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 and 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.
