Library Director – Vigo County (IN) Public Library

Discover the Possibilities—as the next director of the Vigo County Public Library (http://www.vigo.lib.in.us/ )! The Library Board of Trustees seeks a new leader to help continue and enhance the Library’s successful role as the County’s creative, cultural, and collaborative connection.  The Board wants a director who will work strategically with local organizations and agencies and be responsive to the needs and concerns of staff, customers and the community.  Vigo County Public Library is a separate taxing authority with a tax rate exclusively dedicated to public library services.  Governed by a seven-member Board of Trustees, the Library staff of 78 (59 full-time and 19 part-time), serve the 107,848 citizens in Vigo County with a budget of $6.97 million. The Library consists of the Main Library (69,600 sq. ft.) in downtown Terre Haute, a single branch facility (West Terre Haute) and active Outreach and Community Services programs. The challenge for the next Director will be to move forward on the Library's new strategic plan (currently under development) leveraging strong community relationships and partnerships while continuing to provide the outstanding levels of service and programs for the community.

Vigo County, http://www.vigocounty.in.gov/, is located along the western edge of Indiana bordering Illinois and Terre Haute, http://www.terrehaute.in.gov/, the county seat, is at the intersection of two major roadways: US Hwy 40 from California to Maryland, and US Hwy 41 from Michigan to Florida, making downtown’s "7th and Wabash" the Crossroads of America.  This sobriquet is further enhanced by its proximity to other major Midwest cities—only 77 miles southwest of Indianapolis and within 185 miles of Chicago, St. Louis, Louisville, and Cincinnati. Terre Haute is home to Indiana State University (ISU) with a student population of approximately 10,500 and the prestigious, private engineering school Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology is located just east of the city.  The area also boasts a full-service community college and two private four-year colleges in and around the city.  The Swope Art Museum, Turman Art Gallery on the ISU campus, several galleries, multiple music venues, the Vigo County Historical Society Museum, Children’s Museum and CANDLES Holocaust Museum all add to the cultural fabric of the community.  The Library is a strong local partner and plays a vital role in the community’s development.  Terre Haute’s revitalization efforts were recognized in 2010 when the Indiana Chamber of Commerce named it Indiana's Community of the Year.  Additional information on the Library, the County and the area can be found at http://www.gossagesager.com/Vigolinks.htm.   

Responsibilities. The Director reports to a seven-member Library Board of Trustees and works with the Board, staff, and major stakeholders to establish the strategic vision for the Library aligning the Library’s mission, goals and objectives with the community’s needs and priorities. This is complex executive work planning, directing, managing and overseeing the activities and operations of the library, coordinating services and activities with the Board of Library Trustees, local government, academic institutions, and other agencies, ensuring local, state and federal laws, rules and regulations applicable to Indiana libraries and the by-laws, policies, and directives of the Library Board are being met.  See http://www.gossagesager.com/VCPLjobdesc.pdf for additional details.

Qualifications. ALA-accredited Master's Degree in Library Science; the ability to obtain and retain an Indiana Librarian Certificate 1; and a minimum of six years of professional experience including a minimum of three years of supervisory and/or management experience. Essential attributes and skills include: vision, creativity, energy and enthusiasm; superior written and oral communications skills; demonstrated success in effectively promoting library services to the community; political acumen; collaborative and consensus-building skills; experience in recruiting, mentoring, evaluating and retaining an excellent staff; and a thorough knowledge of current trends and “best practices” for library service.  Please see http://www.gossagesager.com/VCPLjobdesc.pdf for specific detailed information. Ten years of library experience with at least six years of administrative experience and proven success working effectively with a policy-making board is highly desirable.

Compensation.  The starting salary range is $85,000-100,000 (with placement dependent upon experience and qualifications) with an attractive benefits package.

For further information contact Bradbury Associates/Gossage Sager Associates via email or telephone. To start the application process, send a meaningful cover letter and your resume as Word or pdf attachments via email to mailto:danbradbury@gossagesager.com or mailto:jobethbradbury@gossagesager.com.  November 4, 2012, is the position closing date.