DLA

Library Director

Join a vibrant community, Library and team as the next Director of the McCracken County Public Library (https://www.mclib.net/)!  The successful candidate will provide exceptional service to the lifelong, devoted residents of this bustling, innovative river arts community which was designated a UNESCO Creative City in 2013. The Library provides current, high-demand, high-interest resources and continually seeks new creative ways of service in a world that continues to change. Headquartered in Paducah, Kentucky—a historic river town at the confluence on the Ohio and Tennessee rivers—the Library Board of Trustees seeks a talented and committed Director to lead a dedicated staff in developing and maintaining excellent library services and programs as a vital part of this historic River Town. The Library serves a county population of 65,418 from a 33,000 sq. ft. facility in the downtown area and 24×7 services through its digital content. The Director will be a vital contributor to the community and serve as the “face of the Library” participating in collaborative partnerships which includes the recently launched partnership with Sprocket, Inc. to develop a business incubator space creating new job opportunities in McCracken County.

As the County seat of McCracken County, Paducah is the largest town in the Purchase Area of the State. The combination of southern charm and hospitality that originated with Paducah’s founding in 1827 is still alive and well—blending a rich history with a stable economy, healthy business climate, and outstanding schools and neighborhoods. Paducah is an excellent place to call home. It boasts a thriving arts and entertainment community—theaters and museums to parks and sporting events—it has something for everyone. The National Quilt Museum draws large crowds of devotees and visitors from around the world and the Luther F. Carson Four Rivers Center surpasses any existing entertainment venue in the area. Outdoor enthusiasts will appreciate Paducah’s excellent location—three state parks are within a 45-minute drive and all offer scenic shores, challenging golf courses, beach areas, and fully equipped marinas. Additional information about the community, the Library and the position can be found at McCracken Library Links (https://www.bradburymiller.com/McCrackenlinks.htm).

Responsibilities. The Director reports to a five-member Library Board—appointed by the County—and works closely with the community, the County, its citizens and staff to develop, implement and promote library services. Challenges and opportunities include expanding the Library System’s visibility in the community; expanding collaborative partnerships; promoting the Library’s mission and goals; evaluating and maintaining the library’s facility; fostering a team environment through coaching and leadership development skills; being a good listener/responsive to needs & concerns of staff, customers, and community; and developing alternative strategies for enhancing the library’s $3.2 million annual budget.

Qualifications.  Minimum qualifications are a master’s degree in library science from an ALA-accredited program and five years of progressively responsible library experience—including two years of experience in an administrative capacity managing professional staff and programs.  Essential attributes include a strong understanding and ability to articulate the public library’s vision, mission and values to the community; collaboration and consensus-building skills; facilities maintenance and space planning experience; excellent interpersonal and team-building skills; a history of responsiveness to staff, customer and community needs and concerns; sound fiscal management skills; and a thorough knowledge of current trends and “best practices” for library service. Successful experience working with a governing board and collaborating with elected officials is highly desirable.

Compensation. The starting salary range is $80,000 – $95,000 (with placement dependent upon experience and qualifications) and an attractive benefits package.

Contact  Bradbury Miller Associates (https://www.bradburymiller.com/) via email or phone for more information. To start the application process, send a meaningful cover letter and your resume as Word or pdf attachments to Jobeth Bradbury, jobethbradbury@bradburymiller.com. This position closes March 28, 2021.

BRADBURY MILLER ASSOCIATES
CANTON, OH 44709

post 2/5/21