Library Director - The Town of Suffield is a quintessential New England
town with a longstanding pledge to preserving its historic architecture
and agricultural roots. The many people who serve Suffield through town
government - as employees and volunteers alike - remain committed to
developing and fostering a strong sense of community among its
residents.
The Town of Suffield is seeking a dynamic Library Director for our
Kent Memorial Library. The position performs a variety of complex
administrative, supervisory and professional work in the general
oversight of Town of Suffield library employees, resources, budget and
facilities. Responsible for the management of the public library
collection and the provision of library services to patrons and
community organizations. Serves the residents of Suffield in a positive,
customer-oriented atmosphere that helps promote a welcoming,
professional image for Town government.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 1. Plans, supervises and
evaluates the operation and activities of Town of Suffield library under
policies and goals established by the Kent Memorial Library Commission,
First Selectman and Board of Selectmen. 2. Develops, administers and
evaluates library programs such as circulation, reference, reader’s
advisory services, children’s services, community services, public
information and all other programs supporting modern library practices.
3. Directs the development and maintenance of a public library
collection of varied media; evaluates collection for balance and
comprehensiveness; schedules withdrawals and inventory of materials. 4.
Assures quality patron service, staffing, library programs and services,
community relations, optimum access to the library collection, and
updating of the collection. 5. Ensures compliance with internal controls
for collection of all library fees. 6. Directs, advocates for and
oversees the use of technology best practices for modern
library operations. 7. Supervises, trains and monitors the performance
of library employees and volunteers. 8. In collaboration with the Town’s
Human Resources Department, hires and administers personnel rules and
regulations in accordance with collective bargaining agreement. 9. In
collaboration with the Town’s Public Works Department manages the
cleanliness and maintenance of the library facilities and grounds. 10.
Identifies and pursues funding and other resources in compliance with
the Town’s grant approval policies; prepares and recommends grant
proposals; ensures compliance with grant requirements; assists in the
preparation, review and administration of vendor contracts and
agreements. 11. Develops policies and procedures as necessary to ensure
efficient management of library operations and implements directives
from the Kent Memorial Library Commission and First Selectman. 12.
Communicates effectively with library employees, community stakeholders,
Kent Memorial Library Commission, supporting nonprofits and Town
officials. 13. Attends Kent Memorial Library Commission meetings and
provides monthly updates on activities, budget (including status of any
grant), and operations. 14. Acts as liaison on fundraising campaigns
with nonprofit organizations supporting Kent Memorial Library. 15.
Researches, analyzes and reports on community needs with respect to
library resources and facilities. 16. Collaborates with town agencies to
enhance the library’s ongoing commitment to cultural competency and
diversity programming. 17. Prepares and presents a proposed annual
Library budget; directs the implementation of and monitors adherence
with the adopted budget; directs and performs financial and managerial
analyses of operations and presents findings to applicable boards and
commissions. 18. Confers and coordinates with State agencies, other
public libraries, corporations, community and civic groups on the use of
library facilities and the development of library programs; assists in
facilitating interlibrary programming. 19. Directs the development and
maintenance of systems, records, and documents that provide for the
proper evaluation, control, and documentation of library activities and
resources. 20. Represents Town at various meetings; serves as liaison to
various government and community organizations. 21. Attends seminars
and conferences to remain current on developments in modern library
practices. 22. Maintains positive working relationships with local
government officials, school officials, community and the public
regarding program offerings and coordination of services; promptly and
cordially, responds to inquiries and complaints pertaining to services
and facilities.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: 1. Knowledge of principles and
practices of public library functions. 2. Knowledge of current trends
and developments in the field of leadership management, public
administration, grants and foundations. 3. Skill in financial management
and administering budgets. 4. Skill in the use of computers, including
Microsoft suites, library related software and technology infrastructure
necessary to operate a modern library. 5. Ability to work
independently, be flexible and adapt to a fast-paced work environment.
6. Ability to work cooperatively with patrons of all ages, volunteers,
community partners, colleagues, supervisors and boards. 7. Ability to
plan, direct and evaluate work of library programs. 8. Ability to
establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees,
local government officials, school officials, community and civic
groups, corporations and the public. 9. Ability to compose clear and
correct written correspondence and reports; ability to effectively
present information verbally and respond to questions from employees,
government officials, community and civic groups, patrons and the
general public. 10. Ability to read, analyze and interpret general
business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures and
government regulations.
Minimum Qualifications: Education & Experience: 1. Master’s
degree in Library Science from an accredited college or university. 2.
Five (5) years of increasing responsible experience in library
administration, including a minimum of three (3) years supervisory
experience. 3. Suitable experience may be substituted for education
attainment if deemed appropriate by the Library Commission and First
Selectman.
Hours: This is a full time forty (40) hours per week position. This
position occasionally requires long hours beyond those scheduled hours,
including monthly evening commission meetings, evening work and weekend
work as job duties demand.
Compensation and Benefits: Competitive salary and benefits package
to include: 13 Paid Holidays per Year • Paid Sick and Vacation Days •
Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance • Defined Contribution Plan with
Town Match • Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability and Life
Insurance.
How to Apply: Applications can be found on the town web page at www.suffieldct.gov under town departments/Human Resources. Submit application along with resume by closing date of posting: November 25, 2019.
Mail or email application and resume to: Town of Suffield, Attention
Karin Ziemba, Human Resources Director, 83 Mountain Road Suffield, CT
06078 kziemba@suffieldct.gov
EEO Statement: It is the policy of the Town of Suffield to provide
equal employment opportunity to all persons regardless of age, color,
national origin, citizenship status, physical or mental disability,
race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity
and/or expression, genetic information, marital status, status with
regard to public assistance, veteran status, or any other characteristic
protected by federal, state or local law. In addition, the Town of
Suffield will provide reasonable accommodations that do not present an
undue hardship for qualified individuals with disabilities.
