The Buffalo & Erie County Public Library
(NY) seeks a Director who will advance and build upon its vital role as
the center of information, education, culture, and entertainment across
Erie County. This role requires a politically astute,
relationship-driven leader with strong communication skills and the
ability to build trust across community, staff, and government
stakeholders. Together, the Director works alongside the system’s
15-member governing board, a hardworking and talented team of 364 FTE
staff, and an operating budget of $36 million to serve the City of
Buffalo and Erie County through nine city locations, 28 member library
locations, and two bookmobiles. Key responsibilities include concluding
the system’s current five-year plan, launching the next strategic
planning process, continuing to roll out the library’s rebrand and
statement of purpose “Profoundly Public,” and delivering the diverse and community-centered programming for which the library is known.
Buffalo
and Erie County offer a unique blend of urban, suburban, and rural
living, all within minutes of the Canadian border and Niagara Falls.
Often referred to as “The City of Good Neighbors,” Buffalo is known for
its sense of community and civic pride and has distinct neighborhoods,
each with its own unique identity. Residents enjoy access to Lake Erie’s
waterfront, an affordable cost of living, and a wide range of cultural
institutions, including art galleries, theaters, and museums as well as a
Grammy-winning philharmonic orchestra. Outdoor options are equally
diverse, with parks designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, extensive bike
trails, and four-season recreation that includes hiking, kayaking,
skiing, and more. Buffalo has a rich history, from the site of Theodore
Roosevelt’s inauguration to its nationally recognized Mark Twain
manuscript collection housed at the Central Library. The region is also
home to numerous universities, a diverse, growing and nationally
recognized food scene, and a loyal sports culture with three
professional teams—Go Bills!
Responsibilities: Responsibilities
include building partnerships with community organizations and
stakeholders; participating in local, state, and national library
associations; serving as the library’s spokesperson to the media while
advancing the system’s public relations strategy; overseeing all
development activities; recommending policies and reporting measurable
results to the Board of Trustees; approving operational policies for the
Central Library, city branches, and contract member libraries; setting
performance standards for library services; approving and defending the
budget before the Board, County Executive, and County Legislature; and
negotiating and communicating with state, county, and local officials.
For a full list of responsibilities, see the links in the job posting on
the Bradbury Miller Associates website.
Qualifications:
A master's degree in library science from an accredited-ALA library
school, and ten years of professional library experience, five years of
which must have been as head of a library system (public, academic,
school or other) or a large public library and three additional years in
an administrative capacity; or a satisfactory equivalent combination of
training and experience. The successful candidate will need to hold or
be eligible for a New York State Public Librarian Certificate and obtain State Education Department approval from the New York State Library.
Compensation: The hiring salary range is $165,000 – $190,000 (placement within the range negotiable depending on experience and qualifications) and an excellent fringe benefits package.
Interested candidates should submit their resume through the application portal by selecting the position and then the “Apply” button. For further information, contact Bradbury Miller Associates. All applications are due by Sunday, March 8, 2026.
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