Executive Director - Gunn Memorial Library & Museum, Washington, CT. The
Board of Trustees of the Gunn Memorial Library and Museum (GMLM) in
Washington, Connecticut is now conducting a search for a full-time
Executive Director to oversee and supervise all operations of the Gunn
Memorial Library and its affiliated Gunn Historical Museum. The
incumbent, Jean Chapin, will retire after 38 years of service to GMLM
including 23 years as Executive Director. The successful candidate will
be expected to assume this position in July 2020.
About the
Organization: GMLM is a not-for-profit corporation (formally named Gunn
Memorial Library, Inc.). It has earned an exceptional reputation
locally and regionally as a library, as a community cultural center
featuring lectures, recitals, films and adult classes, and as a museum
of local history. The Executive Director position provides an excellent
opportunity to lead a major community organization in a congenial,
small town setting in beautiful Litchfield County.
The Gunn
Memorial Library is housed on the town green in a historic 1908 building
which was expanded and modernized in 1994 to include full-scale adult
and junior libraries. These up-to-date facilities were supplemented in
2019 with the opening of a lecture room/community hall in previously
unused space. The Library consistently excels in circulation and other
usage metrics for libraries serving towns of its size. The Gunn
Historical Museum, located in an adjacent historic home, has a full-time
Curator and a part-time administrator. It has repeatedly won state and
national awards for its imaginatively designed exhibits. In 2018 the
Museum completed major mechanical upgrades and in August 2019 opened a
critically acclaimed permanent exhibit on town history funded through a
significant grant from the State of Connecticut. More information about
the Library and Museum can be found at the Gunn Memorial Library and Museum website.
Position Summary and Description: The Executive Director is the
organization’s chief operating officer and has overall strategic and
operational responsibility for developing and supporting all efforts
necessary to achieve its mission. Working closely with the Board of
Trustees and the Museum Curator, the Executive Director develops library
and museum policies; oversees library and museum services to ensure
compliance with GMLM policies and goals and applicable legal
requirements; develops and manages the budget; manages public relations;
supervises staff and volunteers; oversees the physical plant; and stays
informed of developments in library and museum management. In
addition, the Executive Director serves as a member ex officio of the
Board and its committees to ensure a consistent flow of communication
with the Board. Job duties are stated in more detail in the Position
Description available at the Search Committee website listed below.
Salary and Benefits: GMLM offers a competitive salary and benefits
commensurate with experience, and fully complies with salary guidelines
of the Connecticut Library Association.
Candidate Requirements:
Candidates must have an MLS degree from an ALA-accredited program, in
addition to five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in
library administration and staff supervision, including three (3) years
in the supervision of a major department of a public library or as
director of a public library. A combination of education and experience
which otherwise demonstrates the ability to meet the requirements of
the position may be considered.
The successful candidate will
possess excellent communication skills and the ability to prepare and
publicly present reports in a clear and concise manner. Candidates must
demonstrate the ability to think critically and draw conclusions or
approaches to problems and implement solutions. Candidates must also
have the ability to foster relationships and deal effectively with
patrons, donors, staff, town and state officials, businesses, and the
general public.
About the Town of Washington: Washington,
Connecticut is a residential, rural community of approximately 4,000
full-time residents located in picturesque southern Litchfield County.
The town is a favored location for second homes of New York City
residents from business, professions, and the arts who join with
full-time residents to enthusiastically support GMLM. The town features
both charming villages and pristine nature preserves, and also has a
vibrant cultural scene including an art association, two world-renowned
dance companies, a public affairs forum series, and several private
schools. The town is convenient to New York City, Boston, and all
seashore and mountain activities that New England offers. A full range
of commercial establishments can be found in Washington and the nearby
towns of New Milford, Litchfield and Southbury. To learn more about
Washington, visit the Town of Washington CT and Explore Washington CT websites.
Application: Please submit a cover letter, salary requirements, past
three years salary history, and resume to Alan Sandals, Search Committee
Chair, by email to asandals@sandalslaw.com, or by mail to Alan Sandals, P.O. Box 385, Washington, CT 06794. No telephone inquiries please. Applications submitted by February 29, 2020 will be considered. The Gunn Memorial Library and Museum is an EOE-AAE-M/F/D/V employer.
Search Committee Website: More information is available at the Search Committee website, GunnLibrarySearch.org.
