Chief Executive Officer, Providence Public Library, Providence RI
Posted September 8, 2013
Explore, Discover, Connect…for a Lifetime of Education. Join the Providence Public Library, http://www.provlib.org/, Board of Trustees, Foundation and staff as they work to make this goal a reality for the City of Providence and for all Rhode Islanders. The Library Board seeks an engaged, energetic leader to serve as Chief Executive Officer–finalizing and implementing a new strategic plan–to build on its outstanding service programs and achieve further levels of excellence. The Providence Public Library is a private, independent 501(c)(3) organization. Housed in a stunning historic building, the Library has a proud and venerable history. Operating from a single 116,000 square foot facility since 2009, it is home to more than one million items–including unique special collections. Library operations are funded by endowment, private donations, grants, and a new event venue enterprise. Supported by a $3.4 million annual operating budget, staff focus is primarily in three areas: Lifelong Learning; Early Childhood Literacy; and Individual Economic Advancement. As the state’s premiere personal learning institution, the Library is also focused on building and strengthening its services not only for all Rhode Islanders, but for all interested in the history, growth and development of the New England region.
Providence, http://www.providenceri.com/, combines the culture and sophistication of a big city with the accessibility and friendliness of a small town. The city’s compact size and convenient location make it easy to get to and get around. Historic and hip, sophisticated and friendly, Providence packs the best of New England into one convenient and colorful package. Today, the City is home to eight hospitals and seven institutions of higher learning, which have shifted the city’s economy into service industries, though it still retains significant manufacturing activity. With a thriving arts community, vibrant and diverse neighborhoods, and renowned restaurants, Providence is a great place to live and call home. For additional details on the Providence Public Library, the City of Providence and the metro area see http://www.gossagesager.com/PPLlinks.htm.
Responsibilities. Reporting to the Providence Public Library Board of Trustees, the CEO serves as the leader of the Library and is its primary public representative. The CEO works in partnership with the Board to ensure that the Library fulfills its mission and creates the strategies that will secure its future success. The CEO serves under the general supervision of the Board but works with a high degree of independence and is responsible for the overall administration of day-to-day operations; fiscal management; planning; development and fundraising; fostering community relationships; maintaining programmatic effectiveness; and providing ongoing support and leadership for the Library staff, Library Board and Foundation. See the CEO Job Description (http://www.gossagesager.com/CEOjobdesc.pdf) for additional information.
Qualifications. The ideal candidate will have a Master’s Degree in Library Science and/or other desirable advanced degrees in public, nonprofit or business administration. The position requires a minimum of eight years of relevant work experience, including four years of experience in an executive capacity or other appropriate government, business, higher education or nonprofit enterprise. Essential attributes and skills include: experience and success with fundraising and development; excellent writing, communication and presentation skills; strong marketing skills with an entrepreneurial focus; political acumen; collaborative and consensus-building skills; and a thorough knowledge of current trends and “best practices” for library and/or nonprofit management. Proven success working with and reporting to a governing board is a desirable qualification.
Compensation. The position offers a hiring salary range of $100,000-125,000 (placement dependent upon experience and qualifications) and an attractive benefits package.
For information, contact Bradbury Associates/Gossage Sager Associates via email or phone. Apply via email with a meaningful cover letter and your resume as Word or pdf attachments to Dan Bradbury, [email protected]. This position closes October 20, 2013.