Executive Director, Norman Williams Public Library (NWPL), Woodstock, VT

Posted March 9, 2017

The Norman Williams Public Library (NWPL) has an opening for the position of Executive Director. The Board of Trustees seeks a librarian with vision, enthusiasm, and experience to ensure our library continues to thrive. NWPL is both a privately and municipally funded institution occupying a historic building on the Village Green in Woodstock, Vermont.

Mission Statement: The Norman Williams Public Library enriches the intellectual and cultural life of the greater Woodstock community by providing access to literature, culture, current information, and technology … serving as a gathering place for people of all ages; and supporting lifelong learning for all.

The Executive Director oversees an annual operating budget of approximately $500,000 generated from the Town of Woodstock, donations, and endowment. The print collection has 50,000 volumes as well as access to interlibrary loan, audio, and ebooks. Last year (fiscal year 15-16) 44,000 items circulated. Circulation of ebooks and audiobooks increased by 50%. Volunteers contributed 2,898 hours. During the past year, the library hosted 475 programs with more than 7,000 attendees.

The Community
Woodstock is a charming New England town of 3,200 with a strong sense of community. The population is highly literate and culturally active. There are excellent public and private schools in the area, including several institutions of higher education. Each summer the town hosts a literary festival, Bookstock, and a variety of other artistic events are held throughout the year. The abundance of outdoor activities — skiing, hiking, biking, swimming, golfing — makes Woodstock a year-round destination.

Responsibilities
The Executive Director is responsible for managing all day-to-day operations and representing the library in the greater Woodstock community.

Library Management:

• Supervises the library staff and promotes a collaborative environment
• Recruits and selects library personnel and volunteers, and works with the Board to develop personnel policies
• Oversees staff training, scheduling, and evaluation
• Practices decisive and effective leadership
• Actively engages with the public and community organizations
• Works with the Board Treasurer to prepare and present an annual library budget proposal
• Supports collection development
• Stays abreast of new developments in the library profession, including technological advances
• Oversees an active schedule of public programming
• Manages finances according to the approved operating budget

Fundraising:

• Builds relationships with current and prospective donors
• Works closely with the Director of Development and the Board’s Development Committee to plan and implement fundraising strategies

Collaboration with the Board:

• Works with the Board treasurer to prepare and present an annual library budget proposal
• Prepares regular narrative and statistical reports for the Board of Trustees
• Assists in preparing meeting agendas and materials and participates in meetings of the Board of Trustees
• Develops short-term and long-range goals including those articulated in the 2015 Strategic Planning Initiative

Qualifications

• A Master’s Degree in Library Science from an ALA certified program is strongly preferred. A successful candidate demonstrates thorough knowledge of the principles of library organization and administration.
• Excellent oral and written communications skills are essential.
• At least three years in a supervisory capacity of a major department at a public library or as a director of a public library is required. This experience should demonstrate an ability to manage a budget and finances.

A combination of education and experience demonstrating the ability to meet the requirements of the position may also be considered.

The Executive Director will perform complex and varied tasks requiring independent judgment. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The Norman Williams Public Library is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, or age.

This job description is not, nor is it intended to be, a complete statement of all duties, functions, and responsibilities that comprise this position. Salary will be commensurate with experience and qualifications.

TO APPLY:

Resumes with cover letters should be submitted to:
Search Committee
Norman Williams Public Library
10 The Green
Woodstock, VT 05091
OR: via email to: [email protected]

Priority will be given to applications received by April 10, 2017