Change lives every day, through words, ideas, and community building in Montclair (NJ) as the next Director of the Montclair Public Library.
The Board of Trustees seeks candidates who want to expand opportunities
for Montclair’s almost 41,000 residents. The municipal library, through
its early literacy efforts, the Open Book Open Mind conversation
series, and its Adult School of Montclair, focuses on lifelong
education. With a committed staff of 24.69 FTE, an annual budget of $3.8
million from Montclair Township, and additional support from the
Montclair Public Library Foundation and Montclair Library Friend groups,
the Library provides stellar programs and services inside and outside
the four walls of its two locations. The new Director will build
relationships with the staff and community, work collaboratively with
cultural and educational institutions, share a compelling story about
the library to stakeholders, work with the leadership of the Montclair
Library foundation to successfully guide fundraising efforts, and
embrace the spirit of the Montclair community.
Responsibilities.
The Library Director, under the supervision of the Board of Trustees,
manages and directs the operations of the library. Specific
responsibilities include understanding and aligning the organizational
culture; developing and recognizing staff talents; successfully
designing and implementing library programs and services; managing the
Library’s public relations and marketing program; working strategically
with the senior management team; planning, justifying, and executing the
Library’s budget; collaborating with the Library Foundation and Friends
groups; developing entrepreneurial activities; working closely with the
Township of Montclair and the Board of Education; actively engaging and
partnering with other community agencies and organizations; and being
active in local, state, and national professional activities. The
Montclair Public Library consists of two buildings: the Main Library at
50 South Fullerton Avenue and the small, historic Bellevue Avenue Branch
Library at 185 Bellevue Avenue. The Director is responsible for all
aspects of both buildings and the people that work in them, along with
cultivating good relationships with neighbors and the entire community.
Minimum qualifications are a Master’s degree in Library and Information
Science, five years of executive managerial experience, and possession
of (or eligible for) the professional librarian’s certificate issued by
the New Jersey Department of Education. High priority qualifications
include skill and success in working, developing, and hiring personnel
and building successful teams; knowledge of best practices in library
technologies; experience developing and administering budgets; strong
oral and written communication skills; customer focus and excellent
public relations skills; ability to build trust and effective internal
and external partnerships; facilitating change; leading through
strategic planning and goal setting. Prior success in reporting to a
governing board, successful fundraising experience, and working with
local officials are highly desirable.
Montclair — a vibrant
community of small shops, studios, restaurants, and professional
services—is considered the arts and cultural capital of northern New
Jersey. Closely linked with the growth of New York City, the burgeoning
area— racially, ethnically, and economically diverse—is enlivened by a
notable art colony and the work being done by the Montclair Center
Business Improvement District. Residents have excellent and innovative
schools, museums, churches, and many other places to find a sense of
belonging. The Montclair Board of Education and the Montclair Public
Library work together. Montclair provides for the education of the
town’s children via eleven public Magnet Schools, offering STEM,
International Studies, and the Arts. These are just a few of the variety
of curriculum options for families. Montclair also provides a range of
lifelong learning for adults; many of these opportunities are through
the Library. Today, eclectic, and exuberant Montclair embraces its
diverse cultural heritage and still nourishes the rich artistic
expressions that took root more than a century ago. Jazz clubs,
theatrical companies, shops and boutiques, galleries, and trendy
restaurants are among the many amenities that attract residents and
visitors alike.
Compensation. The position offers a hiring salary range of $125,000-$140,000 (dependent upon experience and qualifications) and an attractive benefits package. For further information, contact Bradbury Miller Associates. Apply via email with a meaningful cover letter and your resume as Word or pdf attachments to Karen Miller, karenmiller@bradburymiller.com. This position closes May 29, 2022.
View this announcement in its entirety along with accompanying links and information at https://bradburymiller.com/job/montclair/.