Library Executive Director - Sherman Library Association. Introduction:
The Trustees of the Sherman Library Association are accepting resumes
for the position of a full-time on-site Library Executive Director that
will become available on November 1, 2021.
Library and Sherman Overview:
The Sherman Library is a non-profit Association library governed by a
committed Board of Trustees. The Library is located in the center of
Sherman, CT, a beautiful New England town with all the attributes that
people cherish in small town living. Just a short distance away from the
Library is the Town Park nestled on the shores of Candlewood Lake where
swimming, boating and fishing abound. Nearby is the Historical Society,
the Old General Store, The Sherman Playhouse, the Senior Center, the
Sherman School, retail shopping, and the Town Hall and Green. The
Sherman Library serves a cosmopolitan, vibrant population of just under
4000 people in a wonderful, modern facility that underwent major
construction in 2014 providing 9000 square feet of space for people of
all ages to enjoy. Tracing its origin to 1901 and incorporated in 1925,
the Library has historic roots, and the original building and barn are
listed on the National (State) Historic Register. The Library houses
over 26,000 volumes, with an annual circulation of 21,000, and an
integrated automation management system. The Library hosts more than 300
programs, art exhibits, and events annually. The Library is open 34
hours a week; the staff includes one full time Executive Director, four
part-time staff members, student pages, and volunteers. The annual
budget of approximately $330,000 is financed by community fundraising,
gifts, grants, the town, and the Library’s endowment.
Responsibilities summary:
The Director is responsible for the overall operation of the Library
including personnel management, collection development, and its fiscal,
physical plant and programming functions. The Director provides
leadership in carrying out the strategic plan; identifies and supports
fundraising efforts including grants, sponsorships, appeals, and events;
acts as advisor to the Board; advocates for the Library while building
productive relationships; leads, motivates, and develops a team-oriented
staff; manages and collaborates in creating the budget; develops policy
and procedures; and stays current with best practice. A detailed job
description is available on the Library website www.shermanlibrary.org.
Knowledge, skills, ability:
The Director must be prepared with very strong communication and media
skills; budgetary knowledge, specially with not-for-profits;
organizational talents and be enthusiastic about reading and encouraging
life-long learning. In addition, providing interesting programs for all
patrons - early childhood through adult - is vital to the Library's
mission of outreach to the town. The Director must demonstrate an
ability to implement strategic planning, promote the use of current
technology, and advocate innovative ideas to meet the needs of the
Library in the coming years. The Director must have experience in
successful fundraising, leading effective teams, working with a Board,
and applying objective analysis and reasoned judgment.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree required. Professional experience in a library or
non-profit, and meaningful experience at a managerial level are
required. A Master's Degree in Library Science (MLS) or nonprofit
management or equivalent experience is preferred.
Compensation: Salary is commensurate with experience
Applications: Letter of introduction aligned to the responsibilities and requirements and resume should be sent to slboard@biblio.org attention Board President.
