Library Director

Institution

Daniel Boone Regional Library

Job Summary

Service Excellence—Free and Equal Access—Integrity and Trust.

The Daniel Boone Regional Library (MO) Board of Trustees seeks its next successful Library Director who exemplifies these core values. The incoming leader will assume leadership of a thriving two-county (Boone and Callaway) Library system with a stellar staff, committed communities, and stable funding (regularly setting aside funds for future expenditures). Key opportunities include: leading a committed board and staff to develop and implement innovative services to meet the needs of the region; continuing conversations about new and alternative points of service throughout the service area; working with strong, supportive Friends of the Library groups and Foundation; developing collaborative community partnerships; and implementing the new 2018-2020 Strategic Plan. With a $10.5 million annual operating budget, 126FTE, three locations, and two bookmobiles, the Library annually circulates 2.3 million items and sees 750,000 visitors.

The Library serves a diverse region of 1500 square miles.  Columbia (DBRL headquarters and Boone County Seat) offers small-town friendliness with big city features and a high quality of life for people of all ages and interests. With excellent schools, state of the art healthcare, cultural and entertainment opportunities, and a low cost of living, the area is a great place to flourish. As a midwestern college town (home to the University of Missouri, Stephens College, and Columbia College), the city has a reputation for progressive politics, public art, and celebrated journalism. Daniel Boone Regional Library’s centralized location offers quick access to St. Louis and Kansas City, as well as the State Capitol in Jefferson City, and the beautiful vacation getaway, Lake of the Ozarks.  A variety of affordable housing is available—ranging from near-downtown Columbia to suburban development to rural country acreage. Fulton (Callaway County Seat), a full-service city of 13,000, is home to Westminster College and Williams Woods University and has five uniquely designated historical districts featuring distinctive architecture and areas. It is a comfortable community with many amenities thirty minutes southeast of Columbia. Ashland, the third library location, is a convenient commute to both Columbia and Jefferson City.  For more information on the Library and the area, see Daniel Boone Links.

Responsibilities. The Library Director, under guidance of the Regional Board of Trustees, develops and maintains the library service program meeting the needs of its constituents in the Daniel Boone Regional Library System.  Through ensuring delivery of quality programs and services, the Director works closely with the Board and staff recommending and developing policies; developing and implementing the Strategic Plan; actively engaging in public relations and media opportunities; understanding regional community needs; actively participating in DBRL communities; serving as liaison to the Friends of the Library groups and Foundation Board; understanding and developing the annual operating budget; seeking collaborative partnership opportunities; staying abreast of industry trends; and creating and sustaining a positive work environment.

Qualifications. Minimum requirements include a Master’s Degree in Library Science from an ALA-accredited program and six years of professional library experience with at least three years of director or other senior level administrator experience; or equivalent background and experience that will enable the candidate to perform effectively the work required.  Essential skills include (1) knowledge of library principles, practices and trends through active professional development; (2) commitment to staying well-informed on legal, financial and other relevant issues dealing with Missouri public library law and general operations; (3) ability to analyze data and information for decision making, recommendations and preparing reports; (4) excellent verbal and written communication skills serving as the Library’s spokesperson; (4) an understanding of personnel management to lead an engaged and thriving staff; (5) initiative, awareness and vision in developing library services; and (6) skill in building and maintaining effective relationships with the Library Boards, staff, elected and appointed officials and community leaders. Public library experience, including a successful track record of reporting to a governing board, is preferred. For additional details, the essential duties and qualifications, visit DBRL Director Description. Compensation. The starting salary range is $101,866 – 127,332 dependent on qualifications with a competitive benefits package.

For further information, please visit Bradbury Miller Associates. Apply via email with a meaningful cover letter and résumé as Word or PDF attachments to Jobeth BradburyThis position will close September 24, 2017.