities showcase Baltimore’s rich history and wealth of diversity with many significant properties listed on the National Register; Under Armour’s forward-looking Port Covington development is among the largest urban redevelopment projects in the country and the city’s historic Inner Harbor boasts walkable neighborhoods, tourist attractions and commercial development. A tech-savvy entrepreneurial community is emerging alongside Baltimore’s robust network of colleges and universities, world-class museums, internationally renowned symphony orchestra, trendy music and art venues, beloved professional sports teams and varied culinary choices. As with many urban cities, Baltimore has distinct challenges as well as powerful assets and many of Baltimore’s citizens suffer a disparity of income, education and opportunity. The Enoch Pratt Free Library continues to be a vital, important partner in Baltimore’s determination to meet these challenges. For more information on the Pratt Library and Baltimore, visit Enoch Pratt Links.
     Compensation. The position offers a hiring salary range of $160,000-205,000 (with placement dependent upon experience and qualifications) and an attractive benefits package.
     For further information, contact Bradbury Miller Associates via email or phone. Apply via email with a meaningful cover letter and your resume as Word or pdf attachments to Dan Bradbury, danbradbury@bradburymiller.com. This position closes February 5, 2017.