DLA

Library Director

Collaboration and Community—join the Park Ridge Public Library as its next Director to enhance the Library’s role in a world that continues to change. The Park Ridge Public Library Board of Trustees seeks a successful candidate who will, through thoughtful innovation, work with and lead a stellar team of 72 staff providing vital programs and services in a newly renovated building to the Town’s 37,775 residents. Reporting to the nine-member appointed governing Board of Trustees (appointed by the Mayor with advice and consent of the City Council) and operating with an annual budget of approximately $5 million, the Director will provide vision and guidance to the Board, the staff, the Friends of the Library, and its external partners to implement the Library’s new Strategic Plan. Key opportunities include strengthening library services and programs through and after the COVID-19 pandemic, embracing the role of being the “face of the Library” to the Park Ridge community, creating a welcoming culture for internal and external stakeholders, providing barrier-free access to information through multiple avenues, implementing focused activities to achieve the goals set forth in the strategic plan, and continuing strong stewardship of the Library’s resources. The Park Ridge Public Library is the heart and hub of its community and enjoys significant community support.

Our Community.  The City of Park Ridge (IL) is a picturesque suburb located 14 miles northwest of Chicago.  Known as a “wonderful place to live and work,” Park Ridge is a prime residential community retaining its distinctive small-town charm. Park Ridge has a vibrant Uptown shopping area which includes the public library, the Metra commuter train station, and several charming parks.  With excellent schools, convenient access to O’Hare airport, expressways and public transport, Park Ridge is a family-friendly, welcoming community and encourages its residents to get involved and make a difference.  Please see Park Ridge Library and Community Links to learn more about the City and the Library.

Responsibilities. The Library Director, as the Chief Executive Officer, is responsible for administration and overall operations of the Library under the guidance and direction of the Library Board of Trustees. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the development of the budget, long-range goals, and policies for presentation to the Library Board; implementing Board-approved policies; managing all library functions for the benefit of the residents of the City of Park Ridge; and hiring, directing, and supervising staff.

Qualifications. Minimum requirements include an ALA-accredited master’s degree in Library and Information Science and five years of public library experience including three or more years of supervisory experience.    Essential skills include excellent internal and external communication skills that inspire and motivate; the ability to develop and implement a shared vision of innovative library service; skill in building and maintaining effective relationships with the Library Board, staff, Friends of the Library, and community leaders; experience in strategic visioning and planning; sound fiscal management; and successful experience implementing services and programs.  Experience serving as director or assistant director in a medium-sized library; demonstrated successful experience reporting to a Board of Trustees; and proven commitment to participation in community activities are preferred.

Compensation. The starting salary range is $100,000 – 125,000 with an excellent benefits package.

For further information, contact Bradbury Miller Associates. Apply via email with a cover letter and resume as Word or PDF attachments to Karen Miller on or before the closing date of March 14, 2021.

posted 1/28/21