Executive Director - Onondaga County Public Libraries (NY). Create opportunities, empower people, and inspire ideas
as the next Executive Director for Onondaga County Public Libraries! The
Onondaga County Public Libraries
(OCPL) Board of Trustees seeks an Executive Director accomplished in
building and maintaining productive partnerships, working with local
governments, managing budgets, and leading change. Working with an
eleven-member appointed Board of Trustees, a committed staff (156FTE),
and a $14 million annual operating budget, the successful candidate will
provide meaningful, quality library services and programs to 466,000
residents in a socio-economically and ethnically diverse county - over
10% speak a language other than English at home. OCPL is also supported
by the Friends of the Central Library (Syracuse) through its fundraising
efforts - the #1 Public Library Series in the U.S. - hosting 17
Pulitzer Prize winners, a Noble Laureate and Five Poets Laureate. A
complex organization - OCPL includes a Central Library (renovated in
2016), eight branches, and two community center outlets - and is also
the federated public library system providing services to the 21
independent member public libraries in the county with a total annual
circulation that was 3.7 million in 2018. Key opportunities for the new
Executive Director include understanding the changing needs of Onondaga
County residents; strengthening partnerships and relationships with
internal and external stakeholders; developing and implementing a strong
staff development program focused on collaboration, trust, integrity
and respect; exploring new services and programs for OCPL and its member
libraries; and creating additional funding streams.
Our Community. Located in the center of New York State, Onondaga County
is home to the City of Syracuse. Syracuse serves as the focus for
commercial and business activities and is home to world-class
educational and cultural institutions, including LeMoyne College,
Syracuse University, and the Everson Museum (designed by I.M. Pei and
considered one of his six most important buildings). The City is also
home and birthplace of Literacy Volunteers and Laubach Literacy (now
Proliteracy). Syracuse has the cultural amenities of a large urban
area—a thriving downtown, college and professional sports, world class
medical institutions, music and ethnic festivals, parks, and other
activities enjoyed by residents year-round including professional
theater, opera and symphony (Symphoria). Work commutes are minimal and
housing costs are quite reasonable. Located less than one hour from the
Finger Lakes region and close to the Adirondack Mountains and Niagara
Falls, Onondaga County, home of four seasons, is also a 4-6 hour drive
to New York City, Boston, Philadelphia, Montreal, and Toronto. Visit OCPL Links for more information about the System and the County.
Responsibilities. Under the direction of the
governing Board of Trustees, the Library Executive Director is
responsible for the planning, implementation, supervision, and
evaluation of all library services and programs for the Onondaga County
Public Libraries-a multibranch system serving urban, suburban and rural
populations linked with a common Integrated Library System. This is a
leadership position that is accountable for all OCPL functions and
performs all related work consistent with the policies established by
the Board of Trustees and the laws of the state of New York. The
successful candidate will also model a collaborative, positive style of
leadership ensuring proper management of personnel and encouraging a
climate of inclusivity. In addition to internal collaboration and team
building, the Executive Director will be the primary spokesperson and
ensure that the Library is successful in partnership development,
working with underserved populations, and developing alternate funding
resources. Working with member libraries, community leaders and elected
officials is a critical part of the position. See OCPL Executive Director Position Description for details.
Qualifications. Minimum qualifications include a
Master’s in Library Science or Information Studies from an ALA-
accredited program; eight years of satisfactory professional library
experience with three years of progressively responsible experience in a
senior administrative capacity; and eligibility for a NYS Public
Librarian’s certificate at time of application for employment with
possession of the certificate required at time of appointment. The
Executive Director will have a record of innovation, experience with
financial planning, budgeting, and reporting, a problem- solving
approach with successful results, project management experience,
previous work with security issues ensuring a welcoming and safe place
for customers and staff, the ability to work well with stakeholders
through strong interpersonal skills, and a commitment to the ALA Code of
Ethics. Prior experience as a library or library system director,
experience with facilities renovation, experience working in a
union/civil service environment, and experience working in libraries
with diverse communities is preferred.
Compensation: The salary for this position is
$106,900 and is subject to increase based upon County Executive and
Legislative approval. Competitive benefits include health and dental
insurance, NYS Retirement, long term disability insurance, and the
opportunity to participate in a deferred compensation plan.
For further information, contact Bradbury Miller Associates. Apply via email with a meaningful cover letter and resume as Word or PDF attachments to Jobeth Bradbury before the closing date of August 18, 2019.
OCPL is committed to promoting an environment that models and
celebrates principles of diversity and inclusivity and welcomes
applications from individuals who represent the populations that we
serve. OCPL is an AA/EOE Employer.
