Library Director, Kent Memorial Library, Suffield, CT

Posted May 27, 2022

Description:

The Kent Memorial Library Commission and the Town of Suffield are seeking a dynamic
and motivated Library Director for our newly renovated town Library. The library has a
broad and enthusiastic base of community support and a talented and professional staff
that continually offers new and varied programming for our library patrons. Community
involvement includes extensive support of seasonal reading programs for children and
adults; museum passes, special programs, and many other community-organized and
funded activities. The many people who serve both the Town of Suffield and the Library,
employees, and volunteers alike, are committed to developing and fostering a strong
sense of community among its residents.
Although we are located midway between the Boston and New York City metropolitan
areas, the Town of Suffield remains a quintessential New England town with a
longstanding pledge to preserving its historic architecture and agricultural roots.
Literally, dozens of working farms, spread out over our 42 square miles, provide locally
produced farm products year-round. Our town is bordered by the Connecticut River to
the east, Massachusetts to the north, and Bradley International Airport to the south, with
Interstate access, regional Amtrak, and light rail routes nearby.
General Summary:
The Library Director performs a variety of complex administrative, supervisory, and
professional functions in the general oversight of the Kent Memorial Library employees,
resources, budget, and facilities. They are responsible for the management of the public
library collection and the provision of library services to patrons and community
organizations. They are expected to provide the residents of Suffield a positive,
customer-oriented atmosphere that helps promote a welcoming, professional image for
the library and our Town government.
Qualifications:
Education & Experience:

1. Master’s degree in Library Science from an ALA-accredited college or university.
2. Five (5) years of increasing responsibilities in library administration, including a
   minimum of three (3) years of supervisory experience.
3. Extensive experience may be substituted for education attainment if deemed
   appropriate by the Library Commission and First Selectman.

Knowledge, Skills, and Expectations:

1. Knowledge of principles and practices of public library functions.
2. Knowledge of current trends and developments in the field of leadership
   management, public administration, grants, and foundations.
3. Skill in financial management and administering budgets.
4. Skill in the use of computers, including Microsoft suites, library-related software, and
   technology infrastructure necessary to operate a modern library.
5. Expected to work independently, be flexible, and adapt to a fast-paced work
   environment.
6. Expected to work cooperatively with patrons of all ages, volunteers, community
   partners, colleagues, supervisors, and boards.
7. Expected to plan, direct, and evaluate the work of library programs.
8. Expected to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees,
   local government officials, school officials, community and civic groups,
   corporations, and the public.
9. Expected 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.
10. Expected to 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 will occasionally
    require longer hours beyond those scheduled hours, including monthly evening
    commission meetings, evening work, and weekend work as job duties demand.
    Compensation and Benefits:
    $70,000 – $85,000 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:

The complete Job Description and application form can be found on the town web page
at www.suffieldct.gov under town departments/Human Resources. Submit an
application along with a resume by mail or email application to the Town of Suffield,
Attention: Shannon Jendrysik, Human Resources Department, 83 Mountain Rd,
Suffield, CT 06078 [email protected]