Library Director, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, Washington, DC

Posted February 12, 2016

Wage/​Salary: $65,000 – $83,000 annualized, dependent upon qualifications and experience levels

Job Description: The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) is seeking an experienced and dynamic Library Director to lead and oversee its Library.

The National Society Daughters of the American Revolution is a leading nonprofit membership organization, located in Washington, D.C. and is chartered by Congress with over 180,000 current members. Founded in 1890, its mission is to promote historic preservation, education and patriotism. It includes the DAR Library, one of the nation’s premier genealogical research centers and is ranked as one of the most important national institutions based on the uniqueness of sources. Many thousands of volumes of genealogical compilations, record abstracts, and other materials such as family histories, cemetery record transcriptions, and Bible records are available only at the DAR Library.

The Library Director reports to the Headquarters Administrator and serves as the head of the Library with responsibility for setting strategic direction as well as overseeing day-to-day operations, including the planning, preparation and implementation of policies, projects and programs, to meet the Library’s broader purpose and to enhance the value and accessibility of the Library to all users.

The Director will be responsible for developing a comprehensive plan that employs best practices, appropriate technology, and coordinated efforts to attract greater personal and virtual visitation to the Library and its Seimes Technology Center. The Library Director manages a team of eleven individuals.

Required Qualifications:

• Master of Library Science (MLS) required.
• Bachelor’s degree required, highly preferred in American History or closely related field of study
• Previous experience in genealogy research acquired through accredited or credible coursework is desirable.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Minimum 7 years of Library experience, preferably in an academic, research or special collections library.
• Minimum 3 years management/supervisory experience overseeing at least four paid staff with hiring and performance management responsibility.
• Demonstrable experience working in a genealogical/historical collection or experience working frequently with a genealogical/historical collection of a library or similar research center.
• Expertise in library technology applications (including emerging technologies) and superior skills using Microsoft Office.
• Ability to market and promote interest in the library and develop programs and community outreach opportunities that showcase the library’s collection.
• Experience working with visitors or patrons providing information, resources, or services, preferably serving on a reference desk.
• Outstanding written, verbal and listening communication skills and ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with broad range of people, including a diverse staff, executive committee, a large membership and the public. Strong organizational and interpersonal skills are essential.
• Applies knowledge of professional library principles, best practices and procedures and exhibits a broad knowledge and awareness of current trends and developments in the fields of American genealogical research and state and local history.
• Demonstrable success in prioritizing among multiple competing assignments, projects or programs.
• Ability to effectively develop and manage the library’s operating budget and maintain effective stewardship of restricted library funds.
• Organizational skills, including accuracy and attention to detail.

For more information about the DAR Library and other programs and activities please visit our website at www.dar.org.

Application Instructions:

Please send a cover letter and resume or application outlining your qualifications, skills, and experience related to the position along with salary requirements to:

National Society Daughters of the American Revolution
Attn: Human Resources Director
1776 D St. NW, Washington, DC 20006-5303
E-mail: [email protected]
Fax: 202-737-5702