Executive Director, Nantucket Atheneum, Nantucket, MA

Posted February 20, 2019

The Executive Director acts as the Chief Executive Officer of the Atheneum and ensures the mission of the Atheneum is realized (outstanding library services, public programming, and preservation of the history and uniqueness of the institution).  The position reports to the Board of Trustees through the Chair.

There are three broad areas of responsibility:

• Provide leadership through directing and coordinating day-to-day operational 

         management of the Atheneum

• Provide intellectual leadership within the Atheneum (organization and Board) and in the

        Nantucket community

• Provide leadership in the external affairs of the Atheneum including fundraising, community 

        relations, and outreach

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

1. Administration

           A. General

• Manage the development and implementation of Atheneum goals, objectives, priorities, policies and procedures ensuring that the Board and Strategic Plan goals and objectives are integrated into Atheneum policies and goals.
• Oversee and direct library operations including public services, current and historic collections management, technology, administration and facilities management.
• Ensure the delivery of high quality library programs and services to the community.
• Direct and participate in long-range planning to improve internal functions and delivery of services to the community.
• Oversee the writing, distribution and filing of annual reports including Atheneum Annual Report and Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners ARIS and State Aid Reports 
• Oversee the management and safekeeping of Atheneum documents, forms and records.
• Stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of information management and public library administration.
• Serve as the representative of the Atheneum to the library consortium known as CLAMS (Cape Libraries Automated Materials Sharing). 

          B. Finance

• Develop annual operating budget in collaboration with Board Treasurer
• Expend funds based on approved budget.
• Ensure accounting/forecasting system is accurate and timely through monthly reports.
• Maintain complete and accurate financial records.
• Ensure appropriate corrective action is taken in response to Annual Audit in collaboration with the Board Audit Committee and Finance Committee.

    2. Human Resources

• Recruit, hire, on-board, train, and annually evaluate library staff based upon well-defined job descriptions and expectations.
• Manage Leadership Team comprised of department heads who supervise daily staff operations.
• Ensure appropriate policies and work practices are in place and well understood by the    organization.
• Recommend annual salary plan and merit increases to the Board. 
• Participate in continuing education activities and professional organizations and encourage continuing educations for library staff.

3. Development/Fundraising

• Work closely with Development Director and Board Development Committee on the process of effective donor management including identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of current and potential donors.
• Oversee in collaboration with Development Director and Board Development Committee the management of Annual Giving Campaign, Special Events (Turkey Plunge and Dance Festival) and Major Gift Program.
• Oversee grant proposals and ensure all requirements are met, or exceeded, for any restricted grants and comply with all reporting requirements.
• Work closely with Development Director and Board Development Committee on the development of strategies for future fundraising initiatives.

4. Community Relations

• Advocate for the Atheneum within the organization and in 
• Engage in active outreach to all relevant stakeholder groups on island and ensure the Atheneum is providing appropriate services and programs to these groups.
• Maintain good working relationships with all town departments that are relevant to the Atheneum.

5. Board Relationship

• Develop a collegial and constructive working relationship with all Board members.
• Attend all Full Board meetings with written reports on library activities and as required meeting of individual Board Committees.
• Participate in Board orientation.
• Participate in Executive Director’s annual performance review with Board Chair.

Required Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of public library system administration
• Public library policies, procedures and standards of service
• Federal, State and Local regulations governing library operations
• Current trends in library services, programming and technology
• Methods for evaluating public library programs, policies and operational requirements.
• Processes for developing and administering budgets
• Supervisory principles, practices and methods.
• Fundraising in competitive non-profit markets
• Good customer service practices
• Collaborative management concepts
• Managing change including board and staff development

Required Skill in:

• Directing public library operations, programs and services.
• Ensuring the delivery of quality library programs and services to the community
• Developing and implementing library goals, objectives, policies and procedures.
• Responding to and resolving complex issues and complaints involving library related matters and personnel.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with others
• Developing and administering budgets and monitoring expenditures
• Problem solving and managing fundraising operations.
• Supervising, leading and delegating tasks and authority.
• Advocating for the library and promoting good community relations.
• Communicating including written, verbal and public presentation skills.
• Using needed technology including integrated library systems, business software applications, presentation software and the ability to learn the use of new technology.

Education and Experience

• Master’s Degree in Library Science 
• 5 years of experience in overseeing public library operations

Additional Requirements:

• Ability to stand or sit for extended periods of time to use computer workstations, including keyboard and visual display terminal.
• Strength to push or pull a loaded book cart which can weigh in excess of 100 pounds on level floor, to lift or maneuver loads up to 35 pounds onto carts, and to carry cartons of books.
• Must be able to pay close attention to details and concentrate on work.
• Sufficient vision or powers of observation to permit employee to read books and patron requests.
• Sufficient clarity of writing, speech, and hearing or other communication capabilities which permit effective communication.
• Sufficient manual dexterity which permits the employee to type and record library files.
• Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes which permits the employee to re-shelve library materials and work at public service desks. 
• Ability to attend professional development classes that require travel.
• Ability to work in various library locations or at offsite library outreach events as necessary.
• Normal office exposure to noise, stress, and interruptions.

Outstanding compensation and benefits program

All inquiries will be treated confidentially 

Please submit resumes to [email protected]