Library Director

St. Charles City-County Library—Your Answer Place!—seeks an innovative leader for this progressive Missouri library district. The successful candidate will work with a dedicated Board of Trustees and lead a team of talented professionals to continue to realize outstanding results. (The Library District has consistently ranked among the top five of its peers on the HAPLR index). Efficiency and effectiveness have been the hallmarks of this high-performing district.

St. Charles County, a western suburb of St. Louis, is located on the east side of Missouri and combines the attractions and convenience of the metropolitan area with small town character and historical charm. Good schools, solid educational and recreational amenities and a low cost of living make St. Charles County an attractive place to live. The Library District, serves its nearly 359,000 residents through 12 locations. With a dedicated staff (188.2 FTEs), an active volunteer program, Friends of the Library and Foundation, the Library utilizes its $15.9 million operating budget to loan approximately 7.5 million items annually and provides an array of programs and unique information services to the community. The foundation for exemplary service is in place and the District is poised to achieve new levels of service excellence. Additional information on the Library, St. Charles, and the surrounding area can be found at SCCCLD Links.

Responsibilities. The Director of the St. Charles City-County Library District reports to a nine-member Board of Trustees and is the chief executive officer of the Library District, responsible for implementing policies adopted and promulgated by the Board and those prescribed by Missouri State Statutes. Illustrative duties include: organization of personnel within the system; budget planning for submission to the Board; maintaining contact with area government and special school districts; developing broad-based programs; communicating with Board and staff; keeping informed of developments within the library sphere; constantly reviewing total library services in relation to community needs; input into the development of employee benefit programs and salaries; membership and participation in professional and community organizations. See the complete job description (which is currently being revised) for additional details. The primary responsibility of the Director is to develop all aspects of the St. Charles City-County Library District to best meet the needs of the community.

Qualifications. A master’s degree in library science from an ALA accredited program; a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible public library experience; and at least four years of experience in a highly responsible administrative position. Essential attributes and skills include: creativity, energy and enthusiasm; demonstrated success in effectively promoting library services to the community; political acumen; collaborative and consensus-building skills; experience in providing sound fiscal planning and management; and a thorough knowledge of current trends, technology and “best practices” for public libraries. Success working effectively as a director reporting to a governing board and advanced course work (MPA, MBA, etc.) are highly desirable.

Compensation. A starting salary range of $95,000-$120,000 (with final placement dependent upon experience and qualifications) and a generous benefits package.

For further information, contact Gossage Sager Associates/Bradbury Associates via email or call 816-531-2468. Apply via email with a meaningful cover letter and your resume as Word attachments to DanBradbury@gossagesager.com or JobethBradbury@gossagesager.com. The position closes September 5, 2010.