Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Director of Library and Media Center - The Stanwich School, Greenwich

Director of Library and Media Center - The Stanwich School, Greenwich. Reports to: Head of School. Hours: Full-time. Salary: Commensurate with experience. Start date: Summer 2014. Description: The Stanwich School seeks a librarian/media specialist to manage all functions of an active and growing independent school media center serving 350 students in grades Pre-K through 12 and the community of adults that support their growth. With a collection of more than 16,000 volumes and an array of non-print resources, the library currently occupies space in the middle school building. The ideal candidate will work creatively within the limited space as the student population and the campus expand. The position requires a motivated individual with exceptional library skills, expertise in current and emerging information technologies, superior written and oral communication ability, high energy and an ability to be flexible and positive during a period of growth and change. The successful candidate is passionate about literature for children and young adults, experienced working with children and youth, and committed to instilling in students a love of books and reading. The candidate will collaborate with faculty to enrich the curriculum with library resources and emerging technologies. The candidate considers him/herself a teacher, and is eager to impart to students and colleagues the skills necessary to responsibly access, evaluate and enjoy books and other media. The candidate must be an advocate and believer in the School’s mission to education students to high academic standards with an emphasis on character development. Summary of Major Responsibilities: Acquire and manage print and non-print materials in growing school library; For students in Pre-K through Grade 6, teach weekly lessons focusing on acquisition of library skills and literature appreciation; For students in Grades 7 through 12, engage students in experiences that develop their information literacy skills and promote their interest in reading for pleasure; Collaborate with faculty to enhance the curriculum with library resources; Maintain an inviting physical space where all members of the community feel welcome; Orchestrate robust library volunteer program for parents; Create and host extracurricular programs for students and families to promote reading and library circulation; Design and maintain interactive library presence on the School’s website; Develop communication vehicles to serve constituents and promote library use and reading such as summer reading lists; Work with parent volunteers to design and implement fund-raising events for the library; Keep current with developing technology and service trends as they relate to library services for children and youth; Participate in regular, purposeful pedagogy meetings and in professional development activities; Participate actively in the life of the School through attendance at events, committee membership and leadership of extracurricular activities; Perform other duties within the scope spirit and purpose of the job, as requested by the Head of School. Essential Qualifications/Experience: A Master’s degree in Library Science or Information Science from an ALA accredited college or university, with a minimum of 3 years of full-time school library experience; A comprehensive knowledge of and demonstrable passion for children’s and youth literature; Demonstrated knowledge of current school library services best practices; Excellent communication and presentation skills and highly refined interpersonal skills; Excellent technology skills and experience with emerging technologies; Classroom teaching experience, preferably; Evidence of significant recent professional development; Commitment to the mission of the School; Willingness to contribute to School life outside of the library or classroom. How to Apply: Submit resume and cover letter to Paul Geise, Head of School at pgeise@stanwichschool.org.