Library Director, Darien (CT) Library, Darien, CT
Posted May 13, 2020
The Board of Trustees of the renowned Darien (CT) Library seeks its next Director—a visionary leader ready to reimagine the Library’s role consistent with its culture of excellence in service to its patrons and the Darien community in a world that continues to change. The successful candidate values: the expertise of a knowledgeable staff of 28 full-time and 37 part-time library employees; thoughtful innovation; and creative approaches to building upon the Library’s history of excellent patron service and commitment to exceeding expectations. The Director can seamlessly transition from being a helping hand at a Library program to managing the complexities of a $3.8 million annual Town budget process. As the public face of the Library, the Director forges productive relationships and partnerships with community leaders, elected officials, patrons and donors, and libraries in Connecticut and across the country. The Director can readily transform big ideas into strategic results-driven initiatives; recruit, develop, and motivate an outstanding staff; promote inclusion and diversity; and effectively communicate the Library’s mission, goals, and objectives to the broader Darien community. The inclusive and welcoming Darien Library, a valued institution in the community, is a public-private partnership with the Town of Darien. It has earned the 2020 designation by Library Journal as a five-star library.
Our Community. Darien—a residential coastal community of 20,000+ with a thriving downtown, eleven parks, two public beaches, and an excellent public school system, rated as one of the best in the country. Darien has a strong community spirit, is civic-minded, and places a high value on education and ongoing learning. For more information, visit Darien Links.
Responsibilities. Under the direction of the 18 member governing Board of Trustees, the Library Director is responsible for strategic planning and all Library operations, including recruiting, hiring and staff development, facility maintenance and care, fiscal management and oversight, and the preparation, presentation, and approval of the Library’s annual operating and capital budgets and setting and helping the Friends of the Library achieve its fundraising goals. This position reports to the Board of Trustees and works closely with Library staff to live up to the core values and meet the strategic imperatives of the Library. This position is a very public-facing role, and the Director is expected to be an effective advocate, collaborative partner with all stakeholders, and able to bring innovative and creative solutions and ideas forward to advance the goals and objectives of the Library continually. Stellar communication skills are a must. See the Position Description for details.
Qualifications. A Master’s Degree in Library Science is required with five years of supervisory experience at a senior management level in a public library, three years of leadership/administrative experience in the operation of a library or other service organization, and a proven track record of achievement in initiating, leading and completing projects that have advanced the goals of the organization. The successful candidate will also demonstrate excellent interpersonal and communication skills, be successful in promoting library services to the community, and possess comfort and skill in fundraising and development activities. The Board will expect a candidate to have a demonstrated passion for the work of libraries and a thorough knowledge of current trends, technologies, and “best practices” for library services. Capital campaign experience is a plus.
Compensation. The starting salary is $150,000 with an exceptional benefits package, including ongoing professional development and annual attendance at leading library conferences.
For further information, contact Bradbury Miller Associates. Apply via email with a cover letter and resume as Word or PDF attachments to