Library Director, Public Library of Brookline, (Brookline, MA)
Posted October 7, 2025
Description
The Library Director provides strategic, visionary, and inspirational leadership for the Public Library of Brookline. In partnership with the Board of Library Trustees, the Library staff, elected and appointed town officials, and community stakeholders, the Library Director facilitates the development of strategic plans for the Library. The Director provides highly effective guidance, direction, and support to staff as they work together to achieve the Library’s mission. They are responsible for all aspects of the Library’s public service operations, as well as its various support functions, including human resources, finance, information technology, security, and facilities maintenance. The Library Director functions with a maximum degree of latitude for independent action within the scope of the policy framework set by the Library Trustees, Town of Brookline, and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Responsibilities
The Library Director will play a vital leadership role in the
next 2 -3 years as they:
- Provide and initiate relevant services for current and potential Library users while striving for the right mix of standardization and customization in response to unique community needs.
- Champion a culture of intellectual freedom, reading, lifelong learning, and 21st-century literacies.
- Initiate the process to develop and implement a new strategic plan, including metrics to measure the quantity and quality of Library services.
- Develop a new or improved organizational structure and service model that effectively aligns staffing with the Library’s service priorities and public demand.
- Create and implement a robust staff development plan to ensure all staff have access to coaching and mentoring for the skills needed not only to complete their assigned tasks, but also to enable them to be eligible for promotion or to assume leadership positions.
- Develop and implement an annual employee appraisal and goal-setting process.
- Conduct an assessment of each Library facility and identify the estimated cost to implement recommended replacements and enhancements.
- Partner with the Brookline Library Foundation and the Friends of the Brookline Public Library to advocate for and secure additional funding to support the Library’s mission.
Qualifications
Master’s Degree in Library Science, or equivalent, from an ALA-accredited school. Ten years of progressively responsible experience in professional library work, including five years of administrative and supervisory responsibility. Certification from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners or the ability to obtain certification.
The Director is not required to live within the Town of Brookline.
Compensation
The salary range for base pay is $153,000 to $180,000 depending on qualifications.
The Town offers an excellent benefits package,
including:
- Vacation: 20 days annually
- Sick leave: 15 days annually
- Personal leave days: 3 days annually
- Holidays: 13 days annually
- Health insurance: Town contributes 83% towards cost of insurance for employee, spouse, and their immediate family members under the age of 26.
- Parental leave: Up to 4 weeks paid leave.
- Participation in the state-sponsored defined benefit pension plan: Employee contributes 11% of gross salary. The Town does not contribute.
- $5,000 life insurance policy
- Deferred compensation plan – Optional participation
- Option to purchase additional life insurance, dental insurance, etc.
- Please note that Massachusetts municipal and other jurisdictions do not participate in the Social Security system.
How to Apply
The Board of Library Trustees has engaged the executive search firm June Garcia, LLC, to assist with this recruitment.
Initial review and evaluation of candidates will be conducted by the Screening Committee, June Garcia, and Sari Feldman upon receipt of completed materials. Screening interviews will be conducted by the Screening Committee using Zoom or similar technology. It is anticipated that each interview will last 45-50 minutes.
The final interview process will be conducted onsite in Brookline, Massachusetts. It is anticipated that it will consist of a variety of activities held over two days, which will include activities such as a tour of Library facilities, meet and greet sessions with staff and community stakeholders, and a formal interview by the Board of Library Trustees.
It is the intent of the Board of Library Trustees to keep the names of the applicants confidential. However, the names of the finalists will be released a few days prior to the final interviews.
An offer of employment will be contingent upon clear results of a thorough background check. Authorization of the preferred finalist will be obtained prior to initiating the process. The following timeline, subject to change, has been established:
- Applications due: November 2, 2025
- Screening interviews: Week of November 17–
22, 2025 - Onsite interviews: December 8-9, 2025
The Town of Brookline recognizes and values diversity as a vital mcharacteristic of the Town. All qualified individuals will receive consideration for employment and advancement without regard to race, color, ethnicity, gender (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, age, religion, creed, ancestry, national origin, military or veteran status, genetic information, marital status, receipt of public benefits (including housing subsidies), family status (e.g. because one has or doesn’t have children), or other protected classes as defined by the Town, State, and Federal law. The Town of Brookline supports and complies with the Massachusetts Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) reform law.
To apply, please forward electronic copies of the following information to [email protected]:
- Compelling letter of interest
- Resume outlining how your experience meets the qualifications for the
position - Three work-related references who will not be contacted until mutual
interest is established
How to apply
APPLICATIONS ARE DUE BY MIDNIGHT SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2025
Inquiries are welcome and should be directed to either of the Library consultants assisting with the process:
June Garcia ……………[email protected] ……………. (303) 522-2225
Sari Feldman ……………[email protected] ……….(216) 632-3214