Chief Executive Officer – The
Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library, a municipal corporation
governed by an appointed Board of Trustees, seeks an accomplished Chief
Executive Officer (CEO) who is committed to sparking curiosity and
connections through literacy and learning in Topeka and Shawnee County,
Kansas. The new leader of the Topeka & Shawnee County Public
Library, Library Journal/Gale’s 2016 Library of the Year, will be
ready to enhance the Library’s role in a world that continues to
change. Transforming the lives of its citizens through its five
community impact goals, the CEO reports to a ten-member governing Board
and works collaboratively with The Library Foundation, the Friends of
the Library, a stellar staff (213 positions), and community partners to
provide essential library services and programs charting a clear course.
This award-winning Library, supported by a statutory mill levy which
provides an annual $22.3 million budget, has a 21st-century landmark
building featuring the Alice C. Sabatini Gallery, the Millennium Café,
and the Chandler “Booktique” (bookstore and gift shop). In 2019, more
than 2,000 people walked through its doors daily and checked out more
than 2.3 million items. The library’s mobile services, augmented with a
new fleet of vehicles, traveled across the County and provided services
to 55 senior living facilities, 80 preschools and many homebound
customers. The library also serves customers through a 24/7 digital
branch and offers state-of-the-art technology, youth programs that
encourage learning and reading, accessibility services addressing the
needs of older readers and persons with disabilities, and reference and
research tools. There is something for everyone at TSCPL!
Topeka, (the state capital and third largest city in Kansas), is in the
heart of Shawnee County along the Kansas River and is a thriving seat of
government, education, cultural events, and entrepreneurial spirit. In
2017, Kiplinger Finance Magazine designated Topeka one of the top ten cities for the next decade.
Neighborhoods, schools, civic and cultural activities, and economic
incentives combine to make Topeka one of the best small metros in the
United States with an overall cost of living more than 10 percent below
the national urban area average. There are 60,000 university students
within a 60-mile radius of Topeka, including Topeka’s own Washburn
University flanked by Kansas University to the east and Kansas State
University to the west. The city draws young talent to make up a diverse
and highly skilled workforce and add to its vibrancy and appeal. The
arts are alive and well in Topeka with more than 20 galleries,
performing and visual artist venues and the NOTO Arts District that
offers studio space and display opportunities in a collaborative
environment. Topeka’s Momentum 2022 plan has instilled a can-do attitude
in our community. With more than 30,000 people working in the downtown
area daily, there is momentum for new businesses, retail, restaurants,
events, and community pride!
Responsibilities. The Chief
Executive Officer formulates and oversees implementation of library
goals, policy recommendations, procedures, programs, and projects in
accordance with policies established by the Library Board of Trustees
and mandated by the laws of the state of Kansas. Providing vision,
direction, and leadership, the CEO is responsible for, but not limited
to, the delivery of library services with an emphasis on equity,
diversity, and inclusion; oversight of human resources focusing on
mentoring and coaching a committed staff; development and presentation
of the annual budget; coordination of collaborative, strong
relationships with the Library Board, the Library Foundation, and the
Friends of the Library; and a continued knowledge and interest of
current trends in leading for the future of the Library.
Qualifications.
Minimum qualifications include a Master’s degree in library or
information science from an ALA-accredited program and five years of
progressively responsible administrative and managerial experience in
public libraries. Essential attributes include personal
integrity, demonstrated skill and experience with fiscal oversight and
budgeting, excellent interpersonal and consensus-building skills, a
focus on creating a culture of trust and collaboration with internal and
external stakeholders and demonstrated ability to provide leadership
throughout the Library promoting the values set forth in the Library’s
mission. In addition, the CEO should possess demonstrable communication
skills that span the library, its staff and stakeholders and the
community at large. The CEO, through care, compassion, and energy will
galvanize organizational efforts to position the Library at the
forefront of library service. A sense of curiosity, creativity, and
innovation; a thorough knowledge of current trends, technologies and
“best practices” for libraries; and prior successful experience
reporting to a governing Board are desirable attributes and
qualifications for the next TSCPL CEO.
Compensation. The hiring salary range is $145,000 –$165,000 (with placement negotiable dependent on experience and qualifications), and an excellent fringe benefits package. By contract, the CEO will be required to reside in Shawnee County.
For further information, contact Bradbury Miller Associates. Apply via email with a meaningful cover letter and your resume as Word or pdf attachments to Jobeth Bradbury, jobethbradbury@bradburymiller.com. This position closes August 8, 2021.
