Director, Edsel Ford Memorial Library, The Hotchkiss School, Lakeville, CT

Posted January 25, 2021

Position Summary:

Since 1952 The Edsel Ford Memorial Library has served the Hotchkiss School community, supporting the School’s Mission as a place where community members discover new ideas, where reading and critical analysis are promoted, and where the diversity of human culture, knowledge and experience is celebrated. The Library is a space where students, faculty and community members gather to read, write, study or pause and re-energize. Led by a talented team of librarians, archivists and a curator, it supports the academic curriculum, especially inquiry-based learning, utilizing extensive print, electronic resources, archives and special collections.

Reporting to the Dean of Academic Life, and working closely with Library staff as well as various committees, the Library Director is responsible for overall management of the Library’s 7 full- and part-time employees, its services, and its facility to ensure it effectively meets the academic, informational, and social needs of the School. In addition, the Library Director develops and implements Library operational policies, oversees the annual budget and its 30 endowed funds, and cultivates its identity within the School community and beyond. As a workplace, the Edsel Ford Memorial Library strives for continuous improvement in providing a supportive, transparent, connected environment where every employee’s perspective is valued and every employee is encouraged to grow.

Qualifications:

An MLS from an ALA-accredited institution or equivalent advanced degree and experience is required; at least three years of experience leading professional staff in a collaborative environment.

Demonstrated expertise in supervising, developing, and coaching staff; record of support for staff development.
A commitment to developing a culture of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in the working environment collections, programs and services.
Demonstrated ability to foster effective working relationships with faculty, staff and administrators.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills: ability to listen actively, speak and write clearly, and effectively present information and ideas to groups.
Demonstrated experience in relationship building and in creating a collaborative team environment.
Ability to advance the Edsel’s mission and message through social media, and oversee the Library and Archives & Special Collections’ digital presence.

Preference may be given to candidates who, in addition to meeting the above requirements, also offer one or more of the following:

Experience in an academic library.
Experience or leadership of archives or special collections.
Knowledge of assessment standards and best practices.
Exceptional critical thinking and creative problem solving.
Teaching experience in library-related instruction such as media literacy, academic integrity, and research resources and strategies.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Lead the talented staff of professionals in the day-to-day operation of the Library.
Engage staff capabilities with a focus on their long-term professional development.
Collaborate with faculty and colleagues to continually innovate new ways to promote teaching and learning at Hotchkiss, particularly in areas of research, information literacy, and inquiry-based learning.
Oversee the Library facilities including the building and equipment to ensure the Library meets the needs of the community.
Foster consistency in communication, particularly in the Library’s digital presence.
Act as the face and voice of the Edsel Ford Memorial Library to the School and the wider community.
Oversee and manage Library funds, including its 30 endowed funds, and meeting regularly with the School Chief Financial Officer and the Chief Advancement Officer.
The ability to influence and collaborate effectively with school leadership, faculty, staff and students.
Foster a Library work environment in which staff feel safe, seen and supported.
Typically, Hotchkiss faculty participate actively in all aspects of community life through service in Hotchkiss’ residential, advising, and co-curricular programs. Full-time faculty members are generally expected to obtain a public service endorsement on their CT drivers license within the first year of employment, so that they may drive students in school vehicles.

Compensation:

Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience and education level. In addition to housing, Hotchkiss provides a comprehensive benefit package, which includes a variety of health insurance offerings, dental, vision, life, and short- and long-term disability offerings, HSA/FSA options, and retirement benefits through TIAA-CREF. Ample funding exists to support participation in professional conferences, workshops, summer study, and travel, as well as advanced degree work. Faculty are encouraged to enjoy meals in our dining hall while school is in session.

How to Apply:

Through the online application process, located at Hotchkiss.org/careers, interested candidates should submit a cover letter that addresses interest in teaching at Hotchkiss with particular focus on the ability and interest in working in an intentionally diverse and inclusive residential community. Applicants should also submit their résumé/CV, a statement of leadership philosophy, relevant college and graduate school transcripts, and contact information for three references. The School is committed to building and supporting a diverse community where all feel safe, seen, and supported. Successful applicants will address their ability to contribute to a warm, inclusive, and exciting learning environment. APPLY NOW!

The essential functions and basic skills have been included. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all functions, responsibilities, skills and abilities. Additional functions and requirements may be assigned by supervisors as deemed appropriate.

The Hotchkiss School is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to basing judgments concerning the employment of individuals upon their qualifications and abilities. The School is firmly committed to equal employment and advancement opportunities for all employees and applicants in all phases of the employment process (including recruitment, hiring, assignment, terms and conditions of employment, compensation, benefits, training, promotion, transfer, discipline and termination). In accordance with applicable law, the School does not discriminate against any individual based on age, ancestry, color, genetic information, learning disability, marital status, past or present history of mental disability, national origin, physical disability, race, religious creed, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.