Library Director, Kent Memorial Library, Suffield, CT

Posted October 4, 2023

About the Library

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 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 preserve 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 and 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 the Library Commission and First Selectman deem it appropriate.

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 using 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, 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 can be found on the town website at suffieldct.gov/departments/hr. Please submit an application and resume by email to [email protected] or by mail to the Town of Suffield, Human Resources Department, Attention: Shannon Foley, 83 Mountain Rd, Suffield, CT 06078, by the closing date of posting.