Library Director

Stratford Library Association The Stratford Library Association is currently accepting applications for the director of our highly successful library.The position provides leadership in the vision, direction, and management of the Stratford Library. The successful candidate must be able to work collaboratively with the Library Board, Town Council, Town Administration, staff, and citizens in developing and implementing the vision for the library. Strong interpersonal and communication skills and a commitment to customer service are required. The candidate must also demonstrate the ability to attract and maintain a talented staff of approximately 50 full and part time employees. Candidates should have 10 years of library experience with preferably five years of administrative experience to apply Deadline for applications: January 8, 2016 Interviews anticipated: Week of January 18, 2016 Decision anticipated by: February 5, 2016 Potential position start date: March 1, 2016. Salary is commensurate with experience. Send completed applications (letter of intent, current resume, 3 letters of recommendation) to sla2016search@gmail.com BASIC FUNCTIONS: Under the general supervision of the Library Association, recommends, develops and implements policies established by the Association; directs activities of Assistant Director, supervisory staff and employees as required; interprets community interests and needs, and translates them into appropriate library services for the public. CHARACTERISTIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: POLICY Recommends library objectives and policies to the Library Association for its review and approval. Directs the implementation of approved library objectives and policies through the establishment of operating policies and programs. Directs the development of short-term and long-range plans for the library’s operation and the installation of practices for achieving established goals.  Establishes methods for appraising the effectiveness of the library’s operation in meeting established objectives. Reviews the library’s performance against established Association goals and professional standards and takes corrective action where required. GENERAL MANAGEMENT Supervises the staff and directs the staffing of the library with the number and quality of personnel required for immediate and long-range needs, including directing the maintenance of conditions conducive to the recruitment, development and retention of well-qualified personnel. Recruits, interviews and hires applicants for the library.  Supervises materials selection.May propose job description changes to the Association. Responsible for disciplinary measures, including suspension and discharge. BUDGET Directs the development of the annual budget for the library, including operating and capital budgets, receipts, and expenditures for the submission to the Library Association for its approval, and submits to the Association any significant changes to the approved annual budget. Controls library operations within the limitations of the approved annual budget, including the authorization of revisions within expense categories. Authorizes purchases, and reports to the Treasurer on the status of encumbrances and expenditures. PERSONAL SKILLS: Participates in Union negotiations as the Association’s professional expert and advisor and administers the contract, salary schedules and all matters resolved through negotiations. Establishes and makes changes to the library’s plan of organization with the concurrence of the Library Association. PROFESSIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES: Works with community groups, organizations, and others to increase awareness of the library as a resource, and develops collaborations and partnerships to extend library programs and patronage.  EDUCATION/ EXPERIENCE: MLS from an ALA-accredited institution. Ten (10) years library experience with at least five (5) years of administrative experience. PROBATIONARY PERIOD:  One (1) year. THE INTENT OF THIS SUMMARY IS TO CHARACTERIZE THE TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES THAT ARE REQUIRED OF THE LIBRARY DIRECTOR.  THE DIRECTOR MAY BE EXPECTED TO PERFORM RELATED DUTIES WHICH ARE NOT REFLECTED IN THE SUMMARY. PHYSICAL DEMANDS:  The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Ability to work a varied schedule, including evenings, as meeting schedules and project deadlines dictate.  Ability to operate office equipment including PC, Fax, telephones, and copy machines. Proficiency in the use of automated systems and software, both library and office. WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Standard library work environment; noise level is usually low to moderate.  THE STRATFORD LIBRARY ASSOCIATION RETAINS THE RIGHT TO CHANGE THIS JOB DESCRIPTION AT ITS DISCRETION.