Head Librarian, Worcester Public Library, Worcester, MA
Posted November 10, 2014
Your open door to opportunity-the Worcester Public Library Board of Directors seeks an experienced visionary who can provide strong leadership throughout the Library and the Community. The successful candidate will build strong partnerships in the Community and lead the staff and Board of Directors toward a well-defined vision for the Library. The Library, with a $5 million annual budget and a dedicated staff (103 FTEs), provides services and programs through the Main Library, which houses the Talking Book Library, two community branches and two mobile Libraries. Additionally, the Library is a partner in an innovative initiative known as One City One Library, in which the city, the Library, the Community and the school system in Worcester have collaborated to create additional library spaces within three public school buildings. These locations serve the schools during the day and are open to the public after school and on Saturdays. There are plans to add more locations in additional school buildings in the near future. The City government of Worcester has a strong vision for creating a vibrant downtown and sees the Library as an integral part of that vision.
Worcester, located in Central Massachusetts, is the second largest city in New England with a population of 181,000 residents and is known as the “heart of the Commonwealth.” Worcester is known as a city of firsts: many items and ideas were first discovered or created in Worcester, including the monkey wrench, the smiley face, the pill, the patent for the first liquid fuel rocket that led to modern rocketry, and the first national Women’s Rights Convention. The city is home to ten different higher educational institutions including Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Clark University and the University of Massachusetts Medical School. The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts brings many Broadway shows and nationally known performers to the area. The American Antiquarian Society has been located in Worcester since 1812 and has the foremost collection of early American history. The Worcester Art Museum is known for the depth and breadth of its collection. Hockey fans will appreciate that the city is home to the American Hockey League team known as the Worcester Sharks. In addition to everything available in Worcester, the city is ideally located-downtown Boston is less than an hour’s drive and Providence, RI and New York City, NY are within easy driving distance. The recently refurbished Union Station serves as a hub for commuter traffic, providing rail and bus options. For additional information, visit Worcester Links.
Responsibilities: The Head Librarian is responsible for overall leadership and direction for the Library and planning, organizing, directing and coordinating all activities of the Worcester Public Library. Responsibilities include providing insight and opportunity as City Department Head in all matters of public library access, function, facility and service; providing the Board of Directors with timely and professional counsel and caution, assuring a dynamic and responsive public library; influencing staff with inspiration, opportunity, expectation and motivation, assuring a high performance and service driven community service; participates in legislative advocacy, professional organizations and other public arenas; administering approved budgets; supervising staff; preparing the annual Library budget; and recommending adoption of policies to the Board of Directors. To see a full job description for the position, visit WPL position description.
Qualifications: Minimum qualifications are a master’s degree in library science, a minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in library work which includes supervisory experience, and the ability to acquire and retain a certificate of professional librarianship issued by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners. Successful candidates should be able to demonstrate the ability to develop and communicate library goals; demonstrate experience working with groups, such as the Board of Directors, Library Foundation, Friends of the Library, volunteers and other key community groups and stake holders for the purpose of achieving Library goals; has extensive experience in fiscal management; and has the ability to present a positive image for the library as a community leader and in professional activities. Previous experience working in an urban library environment, working within a municipal or county funding structure and reporting to a governing Board, and experience working in a union environment are highly desirable.
Compensation: The position offers a hiring salary range of $85,000 – $112,000 (dependent upon experience and qualifications) and an attractive benefits package.
For further information, contact Bradbury Associates/Gossage Sager Associates via email or phone. To start the application process, send a meaningful cover letter and resume as Word or pdf attachments to Karen Miller or Tom Dillie. This position closes December 21, 2014.The City of Worcester is an EEO/AA Employer.