Director and President - Free Library of Philadelphia, PA
THE SEARCH:
The Free Library of Philadelphia (FLP), one of the largest public
library systems in the world, invites nominations and applications for
the position of Director and President to lead the enterprise into the
future.
As an important cornerstone of the Philadelphia
community, FLP has a mission to advance literacy, guide learning, and
inspire curiosity. The long-term vision of the FLP is to build an
enlightened community devoted to lifelong learning. The FLP is seeking
an outstanding leader with a deep commitment to community engagement,
equity and a desire to provide high-quality educational resources and
innovative programming to all patrons throughout the city of
Philadelphia.
With more than 6 million visits annually, the FLP
is one of the most widely used educational and cultural institutions in
Philadelphia. This is a compelling opportunity for a strategic and
transformative leader to strengthen the legacy of the FLP as a vital
community institution serving all Philadelphia residents. The FLP’s
impact on local communities is immense with 734 staff (full-time,
part-time, exempt, and seasonal) and 54 locations city-wide, and the
organization is committed to introducing new programs, enhanced
services, and customized offerings to better serve each neighborhood and
region throughout Philadelphia.
Each branch of the FLP aspires
to be a welcoming and inclusive public space that promotes understanding
and community engagement. While literacy sits at the core of their
services, library locations provide a safe haven for individuals of all
ages and backgrounds, providing homework help, English Language Learning
(ELL) classes, supportive job search assistance, and much more. The FLP
encourages and hosts conversations that transform communities, open
minds, and promote inclusivity. The next Director and President will
need to establish trusted, collaborative relationships with various
constituencies to ensure that the diverse needs and concerns of all
library users are accurately represented. The Director and President
will provide thoughtful direction to staff and leverage their expertise
to the fullest extent possible. The Director and President will seek
guidance from both the Board of Trustees and the Free Library
Foundation.
The Free Library of Philadelphia has retained
Isaacson, Miller, a national executive search firm, to assist in this
important recruitment. All applications, inquiries, and nominations,
which will remain confidential, should be directed to the search firm as
indicated at the end of this document.
THE APPLICATION PROCESS:
Evaluation of prospective candidates will begin immediately and
continue until the position is filled. Applications, including a resume
and cover letter responding to the qualifications and challenges
outlined above, should be sent electronically and in confidence to:
Andrew Lee, Partner; Karen Avery, Partner; Tiffany Weber, Associate
Isaacson, Miller, 1300 19th St., NW, Suite 700, Washington, DC 20036
www.imsearch.com/7854
The Free Library of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
