[Michlib-l] Executive Director position-The Westport Library (CT)

[Jobeth Bradbury]

Executive Director – The Westport Library (CT)

 

Transform. Transcend. Deliver. Be the next leader of the preeminent public
library in Connecticut. The Board of Trustees of  The Westport Library
<http://www.westportlibrary.org/>  seeks an experienced, engaged and
energetic Executive Director who will build on the Library’s innovative and
award-winning programs and patron-centric service to achieve even greater
levels of excellence. The Westport Library is a vibrant and welcoming
community hub that reflects Westport’s spirit, creativity and
entrepreneurship.  Each day, an average of 1,300 patrons of all ages visit
the Library to read and research (borrowing nearly 674,000 items last year),
attend one of the Library’s 1,600 programs, consult with the Library’s
expert reference librarians, use one of the Library’s ten 3-D printers, shop
the Library store, meet friends at the Library Café or simply enjoy the
camaraderie of being in a dynamic shared space.  In 2013 the Library Journal
designated the Westport Library as a “Five-Star Library”, a distinction
earned by less than 1% of the nation’s libraries.  The Library was also
among the first in the nation to establish a Maker Space, a place for
creation, collaboration, innovation and entrepreneurship, and in 2013 the
Library was awarded a major IMLS grant to support and enhance its Maker
Space programs. The Westport Library has been devoted to enriching the
intellectual lives of Westport since 1886. The Westport Library Association
is organized in Connecticut as an independent 501(c)(3) organization.  It is
supported by a $4.3 million annual Town appropriation and supplemented by an
active development effort, as well as grants, fees and earned income,
resulting in a $5.6 million annual operating budget. The Library is
currently in the “quiet phase” of a Capital Campaign aimed at transforming
its physical space to better support the needs of 21st century library
users.  

 

 <http://www.westportct.gov/> Westport is a beautiful coastal Connecticut
town located just one hour northeast of New York City. Once an artists’
colony, the town has held strong to its cultural roots while developing into
a thriving and engaged community. With a population of approximately 26,500
people, Westport’s small-town atmosphere provides residents with a haven
away from the bustle of larger cities, a vibrant downtown area that offers
everything from one-of-a-kind boutiques to luxury retail locations and a
diverse array of restaurants. Home of a vigorous arts community, Westport
offers exhibitions, cultural events and outstanding performances at notable
venues such as the Westport Country Playhouse and The Levitt Pavilion.
Westport also boasts a first-rate public school system, excellent private
schools, a municipal golf course and an environmental awareness with
ventures including the Wakeman Town Farm, the Earthplace Nature and
Discovery Center and its own recycling efforts. A wide range of leisure
activities and effective and efficient services provided by Town government
contribute to a quality of life difficult to find elsewhere.  For more about
the Library, the Town and the surrounding communities, see
<http://www.gossagesager.com/westportlinks.htm> Westport Links.

 

Responsibilities.  Reporting to the Westport Library Board of Trustees
(currently a 20-member body, half of whom are Town Meeting appointees and
half of whom are appointed by the Board itself), the Executive Director
serves as the leader of the Library and is its primary public
representative.  The Executive Director works in partnership with the Board
to ensure that the Library fulfills its mission and creates the strategies
that will secure its future success, including completing the current
Capital Campaign and  refining and implementing the final phase of the
strategy for the Library’s Transformation Project. Working under the Board,
the Executive Director has a high degree of independence and is responsible
for the overall implementation of the Library’s strategic plan and
administration of day-to-day operations. The successful candidate will build
positive, productive relationships with external stakeholders in the Town
government and in the broader community; ensure that the right staff are in
the right positions and are meeting and exceeding performance expectations;
ensure continued excellence in programs and services; and ensure that the
Library continues at the forefront of innovation.  

 

Qualifications. The ideal candidate will have an advanced degree in a
relevant field (a Master’s Degree in Library Science is desirable, but not
required) and significant relevant work experience, including experience in
an executive capacity with a comparable  government, business, museum,
higher education or nonprofit enterprise.  Essential attributes and skills
include: proven success with development programs and experience with a
capital campaign; excellent writing, communication and presentation skills;
ability to connect with people and build consensus; intellectual agility and
political savvy; an understanding of and dedication to customer service,
intellectual freedom and equal access for all; and energy and enthusiasm
with a commitment to the needs of a demanding position. Prior experience
with a major capital building project is a desirable qualification. 

 

Compensation. The position offers a hiring salary range of $130,000-160,000
(with placement dependent upon experience and qualifications) and an
attractive benefits package. 

 

For information, contact  <http://www.gossagesager.com/> Bradbury
Associates/Gossage Sager Associates via email or phone. Apply via email with
a meaningful cover letter and your resume as Word or pdf attachments to
<mailto:danbradbury at gossagesager.com> Dan Bradbury or
<mailto:jobethbradbury at gossagesager.com> Jobeth Bradbury. This position
closes April 12, 2015.

 

 

 

Jobeth Bradbury

Bradbury Associates/Gossage Sager Associates <http://www.gossagesager.com/> 

4545 Wornall Rd, Ste. 805

Kansas City, MO 64111

816-803-7087 (cell); 816-531-2468 (office)

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