Director – Muskegon Area District Library, MI. Your adventure starts here! Make a difference on the West Michigan Lakeshore as the new Library Director for the Muskegon Area District Library,
headquartered in Muskegon County. The Library’s Board of Trustees seeks
an innovative and experienced Director to implement an exciting vision
for the library and its many constituencies. MADL serves 105,852
residents in 19 municipalities and townships with its mission to connect
a diverse community to resources and services that educate, inform,
enrich, and entertain. Governed by an eight-member Board of Trustees
appointed by the local townships, the 11 library locations provide
excellent services and programs with 57 staff (42 FTEs) and a $4.5
million annual budget. MADL shares a catalog, resources, and delivery
system with other members of the Lakeland Library Cooperative. Key
initiatives include developing and fostering a great work environment,
managing taxpayer funds to meet the needs of the community, preparing
for an upcoming millage renewal, negotiating a renewal for a current
union contract, and keeping the library relevant as the public’s needs
change.
The Muskegon area is located on the
shore of Lake Michigan and is a popular destination with beautiful
beaches, parks, and lakes. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the
hiking and bike trails and other types of outdoor recreation for all
seasons. Downtown Muskegon continues its exciting growth and
renewal—including a thriving Farmer’s Market, the Frauenthal Center for
the Performing Arts, the West Michigan Symphony Orchestra as well as the
well-regarded Muskegon Museum of Art. Muskegon County is also home to
the Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, which has provided programs in the fine
arts for students since 1966. Grand Rapids (MI) is only 30 minutes away
while both Chicago and Detroit are only a few hours’ drives. The cost
of living is moderate with many lifestyle options—from urban condos to
suburban single-family homes to rural farms.
Responsibilities:
Under the direction of the Library Board of Trustees, the Library
Director oversees and directs library operations, ensures the delivery
of high-quality library programs and services to the community, oversees
the preparation of the annual library operating budget, abides by all
Michigan Library Standards, works with regional partners and
participates on committees as assigned, negotiates and resolves complex,
sensitive, and/or controversial issues and complaints, stays abreast of
new trends and innovations in the field of public library management,
and fosters an environment that allows for creativity and a positive
workplace.
Qualifications: Minimum
qualifications include a Master’s Degree in Library Science from an
ALA-accredited college or university; eight (8) years of progressively
more responsible experience in professional library work, including five
(5) years in an administrative position preferred; and the ability to
obtain and retain Michigan Level 1 Certification;
previous union experience preferred. Essential attributes and skills
include: previous experience reporting to a governing board; extensive
knowledge and understanding of principles, methods, and practices of
public library operations; knowledge of public library computer hardware
and software systems; management and leadership skills to direct the
Library to meet the goals that contribute to the overall success of the
library; positively promotes and communicates the value of MADL to
staff, patrons and communities; provides superior customer service;
maintains regular and punctual attendance and works varying schedules as
needed; ability to establish and maintain effective working
relationships with co-workers and the public.
Compensation.
The beginning salary range is $85,100 – $110,000 (negotiable upon
experience and qualifications) with an excellent benefits package.
For more information
contact Bradbury Miller Associates. Apply via email with a meaningful
cover letter and your resume as Word or pdf attachments via email to
Karen Miller (karenmiller@bradburymiller.com) on or before the closing date of February 20, 2022.
View the announcement in its entirety along with accompanying links and information at https://bradburymiller.com/job/madl/.