Executive Director, Southern Tier Library System, Painted Post NY
Posted May 14, 2013
Assume a vital leadership role and assist the 48 public libraries in this southern region of New York State achieve new levels of service and effective resource sharing! The Board of Trustees of the Southern Tier Library System (headquartered in Painted Post, NY) seeks a visionary library leader–responsive to member and community needs and skilled in focusing the efforts of a team of talented professionals–as its next Executive Director. STLS is a regional consortium of public libraries in Allegany, Chemung, Schuyler, Steuben and Yates counties–working in partnership with member libraries to enable the System’s 256,291 residents to have access to excellent library services. With a $1.5 million annual budget, 27 system employees (18.4 FTEs) and the recently formed Foundation for Southern Tier Libraries, STLS is a member-focused organization with a mission to build on the strengths of its diverse members through cooperative action and provide superior service to its member libraries and their constituents.
The Southern Tier Region offers a unique blend in both its geography and local economy. Rolling hills, rivers, easy access to the Finger Lakes Region, open spaces, a strategic location and an advanced highway infrastructure make it attractive to a wide range of recreational activities, businesses and industries, including the Fortune 500 Company, Corning Inc., located in Steuben County. Agriculture remains a major component of the economy with dairy, vegetables orchard fruit and wine grapes as the leading products. Elmira is the largest metropolitan area (91,000+ in Chemung County), but the abundance of small cities and extensive rural areas add interest and unique flavor to the region’s diversity. The region offers good schools, cultural and educational amenities, recreational opportunities, an educated workforce and one of the lowest costs of living in the nation–making it a great place to live and thrive! For additional details on STLS, the region and its communities, see STLS Links.
Responsibilities. The Executive Director serves as the chief executive officer of the Library System, and under the general direction of the 15-member Board of Trustees, has overall responsibility for general administration of System operations. The Executive Director supervises Department Heads, the Youth Services Consultant and administrative staff–and works with the Board, staff, member libraries, and major stakeholders to establish the strategic vision for the System aligning its mission, with member library and community needs and priorities. This is complex executive work planning, directing, managing and overseeing the activities and operations of the System. The Executive Director has wide latitude for independent judgment, decision and action. See the Executive Director’s position description for additional details.
Qualifications. An ALA-accredited Master’s Degree in Library Science; the ability to obtain and retain a New York State Public Librarian Certificate 1; and a minimum of eight years of experience in public libraries or public library systems, including three years of which must have been in an administrative capacity. Essential attributes and skills include: vision, creativity, energy and enthusiasm; superior written and oral communications skills; demonstrated success in effectively promoting library services; thorough knowledge of library technology innovations and efficiencies; 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 and system services. Eight years of post-MLS library experience and proven success working effectively as a director with a policy-making board are highly desirable.
Compensation. The hiring salary range is $80,000-100,000 (with placement being dependent on 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 Dan Bradbury or Jobeth Bradbury on or before the closing date–June 23, 2013.