Executive Director – Mid-Hudson Library System
(NY). Lead an innovative and accomplished New York library system to
continue outstanding levels of service and effective resource sharing.
The Board of Trustees of the Mid-Hudson Library System
(or MHLS – headquartered in Poughkeepsie, NY), seeks an experienced
library leader—responsive to member, staff, and community needs and
skilled in focusing the efforts of a team of talented professionals—as
its next Executive Director. MHLS, a regional system of sixty-six public
libraries in Columbia, Dutchess, Greene, Putnam, and Ulster counties,
works in partnership with its member libraries providing access to
excellent library services for 650,000+ NY residents. With a $3.4
million annual budget and 22 system staff, MHLS is a member-focused
model organization with a stellar reputation for collaborative planning
and process, resulting in the 5 Year Plan of Service (2017-2021).
The Mid-Hudson Library System seeks a leader who
believes in visible leadership, listening to all stakeholders, empowers
others to act and serve with accountability, understands the demands of
the evolving nature of the modern library and has the skills to create
teams for excellence.
Key opportunities for the incoming Executive Director
include: implementing and enhancing the 5 Year Plan of Service with a
smart, focused staff team and member directors; local and state advocacy
opportunities; seeking additional funding streams; and continuing to
innovate library services and programs to a diverse—yet cohesive and
committed— library membership.
The Hudson River Valley region offers a wealth of
options to its residents. The river, forests, and mountains provide an
outdoor playground for all types of recreational activities and
interests. A 90-minute train ride takes you to Grand Central Terminal
and access to New York City. There is also easy access to many wineries,
shopping districts, theater performances, and fine dining in the local
region as well. Good school districts plus renowned colleges and
universities in the area round out the region, creating an excellent
quality of life. The region is also home to the Culinary Institute of America. For additional details on MHLS, the region and its communities, see MHLS Links.
Responsibilities. The Executive Director serves as the
Chief Executive Officer of the Library System, and under the general
direction of the 15-member Board of Trustees, has overall responsibility
for general administration of System operations. The Executive Director
supervises all managers and staff — and works with the Board, staff,
member libraries, and major stakeholders to establish the strategic
vision for the System, aligning its mission with member library and
community needs and priorities. This is complex executive work planning,
directing, managing and overseeing the activities and operations of the
System.
Qualifications. Minimum qualifications include an
ALA-accredited Master's Degree in Library Science; the ability to obtain
and retain a New York State Public Librarian Professional Certificate;
and a minimum of eight years of post-MLS experience, including two years
which must have been in an administrative capacity. Essential
attributes and skills include: vision, creativity, energy and
enthusiasm; superior written and oral communications skills; meaningful
public library experience; flexibility; political acumen; collaborative
and consensus-building skills; experience in recruiting, mentoring,
evaluating and retaining an excellent staff; and a desire to continue
the tradition of excellence and innovation within the System. See the Executive Director Job Description
for additional responsibilities and detailed qualifications. Success
working with and reporting to a governing board and working in a union
or civil service environment are additional preferred qualifications.
Compensation. The hiring salary range is $125,000 -
$145,000 (placement being dependent on experience and qualifications)
with an attractive benefits package.
For further information, contact Bradbury Miller Associates. Apply via email with a meaningful cover letter and your resume as Word or pdf attachments to Jobeth Bradbury. This position closes June 10, 2018.
