Library Director (Montclair Public Library)

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DescriptionEngage and enrich the Montclair (NJ) community as the next Director of the Montclair Public Library. The Board of Trustees seeks candidates who want to expand opportunities for Montclair’s 38,000+ residents. The Library, through its early literacy efforts, the Open Book Open Mind 2015 conversation series, and its partnership with the Adult School of Montclair, focuses on lifelong learning. In addition, the Library supports its citizens through outreach efforts such as the BookBike (funded through a crowdsourcing campaign), the Book a Librarian service, and hotspot loaning program. Neatly 68% of Montclair residents carry a Montclair Library card and check out 440,000 items annually and attend 1,600 programs—and the committed staff of 36 FTE served more than 375,000 visitors last year.  With an annual budget of $3.9 million and financial support from the Montclair Public Library Foundation and Montclair Library Friends, the Montclair Public Library continues to provide stellar programs and services inside and outside its four walls at its two locations. The new Montclair Public Library Director, through relationship building and responsiveness to the community, will work effectively with community leaders, lead successful fundraising efforts and be an active, vital member of the Montclair community.

Responsibilities. The Library Director, under the supervision of the Board of Trustees, manages and directs the operations of the Library. Specific responsibilities include: understanding and aligning the organizational culture developing and recognizing staff talents; successful design and implementation of library programs and services; managing the Library’s public relations and marketing program; working strategically with senior management team; planning, justifying and executing the Library’s budget; supporting the Library Foundation as a Foundation Board Member; developing entrepreneurial activities; working closely with the Township of Montclair and the Board of Education; actively engaging and partnering with other community agencies and organizations; and being active in local, state, and national professional activities. See Library Director position description for details.

Montclair—a vibrant community of almost 39,000 inhabitants and home to small shops, studios, restaurants and professional services—is considered the arts and cultural capital of northern New Jersey. Closely linked with the growth of New York City, the burgeoning area has become a model “country town,” enlivened by a notable art colony. Montclair has continued to grow as African-American, Irish, German and Scandinavian immigrants all contributed to a melting pot of culture. Montclair residents have excellent progressive and innovative schools, libraries, museums and churches. The community has successfully worked to revitalize the town’s commercial center and upgrading the downtown area. Today, eclectic and exuberant Montclair embraces its diverse cultural heritage and still nourishes the rich artistic expressions that took root more than a century ago. Jazz clubs, theatrical companies, shops and boutiques, galleries, and trendy restaurants are among the many amenities that attract residents and visitors alike. See Montclair links for additional information about the Library and the community.

RequirementsMinimum qualifications are a Master’s degree in Library and Information Science, five years of managerial experience, and possession of or ability to qualify for the professional librarian’s certificate issued by the New Jersey Department of Education. High priority qualifications include: skill and success in working, developing and hiring personnel and building successful teams; knowledge of best practices in library technologies; experience developing and administering budgets; strong oral and written communication skills; customer focus and excellent public relations skills; the ability to build trust and effective internal and external partnerships; facilitating change; leading through strategic planning and goal setting. Prior success in reporting to a governing board, successful fundraising experience, and working with local officials are highly desirable.

Compensation. The position offers a hiring salary range of $115,000-130,000 (dependent upon experience and qualifications) and an attractive benefits package.
For further information, contact Bradbury Miller Associates via email or phone. Apply via email with a meaningful cover letter and your resume as Word or pdf attachments to Dan Bradbury. This position closes November 27, 2016.