Executive Director

Executive Director, Jefferson County Library District, High Ridge, Missouri

Location: Jefferson County Library, High Ridge, MO

The Jefferson County Library District (JCLD) invites applications for the role of Executive Director. We are seeking a dynamic and visionary leader to join our Leadership Team and guide our library system, which serves the residents in the vibrant communities of the Fox, Northwest and Windsor School Districts. This position will be based at the business office, located in High Ridge, MO.

Key Responsibilities:

Under the general guidance of the Board of Trustees, and alongside the Leadership Team, the Executive Director will:

• Develop and maintain a comprehensive library service program that meets the diverse needs of the communities served by JCLD.
• Lead the library in its mission to provide community-centered services by planning and collaborating with community organizations and staff.
• Foster a People-First workplace culture, building strong relationships with all stakeholders, including staff, the Board of Trustees, patrons, and the communities within JCLD.
• Exemplify excellence in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, fostering an environment where all individuals feel valued and respected.
• Oversee and direct the Library’s operations.
• Ensure the delivery of high quality library programs and services throughout the regional system.
• Develop and maintain short and long term goals following the strategic plan framework as approved by the Board.
• Oversee all personnel to ensure a qualified workforce; maintain positive working conditions.
• Recommend needed policies for board action; implement the policies as adopted by the Board.
• Interpret and explain library policies and procedures to the public and staff.
• Present and implement plans for library services.
• Prepare and present to the Board regular written reports on the library’s current progress and future needs.
• Maintain an active program of public relations.
• Work with the JCLD Foundation and the Friends of the Library groups.
• Direct and participate in the development and administration of the annual operating and other assigned budgets; monitor and authorize expenditures according to policy.
• Evaluate, determine, and request additional funds necessary for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies.
• Establish appropriate service levels and allocate resources including staffing accordingly.
• Monitor and evaluate service delivery methods and procedures; identify and implement changes necessary to improve operational efficiency.
• Serve as a representative of the Library with outside agencies, community organizations and other stakeholders and the media.
• Respond to inquiries involving library-related matters; negotiate and resolve complex, sensitive, and/or controversial issues and complaints.
• Serve as technical advisor to the Board; attend all board meetings and oversee the preparation of materials for all meetings.
• Maintain membership in state and national professional organizations and attend appropriate meetings and workshops.
• Stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of public library management.
• Monthly (minimum) travel to each branch.

About JCLD:

Established in 1989, JCLD now provides public library services to two library sub-districts in Missouri:

• Fox-Windsor Subdistrict
• Northwest Subdistrict

JCLD serves approximately 51,381 cardholders within our service area. JCLD currently employs 71 staff members throughout the region and operates with an annual budget of approximately $7.6 million.

About our area:

Jefferson County, Missouri offers its residents a wealth of activities and opportunities, from bike trails and parks to local wineries and golf courses. Situated along the Mississippi River and just down the road from Saint Louis, the area provides a small-town feel with the added benefit of a nearby city. Organizations like Jefferson County Growth Association and area chambers ensure that growth remains at the forefront of the community.

Join Us:

We are looking for an exceptional leader to continue our mission of making a positive impact through innovative library services and programs. If you are passionate about library services and community engagement and have the vision and skills to lead our organization, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

This position is responsible for the supervision and leadership of employees, which includes making employment-related decisions and/or recommendations, and formally evaluating performance of direct reports. Directly supervises Technical Services Manager, Finance Manager, Marketing Manager, Library Services and Outreach Coordinator, Technology Manager and Branch Managers.

Application Process:

Please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications and vision for the Jefferson County Library through the BambooHR Portal.

Help us shape the future of library services in our community. Jefferson County Library is an equal-opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

The following competencies apply to this position based on designated responsibilities:

• Organizational Leadership - leaders help everyone understand the vision of the library and the connection to community needs. Leadership empowers staff and encourages collaboration and learning.
• “People-First” workplace culture and promote transparency and collaboration throughout the organization.
• Personnel Management - Staff are the most important resource for achieving the library’s mission and goals. From hiring to training and providing feedback, support for learning and innovation needs to be clearly communicated.
• Project Management - Effective project management involves managing people, resources and time. Leaders recognize that open communication is essential throughout the project life cycle.
• Strategic Planning - Collaborative and deliberate planning helps ensure that library services are responsive to community needs.
• Interpersonal Skills - Leadership effectiveness is enhanced by empathy, clear communication, the ability to build relationships, ethical behavior and the flexibility to be a leader, team player and lifelong learner.
• Accountability - Successful leadership is measured by taking ownership for work, including following up on commitments and possessing a strong ability to stay focused on both individual and library results.

Physical, Environmental, and Special Working Conditions:

• Position requires extensive movement throughout the building and travel to outlying facilities. A significant percentage of time is spent in meetings with staff, members of the public, community leaders and other stakeholders.
• All library employees may be called upon to assist other departments in a declared emergency situation.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Travel (Monthly travel to branches and outside organizations as needed)

Minimum Job Requirements:

MLS from an accredited institution; six years professional library experience with at least three years of director or other senior level administrator experience.

Experience with multi branch library systems preferred; not required.

Minimum Starting Salary:

• $85,000 to 90,000 commensurate with experience

Benefits:

• Monthly Paid Health Insurance premiums, including dental and vision
• Participation in the LAGERS retirement program with the state
• Full-time professional employees (grades 13 and up) accrue vacation leave at the rate of twenty (20) days per year.
• Sick leave accrues at the rate of one day per month
• Yearly cost of living raise (determined by the board of trustees)