Executive Director – Stark County (Oh) District Library

Join the Stark County District Library (http://www.starklibrary.org/) in Inspiring Ideas, Enriching Lives and Creating Community.  The Board of Trustees of the Stark County District Library—a winner of the National Medal for library service, one of the best 100 libraries in the U.S. according to the HAPLR rating, and a Library Journal 5 Star library—seeks a dynamic and energetic new leader.  With a dedicated levy and a budget of $14.3 million SCDL serves the 240,105 of the District through the Main Library, nine branches, two Bookmobiles, two Kidmobiles, and active outreach and programming services. More than 1.4 million people visit the Stark County District Library each year and borrow 3.5 million items.  SCDL is one of the nine largest library systems in the state of Ohio, serving 12 local school districts. Headquartered in Canton in northeastern Ohio, the City of Canton and surrounding Stark County provide its residents with many benefits of big-city living while maintaining its charm as a medium-sized Midwestern community. Canton is home to such well-known national landmarks as the NFL Pro Football Hall of Fame, the William McKinley Presidential Library/National Monument, and the National First Ladies Library and Research Center. The area also boasts a vibrant arts community--the Canton Symphony Orchestra, Canton Ballet, and Canton Museum of Art all give residents a place to experience art and culture from around the world, while a growing local artists' community is quickly becoming well-known as a dynamic presence in the region. World-class hospitals and five area universities contribute a great deal to residents' high quality of life, while the natural beauty of public parks and green spaces allow residents  some time away from the hustle and bustle of city living. With the cost of real estate well below the national average, Stark County is as affordable as it is enjoyable.  For additional information on the Library, Stark County and the area see SCDL Links, http://www.gossagesager.com/StarkCOlinks.htm.

Responsibilities. The Executive Director reports to a seven-member Board of Trustees appointed by the Stark County Commissioners and the Court of Common Pleas. The Director's major responsibilities are implementing Library policy by recommending, designing, directing, supervising and evaluating an active program of information services, educational opportunities, and cultural activities for the citizens of the District. Specific responsibilities include: administering the overall library program in accordance with Library policies and within the confines of local, state and federal laws; overseeing the preparation of budgets for the library in cooperation with the Fiscal Officer and executing those budgets in a fiscally responsible manner; seeking alternative funding sources for library programs and services;  planning and implementing the library's capital program including technology and buildings; providing leadership for strategic planning and implementation of contemporary library services and collections  that meets the diverse needs of the community; representing and promoting the library in a variety of venues organizations and activities within the community; and advocating for libraries and library issues at the local, state and national level.  See http://www.gossagesager.com/SCDLJobdesc.pdf for the complete job description.

Qualifications.  The position requires an ALA-accredited Master's Degree in Library Science, at least five years of library management or management experience, and excellent writing and communication skills. Applicant must have knowledge of cutting edge library practices, be comfortable with technology, be open and adaptable, be vision-oriented, and have strong personal and collaborative skills.  Prior experience reporting to and working effectively with a governing board and experience working in a union environment is highly desirable. 

Compensation. A starting salary from $110,000 (dependent on experience and qualifications) and a competitive benefits package.

For further information, contact Dan Bradbury, danbradbury@gossagesager.com  or Jobeth Bradbury, jobethbradbury@gossagesager.com, at Bradbury Associates/Gossage Sager Associates. Apply via email above with a meaningful cover letter and resume as Word or pdf attachments. The position closes July 1, 2012.