Executive Director

Executive Director

Association of Research Libraries (ARL)

                                                               Washington, DC

The Association of Research Libraries seeks an energetic and forward looking leader to advance the role of research libraries in higher education and the broader information environment.  The Executive Director will have a unique opportunity to influence public policy, reshape scholarly communication, and lead the transformation of research libraries through ARL’s strategic agenda. 

ARL is a non-profit, member-driven institutional organization representing 126 research and academic libraries in North America.  ARL’s mission is to influence the changing environment of scholarly communication and the public policies that affect research libraries and the diverse communities they serve.  The Association also provides leadership on new and expanding roles for ARL libraries to engage in the transformations affecting research and research-intensive teaching and learning.  

The Executive Director serves as the chief executive officer of ARL and is responsible for the administration of all operations and programs.  The ARL Executive Director also provides oversight and counsel to two affiliate organizations founded by ARL, the Scholarly Publishing and Academic Resources Coalition (SPARC), and the Coalition for Networked Information (CNI).   With an annual total budget approximating $6 million and 21 staff, ARL’s size and structure gives it the agility to respond to members’ needs and changing trends in the library and research worlds quickly and strategically.

The Executive Director should be an authority on the ways in which universities and other research institutions integrate, preserve, disseminate, and create knowledge, and be able to serve as an articulate and effective spokesperson for the public policy issues facing research libraries in the 21st century.  The incumbent must be well versed in the ways in which current and emerging digital technologies are changing the academy and the roles of research libraries. S/he not only must be ready to address the issues surrounding information production and access, but also must be a persuasive leader in the effort to build models of scholarly communication for the next century.  S/he must have a grounded understanding of the North American research library community and the role of the ARL in it.

Candidates should bring a substantive knowledge of higher education, the nature of research and scholarship, and the role of research libraries in the information environment.  The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong desire and commitment to engage in national and international public policy arenas.   Candidates should also have the ability to build strategic alliances and collaborations with a variety of relevant organizations; the expertise to advocate for ARL strategic agendas with diplomacy, political acumen, and a bias toward collaborative action; the proficiency to work with a member-elected Board of Directors and Executive Committee, and to engage members in substantive discussions about ARL’s programs and its future; an aptitude for comprehending the dynamics of an institutional membership organization; excellent interpersonal skills; a management style that is consultative and inclusive; demonstrated commitment to diversity in all its forms; and strong financial management skills.

The ARL Executive Director Search Committee has retained Isaacson, Miller to assist with this search.   To receive a full position profile, to apply, or to make a nomination, please contact: Alan Wichlei, Vice President & Director, and Beverly Brady, Senior Associate, Isaacson, Miller, 263 Summer Street, Boston, MA  02210 at ARLED@imsearch.com.  All communications will be held in the strictest confidence.

ARL is an Equal Opportunity Employer Committed to Diversity in the Professional Workplace.

Executive Director

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR – ILLINOIS HEARTLAND LIBRARY SYSTEM

Become a vital part of the future—the future of library service in the Illinois heartland!  The Board of Directors of the newly formed Illinois Heartland Library System (IHLS) seeks an experienced and energetic leader to help take its multi-type member libraries to new levels of effectiveness—developing partnerships and sharing resources in pursuit of excellent service.

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Illinois Heartland Library System (http://www.illinoisheartland.org/) was formed by the merger of Lewis and Clark, Lincoln Trail, Rolling Prairie and Shawnee library systems in April, 2011 under a plan approved by the Illinois State Library. The new System covers 44,322 square miles with 594 member libraries—38 Academic, 231 Public, 260 School and 65 Special—located throughout central and southern Illinois.  With a projected $18 million annual budget and 70-75 system employees, IHLS is a membership-driven organization with a vision to build on the strengths of its diverse members to create a future where all libraries and information partners collaborate to provide accessible and innovative services throughout the 58-county area.  For additional details on the region and its libraries see www.gossagesager.com/IHLSlinks.htm.

Responsibilities.  As chief administrative officer, the System Executive Director reports to a 15-member Board composed of representatives from member libraries and has overall responsibility for implementing the policies and programs of the System and directing and leading all operations and activities.  Responsibilities include: organizing and administering the System’s resources to carry out its mission, vision, and strategic goals; providing effective leadership in implementing long-range planning; developing and maintaining an effective communication program; strengthening current funding sources, seeking additional revenue sources and overseeing sound financial practices; developing and maintaining effective training, consulting and continuing education programs; maintaining effective relationships with member libraries and other organizations—both public and private—such as the Illinois State Library, professional library organizations, state and federal legislators;  and representing IHLS’s interests by participating in library activities at the state and national levels.  The detailed job description can be found at www.gossagesager.com/IHLSjd.pdf.

Qualifications.  A Masters Degree in Library Science from an ALA-accredited library program; and a minimum of eight  (8) years of progressively responsible library experience, four (4) years of which must have been in an administrative capacity.  Desired attributes, skills and abilities include: good listening skills, responsive to the needs and concerns of staff, member libraries, and communities; experience in developing an annual budget proposal linked to Board policies and priorities; proven success working with a state funding structure; vision;  an openness  to creative and innovative solutions; and a dedication to library technology innovations and efficiencies.  Experience reporting to a governing board, experience as a system director, knowledge of Illinois library systems structure, function, and relationship to the Illinois State Library are highly desirable.

Compensation. The starting salary range is $90,000-$125,000 (dependent upon experience and qualifications) with a competitive benefits package.

For further information, contact Dan or Jobeth Bradbury at Bradbury Associates/Gossage Sager Associates. Apply via email with a meaningful cover letter and resume as Word or pdf attachments to Dan Bradbury, danbradbury@gossagesager.com or Jobeth Bradbury, jobethbradbury@gossagesager.com. The position closes July 5, 2011.

Executive Director, Lexington (KY) Public Library

Join the Winner’s Circle in the Horse Capital of the World! The Board of Trustees of the Lexington Public Library—serving a combined city-county population of more than 270,000 through a central library and five branch facilities—seeks a creative and innovative executive director, who will develop and lead a staff/stakeholder team in providing library programming and services that respond to increasingly diverse community needs. Lexington Fayette Urban County Government is the second-largest municipality in Kentucky and the 65th largest in the United States. It is home to the headquarters of Lexmark International, the Kentucky Horse Park, Keeneland Race Course, Red Mile Race Course, Transylvania University, and the University of Kentucky—and it has been selected to be the site of the 2010 FEI World Equestrian Games. With a strong staff (192 FTE), a dedicated tax levy yielding a budget of $14.5 million, a committed Library Board and Advisory Committee, a highly successful Friends of the Library, and a growing Library Foundation—all of the pieces are in place for the Library to reach new levels of excellence in serving its public. Additional information on the Library, the City and position can be found at Lexington Links.

Responsibilities. The Executive Director of the Lexington Public Library reports to a seven-member Board of Trustees—appointed by the Mayor of the Lexington Fayette Urban County Government and approved by the Urban County Council—and partners with LFUCG departments, state and federal officials, and civic/professional organizations and groups to achieve the Library’s mission and goals within the context of community needs and priorities. Overall responsibilities include: fostering effective internal and external communications; providing sound fiscal management, while strengthening current funding sources and seeking additional revenue sources; developing and implementing a strategic planning process to create a shared vision for library service and programming; and exploring and developing collaborative relationships with a variety of local, regional and statewide organizations and agencies. See Lexington Executive Director for the detailed job description.

Minimum Qualifications. A master’s degree in library science (supplemented by coursework in management and administration) and a minimum of seven years of progressively responsible public library experience in a management position, including at least four years of executive level experience as director of a smaller library system, or deputy, assistant, or associate director of a comparable or larger system. Essential attributes include: personal integrity and excellent interpersonal skills; ability to address conflicting goals and build consensus; a thorough knowledge of financial management; collaboration and consensus-building skills; sensitivity, flexibility, and creativity; and a solid understanding of philosophy, trends and “best practices” in the library and information technology fields. Prior experience reporting to and working effectively with a governing board is highly desirable.

Compensation. The position offers a starting salary range of $105,000-120,000 (dependent upon experience and qualifications) with an excellent fringe benefits package.

For further information, contact Dan or Jobeth Bradbury at Gossage Sager Associates. Apply via email with a meaningful cover letter and resume as Word or pdf attachments to Dan Bradbury or Jobeth Bradbury. The position closes December 31, 2009.

The Lexington Public Library is an Equal Opportunity Employer M/F/D/V.

Executive Director, Lancaster (PA) Public Library

Lancaster Public Library…Now More Than Ever! The Board of Trustees of the Lancaster Public Library seeks a creative and energetic leader as its next Executive Director—one capable of forging a collective vision for the Library’s future and effectively moving the organization toward it. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to develop services and programs that actively position and promote the Library throughout the community--and explore new opportunities to both enhance services and attract additional support.

Lancaster Public Library consists of the Duke Street (main) Central Resource Library and branches in Leola and Mountville. With a current budget approaching $2.4 million and a staff of 45 (35.35 FTEs), the Library provides direct service to the 187,788 residents of its service area while also functioning as the District Center for the entire county (490,562 residents) and providing interlibrary loan and reference service to the other fourteen independent libraries in the County.

Lancaster is a small city with a diverse community with a variety of cultural lifestyles. Within the city, welcoming neighborhoods and historic preservation thrive side by side with a cutting-edge arts scene. The region is an eclectic blend of urban and rural with strong farming, manufacturing and tourism industries and offers an array of educational and cultural amenities. Located in south-central Pennsylvania, Lancaster is within driving distance of major metropolitan hubs and attractions.

Qualifications include: an MLS from an ALA accredited program and a minimum of five years of increasingly responsible administrative library experience; excellent interpersonal and communication skills; and the ability to build effective relationships with individuals and groups to support library programs and services. Demonstrated experience with a governing board and proven success in financial development and fund raising is highly desirable. The complete job description and additional information on the Library and the Lancaster community can be found at: Lancaster Links.

The salary range is $68,000-$82,000 DOQ with a competitive benefit package.

For further information, contact Dan or Jobeth Bradbury at Gossage Sager Associates. Apply via email with a meaningful cover letter and resume as attachments to DanBradbury@gossagesager.com or JobethBradbury@gossagesager.com by August 30, 2009.