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Director, Merrimac Public Library, (Merrimac, MA)

Posted July 27, 2026

Description

The purpose of this position is to perform complex supervisory, administrative, and professional work in planning, organizing, directing, and evaluating all library services, operations, programs, and activities. This is a full time position scheduled for 35 hours per week. The Library Director performs all other related work as required and is responsible for maintaining and improving the efficiency and effectiveness of all areas under the Director’s direction and control.

Responsibilities

Supervision

  • Supervision Scope: Performs highly responsible work of a complex nature that involves the exercise of judgment and initiative.
  • Supervision Received: Work is performed under the general supervision of the Library Board of Trustees.
  • Supervision Given: Manages and provides supervision for all full time and part time employees and volunteers.

Essential Duties

(The duties listed below illustrate the types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position: Related duties may also be assigned.) The Director may delegate appropriate duties to staff but remains responsible for ensuring their completion.

  • Assists the Board of Trustees in formulating and implementing library policies; attends Board of Trustees meetings; prepares the monthly Director’s Report and other financial and statistical statements; and prepares meeting agendas in consultation with the Board Chair.
  • Plans and prepares the annual operating budget in consultation with the Library Trustees. Participates fully in the budget process, including meetings with the Town Finance Committee and Select Board as necessary. Attends Annual and Special Town Meetings for budget voting and responds to questions from the public.
  • Selects and purchases collection materials and may delegate the selection of materials to appropriate staff. The Director remains responsible for ensuring that selection and purchasing tasks are completed and that the collection reflects appropriate diversity and quality.
  • Hires, manages, and supervises all full time and part time employees and volunteers. Establishes professional standards for staff, conducts annual staff performance appraisals, maintains employee personnel records, oversees staff performance, and supports staff members in developing to their fullest professional potential.
  • Represents the library in interlibrary and interagency affairs; maintains productive relationships with town and school departments, community organizations, and other partners; and attends monthly town department head meetings.
  • Coordinates the development of long range plans involving staff, the Board of Trustees, town officials, and members of the community. Develops action plans based on the Long Range Plan and monitors progress.
  • Oversees the expenditure of library funds and monitors expenses and salaries paid. Maintains accurate financial records in coordination with the Finance Department.
  • Prepares grant proposals, administers grant awards, and prepares required annual state reports.
  • Reviews for accuracy and submits biweekly vendor warrants and payroll warrants.
  • Ensures that library policies concerning collection management and interactions with the public are followed.
  • Plans, coordinates, and oversees library programs and special events in accordance with community needs and available resources.
  • Oversees the library facility’s regular maintenance, including spring and fall HVAC service, sprinkler and fire extinguisher inspections, window washing, carpet cleaning, grounds maintenance, and other required inspections and maintenance.
  • Troubleshoots building issues and computer network problems as needed and contracts with appropriate vendors to resolve problems when warranted.
  • Models strong leadership and dedication to public service and encourages staff to treat all patrons in a helpful, friendly, and respectful manner.
  • Participates in professional workshops, associations, and committees and stays current on developments in library management, services, equipment, and technology.
  • Oversees meeting room bookings and ensures compliance with all applicable policies concerning liability insurance, scheduling, and use of the facility.
  • Prepares Revolving and Gift Account deposits for submission to the Finance Department, including payments for lost or damaged items and donations for meeting room use and other gifts.
  • Provides coverage at the circulation desk when necessary. Performs similar or related work as required or directed, or as the situation dictates.

Qualifications

Education and Experience

A Master’s Degree in Library Science, or a Bachelor’s Degree with eligibility for professional certification issued by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, is required. A minimum of three years of library services experience, including at least two years in a supervisory position, or an equivalent combination of education and experience, is required.

Special Requirements

An appointee qualifying through the Bachelor’s Degree pathway must obtain professional certification from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners within six months of appointment. Basic Library Techniques (BLT) Certification from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners must be completed within five years of appointment.

Knowledge, Ability and Skill :

  • Knowledge: Thorough knowledge of professional library functions, public library administration, management and supervisory techniques, budgeting, collection development, and current library services and technology.
  • Ability: Ability to supervise staff in an effective and supportive manner; establish and maintain productive working relationships with organizations, departments, officials, employees, and members of the public; communicate effectively; exercise sound judgment; and operate standard office equipment and library technology.
  • Skill: Excellent oral and written communication skills. Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, email, internet applications, and the Merrimack Valley Library Consortium (MVLC) integrated library system (ILS), or a comparable integrated library system.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Work is performed indoors and may involve some stress. The position requires lifting or moving objects weighing up to 25 pounds, shelving books on lower and upper shelves with the aid of a stool when necessary, and standing at the circulation desk for up to four hours while serving the public. The employee must also be able to walk, stand, sit, talk, hear, use standard office and library equipment, view computer screens, and work with details for extended periods of time.

Hours and Compensation

Job Environment

Work is performed indoors under some stress, with a generally low noise level. Operates computers, telephones, copiers, scanners, printers, calculators, audiovisual equipment, library automation systems, and other standard office and library technology. The employee has frequent contact with other library directors, the Merrimack Valley Library Consortium, the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, supply vendors, town and school departments, community organizations, contracted companies, the Friends of the Merrimac Public Library, library patrons, and the Library Board of Trustees. Contacts are primarily in person, by telephone, and by email. Some evening or weekend hours are required. The employee must maintain a flexible work schedule when necessary to ensure smooth and orderly staffing during employee absences due to illness, vacation, or other circumstances. Errors could result in monetary loss, reduced levels of service, confusion or delay in the provision of services, and legal or financial repercussions for the Town.

Schedule

This is a full time position scheduled for 35 hours per week.

How to Apply

Interested candidates can send a cover letter and resume to [email protected].  The posting will remain open until filled.

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