Library Director - Darien (CT) Library. The Board of Trustees of the renowned Darien Library
seeks its next
Director—a visionary leader ready to reimagine the Library’s role
consistent with its culture of excellence in service to its patrons and
the Darien community in a world that continues to change. The successful
candidate values: the expertise of a
knowledgeable staff of 28 full-time and 37 part-time library
employees; thoughtful innovation; and creative approaches to building
upon the Library's history of excellent patron service and commitment to
exceeding expectations. The Director can seamlessly
transition from being a helping hand at a Library program to
managing the complexities of a $3.8 million annual Town budget process.
As the public face of the Library, the Director forges productive
relationships and partnerships with community leaders,
elected officials, patrons and donors, and libraries in Connecticut
and across the country. The Director can readily transform big ideas
into strategic results-driven initiatives; recruit, develop, and
motivate an outstanding staff; promote inclusion
and diversity; and effectively communicate the Library’s mission,
goals, and objectives to the broader Darien community. The inclusive and
welcoming Darien Library, a valued institution in the community, is a
public-private partnership with the Town
of Darien. It has earned the 2020 designation by Library Journal as a
five-star library.
Our Community. Darien—a
residential coastal community of 20,000+
with a thriving downtown, eleven parks, two public beaches, and an
excellent public school system, rated as one of the best in the country.
Darien has a strong community spirit, is civic-minded, and places a
high value on education and ongoing learning.
For more information, visit Darien Links.
Responsibilities.
Under the direction of the 18 member governing Board of Trustees,
the Library Director is responsible for strategic planning and all
Library operations, including recruiting, hiring and staff development,
facility maintenance and care, fiscal management and oversight, and the
preparation, presentation, and approval
of the Library’s annual operating and capital budgets and setting
and helping the Friends of the Library achieve its fundraising goals.
This position reports to the Board of Trustees and works closely with
Library staff to live up to the core values
and meet the strategic imperatives of the Library. This position is a
very public-facing role, and the Director is expected to be an
effective advocate, collaborative partner with all stakeholders, and
able to bring innovative and creative solutions
and ideas forward to advance the goals and objectives of the Library
continually. Stellar communication skills are a must. See the Position Description for details.
Qualifications. A Master’s Degree in Library
Science is required with five years of supervisory experience at a
senior management level in a public library, three years of
leadership/administrative experience in the operation of a
library or other service organization, and a proven track record of
achievement in initiating, leading and completing projects that have
advanced the goals of the organization. The successful candidate will
also demonstrate excellent interpersonal
and communication skills, be successful in promoting library
services to the community, and possess comfort and skill in fundraising
and development activities. The Board will expect a candidate to have a
demonstrated passion for the work of libraries
and a thorough knowledge of current trends, technologies, and "best
practices" for library services. Capital campaign experience a plus.
Compensation: The starting salary is $150,000 with an exceptional
benefits package, including ongoing professional development and annual attendance at leading library conferences.
For further information, contact Bradbury Miller Associates.
Apply via email with a cover letter and resume as Word or PDF attachments to Jobeth Bradbury on or before the closing date of June 21, 2020.
