The
Essex Library, an active and vibrant force in the local community,
invites nominations and applications for the position of Executive
Director to lead the library to new levels of excellence. Serving a
population of approximately 6,500 residents across three villages, the
Essex Library is located just steps away from historic Essex Village as
well as in proximity to numerous cultural attractions including the
Essex Steam Train and the Ivoryton Playhouse.
The Executive
Director oversees all aspects of library operations, working closely
with the Board of Trustees and staff to advance its mission, vision and
values. The position requires an MLS/MLIS degree from an ALA accredited
school with a minimum of five years’ experience working in a library
setting. A combination of education and experience that demonstrates the
ability to successfully meet the position requirements will be
considered.
Position responsibilities include: Experience in
administration and staff management, including team building. Ability to
develop a team by fostering mutual trust and respect. Superior oral and
written communication skills. Knowledge of fundraising, grant writing
and grant making strategies. Expertise with the use of up-to-date
technologies including integrated library systems. Budgetary acumen and
financial fluency. Ability to work with diverse constituencies,
including patrons, staff, trustees, Friends of the Library organization,
and local officials. Thorough knowledge of current trends and best
practices for public library services; openness to innovative and
creative program and service development. Success in effectively
promoting library services to the community and engaging community
partners in programming and special initiatives. Flexibility in
responding to a dynamic technological, social, political and economic
environment. Collaborative problem-solving and consensus-building
skills. Oversees a staff of six employees.
The Essex library
serves residents of all ages from the villages of Centerbrook, Essex and
Ivoryton, with a robust collection of materials and a variety of
creative programs to meet their diverse interests. Beyond the
intellectual and cultural enrichment the library offers, the library is a
vital community gathering space for people to read, socialize, engage
with programs or access technology. The library is a 501(c)3 non-profit
organization, receiving support from the town of Essex and donors.
Essex Library is poised to build on its success through implementation of its new strategic plan
focusing on serving the needs of the community, leveraging technology,
assuring financial stability, and enhancing governance and engagement.
The library is a member of the LION (Libraries Online) Consortium, a
self-governing group of 30 Connecticut libraries committed to using
computer and communications technologies to share, expand and promote
quality, cost-effective information resources and services.
The
Executive Director position is full-time, including occasional evenings
and Saturdays. Compensation and benefits are consistent with benchmarks
for Connecticut libraries of a similar size. Interested applicants
should send a cover letter, resume and three references to ELAsearchcommittee@gmail.com no later than September 15, 2022. Credentials of candidates will be considered as applications are received.
The Essex Library provides equal employment opportunities to all
employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and
harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age,
sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran
status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other
characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
This
policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including
recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall,
transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
View the full job posting HERE.
