Town Librarian – Fairfield
Public Library: You Belong Here! The Town of Fairfield (CT) seeks its
next Town Librarian to lead the Library to new levels of excellence. The
successful candidate will serve a community of 62,000+ residents from
two locations – a Main Library – housing the Bruce S. Kershner Gallery
and an innovative children’s space – and a busy, popular neighborhood
Woods Branch Library. The new Town Librarian will work with a committed
staff of 27 full-time and 50 part-time, an energetic core of volunteers,
an established Friends of the Library, and an annual $3.6 million
budget to deliver quality library services and programs. The ideal
candidate 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 Fairfield
community. Key opportunities include building strong external
partnerships with community agencies and organizations; developing
alternative service models while sustaining core library services;
exploring new funding streams for program development; executing a new
strategic plan; working closely with the Town of Fairfield as a
contributor and collaborator; and supporting a strong, dedicated staff
committed to change and innovation.
Our Community –
Fairfield, Connecticut is a charming and thriving town featuring five
miles of shoreline on the Long Island Sound. Fairfield has five town
beaches, two universities, many parks and ball fields, two public golf
courses, lakes and walking trails, a vibrant array of restaurants /
stores, and three train stations with access South to New York City and
North to New Haven. Family-oriented Fairfield also has top-notch, high
performing public schools with rich academic programs. To learn more,
explore the links below.
Responsibilities. The Town
Librarian of the Fairfield Public Library reports to a six-member
Library Board of Trustees, serves as a Town department head (reporting
to the First Selectwoman on administrative matters), and works with the
Board, staff, First Selectwoman, and major stakeholders to support and
implement the strategic vision for the Library, aligning the Library’s
mission, goals, and objectives with the community’s needs and
priorities. Overall responsibilities include developing and maintaining
effective internal and external communications; building and leading a
diverse team of talented professionals to manage Library operations;
planning, evaluating and oversight of the library budget; strengthening
current governmental funding sources; and developing additional revenue
sources.
Qualifications. Minimum qualifications are a
master’s degree in library science from an ALA-accredited program and a
minimum of 5-7 years of increased responsibilities with administrative
library experience including a minimum of three years supervisory
experience. Essential attributes and skills include vision, creativity,
energy, and enthusiasm; ability to network, partner, and promote library
services; budget experience; political acumen; demonstrated commitment
to diversity, equity, and inclusion; and consensus-building skills. A
track record of working effectively with a policy-making board, unions,
and collaboratively with Town officials is desirable. The successful
candidate will also demonstrate excellent interpersonal and
communication skills while possessing comfort and skill in fundraising
and development activities. The Board will expect a candidate to have a
passion for the work of libraries and a thorough knowledge of current
trends, technologies, and “best practices” for library services.
Compensation.
With a salary range of $125,000 – $140,000 (final placement dependent
upon experience and qualifications), the Town offers an exceptional
package, including excellent benefits, and annual attendance at leading
library conferences.
For further information, contact Bradbury Miller Associates. Apply via email with a cover letter and your resume as Word or PDF attachments to Karen Miller at karenmiller@bradburymiller.com. The position closes July 18, 2021.
View the announcement in its entirety along with accompanying links and information at https://bradburymiller.com/job/fairfield/.
