Library Director, Muskegon Area District Library, MI
Posted September 8, 2014
Your adventure starts here! Make a difference on West Michigan’s lakeshores as the new Library Director for the Muskegon Area District Library (http://www.madl.org/), headquartered in Muskegon (MI) County. The Library’s Board of Trustees seeks an innovative and experienced Director to implement an exciting vision for the library and its many constituencies. MADL serves 119,450 residents in 21 municipalities and townships. Governed by an eight-member Board of Trustees, the 10 library locations provide excellent services and programs with 50 staff (30.13 FTEs) and a $3 million annual budget. The Library is anticipating a levy renewal campaign to take place as early as 2015 and has a capital campaign in progress–expansion of the Norton Shores branch to create Storyville–a library project modeled after the innovative Baltimore County program and focusing on early childhood literacy in Muskegon County. MADL shares a catalog, resources and delivery system with other members of the Lakeland Library Cooperative.
The Muskegon area is located on the shore of Lake Michigan and is a popular destination with beautiful beaches, parks and lakes. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate the hiking and bike trails and other types of outdoor recreation for all seasons. Downtown Muskegon is experiencing resurgence in growth and renewal—including a thriving Farmer’s Market, the Frauenthal Center for the Performing Arts, the West Michigan Symphony Orchestra as well as the well-regarded Muskegon Museum of Art. Muskegon County is also home to the Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, which has provided programs in the fine arts for students since 1966. Grand Rapids (MI) is only 30 minutes away and both Chicago and Detroit are only a few hours’ drive away. The cost of living is moderate with many lifestyle options–from urban condos to suburban single family homes to rural farms. For information about the Library, the Muskegon area and the community, visit Muskegon Links at http://www.gossagesager.com/MADLlinks.htm.
Responsibilities. Under the direction of the Library Board of Trustees, the Library Director develops, administers, supervises, and coordinates the work of the Library and staff, performs managerial duties related to personnel, budget, collection development, building maintenance, and library operations and services in conformity with Michigan State law and under the policies and strategic directions established by the Board of Trustees. Visit Library Director (http://www.gossagesager.com/MADLjobdesc.pdf) under Article VII of the Board By-Laws for additional details.
Qualifications. Minimum qualifications include a Master’s Degree in Library Science from an ALA-accredited program; five or more years of progressively responsible experience in the library field, including four years in an administrative position; and the ability to obtain and retain Michigan Certification Level 1. Essential attributes and skills include: excellent communication and organizational skills; the ability and desire to plan, develop, and administer the activities of a public library; supervisory experience; demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the Board, staff and community stakeholders; and an understanding and appreciation of public library best practices in the areas of intellectual freedom, collections, and library technologies. Successful experience as a library director reporting to a governing board, experience with a successful millage campaign and successful experience working in a union environment are highly desirable.
Compensation. The starting salary range is $78,000 – $90,000 (with placement dependent upon experience and qualifications) with an attractive benefits package.
For further information contact Bradbury Associates/Gossage Sager Associates (http://www.gossagesager.com/) via email or telephone. To start the application process, send a meaningful cover letter and your resume to Karen Miller, [email protected], or Jobeth Bradbury, [email protected], on or before the closing date of October 12, 2014.