Library Director, Kent Memorial Library, Suffield, CT
Posted January 24, 2022
Description:
The Town of Suffield is a quintessential New England town with a longstanding pledge to preserving its historic architecture and agricultural roots. The many people who serve Suffield through town government – as employees and volunteers alike – remain committed to developing and fostering a strong sense of community among its residents.
The Town of Suffield is seeking a dynamic Library Director for our Kent Memorial Library. The position performs a variety of complex administrative, supervisory and professional work in the general oversight of Town of Suffield library employees, resources, budget and facilities. Responsible for the management of the public library collection and the provision of library services to patrons and community organizations. Serves the residents of Suffield in a positive, customer-oriented atmosphere that helps promote a welcoming, professional image for Town government.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
- Plans, supervises and evaluates the operation and activities of Town of Suffield library under policies and goals established by the Kent Memorial Library Commission, First Selectman and Board of Selectmen.
- Develops, administers and evaluates library programs such as circulation, reference, reader’s advisory services, children’s services, community services, public information and all other programs supporting modern library practices.
- Directs the development and maintenance of a public library collection of varied media; evaluates collection for balance and comprehensiveness; schedules withdrawals and inventory of materials.
- Assures quality patron service, staffing, library programs and services, community relations, optimum access to the library collection, and updating of the collection.
- Ensures compliance with internal controls for collection of all library fees.
- Directs, advocates for and oversees the use of technology best practices for modern library operations.
- Supervises, trains and monitors the performance of library employees and volunteers.
- In collaboration with the Town’s Human Resources Department, hires and administers personnel rules and regulations in accordance with collective bargaining agreement.
- In collaboration with the Town’s Public Works Department manages the cleanliness and maintenance of the library facilities and grounds.
- Identifies and pursues funding and other resources in compliance with the Town’s grant approval policies; prepares and recommends grant proposals; ensures compliance with grant requirements; assists in the preparation, review and administration of vendor contracts and agreements.
- Develops policies and procedures as necessary to ensure efficient management of library operations and implements directives from the Kent Memorial Library Commission and First Selectman.
- Communicates effectively with library employees, community stakeholders, Kent Memorial Library Commission, supporting nonprofits and Town officials.
- Attends Kent Memorial Library Commission meetings and provides monthly updates on activities, budget (including status of any grant), and operations.
- Acts as liaison on fundraising campaigns with nonprofit organizations supporting Kent Memorial Library.
- Researches, analyzes and reports on community needs with respect to library resources and facilities.
- Collaborates with town agencies to enhance the library’s ongoing commitment to cultural competency and diversity programming.
- Prepares and presents a proposed annual Library budget; directs the implementation of and monitors adherence with the adopted budget; directs and performs financial and managerial analyses of operations and presents findings to applicable boards and commissions.
- Confers and coordinates with State agencies, other public libraries, corporations, community and civic groups on the use of library facilities and the development of library programs; assists in facilitating interlibrary programming.
- Directs the development and maintenance of systems, records, and documents that provide for the proper evaluation, control, and documentation of library activities and resources.
- Represents Town at various meetings; serves as liaison to various government and community organizations.
- Attends seminars and conferences to remain current on developments in modern library practices.
- Maintains positive working relationships with local government officials, school officials, community and the public regarding program offerings and coordination of services; promptly and cordially, responds to inquiries and complaints pertaining to services and facilities.
Minimum Qualifications:
Education & Experience:
- Master’s degree in Library Science from an accredited college or university.
- Five (5) years of increasing responsible experience in library administration, including a minimum of three (3) years supervisory experience.
- Suitable experience may be substituted for education attainment if deemed appropriate by the Library Commission and First Selectman.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
- Knowledge of principles and practices of public library functions.
- Knowledge of current trends and developments in the field of leadership management, public administration, grants and foundations.
- Skill in financial management and administering budgets.
- Skill in the use of computers, including Microsoft suites, library related software and technology infrastructure necessary to operate a modern library.
- Ability to work independently, be flexible and adapt to a fast-paced work environment.
- Ability to work cooperatively with patrons of all ages, volunteers, community partners, colleagues, supervisors and boards.
- Ability to plan, direct and evaluate work of library programs.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, local government officials, school officials, community and civic groups, corporations and the public.
- Ability to compose clear and correct written correspondence and reports; ability to effectively present information verbally and respond to questions from employees, government officials, community and civic groups, patrons and the general public.
- Ability to read, analyze and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures and government regulations.
Hours:
This position is at will.
This is a full time forty (40) hours per week position. This position occasionally requires long hours beyond those scheduled hours, including monthly evening commission meetings, evening work and weekend work as job duties demand.
Compensation and Benefits:
$60,000 – $65,825 annual salary commensurate with experience, benefits package to include: 13 Paid Holidays per Year • Paid Sick and Vacation Days • Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance • Defined Contribution Plan with Town Match • Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability and Life Insurance
How to Apply:
Applications can be found on the town web page at www.suffieldct.gov under town departments/Human Resources. Submit application along with resume by closing date of posting. Mail or email application and resume to: Town of Suffield, Attention: Shannon Jendrysik, Human Resources Department, 83 Mountain Rd, Suffield, CT 06078 [email protected]