DLA

Library Director

Join one of Library Journal’s top 10% highest-rated public libraries in the nation as the next Director of the Reed Memorial Library (https://www.reedlibrary.org/). The seven-member appointed Board of Trustees seeks an innovative and trusted leader to serve as Director for the 20,500 residents of the Ravenna community from a single 35,000 square foot building in beautiful downtown Ravenna.  With a $2 million annual budget, a recently passed 5-year operating levy, and 32 staff, the Library focuses on providing excellent customer service and embodies their tagline of ‘Empowering Everyone’. Programs for the community include collaborations with the Portage County Historical Society and Main Street Ravenna, the Telling a People’s Story Exhibit, and virtual role-playing games for teens.  Key initiatives include an update/revision of the current strategic plan; execution of a building assessment/space utilization study; implementation of performance-based staff evaluations; and building strong relationships with the staff, Board, stakeholders and community partners. 

Our Community: As the seat of Portage County in northeast Ohio, Ravenna’s beautiful and historic downtown is complemented by lovely neighborhoods and a friendly community.  The City and Township of Ravenna are geographically central to nearby cities (Cleveland, Akron, Youngstown and Pittsburgh) and offer many opportunities in their own backyard.  Initiatives from community groups including Main Street Ravenna and the Ravenna Area Chamber of Commerce are breathing new life into a growing city.  Within Ravenna and surrounding communities, there are a significant number of local artisans, restaurants, and wineries to entertain and inspire.  The Portage Hike and Bike Trail links several major trail systems in Ohio and leads to many historical sites and parks.  Educational opportunities in the county include excellent and renowned institutions such as Kent State University, Youngstown State University, Northeast Ohio Medical University, and excellent public and private school systems.      

Responsibilities: The Director, as the Chief Administrative Officer, is responsible to the Board of Trustees for the administration and operation of the Library.  Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: developing, recommending and monitoring the annual operating budget in conjunction with the Fiscal Officer; hiring and developing employees; participating in professional associations appropriate to the library and the community; engaging community agencies; reporting to the Board of Trustees; recommending changes in present services and facilities; serving as a representative to the Portage Library Consortium; and  being the face of the Library.  Learn more about the position, the Library and the community at Reed Links (https://www.bradburymiller.com/rmllinks.htm).   

Qualifications: Minimum requirements include a bachelor’s degree and five years of library experience.  Essential skills include: interpreting community needs and interests; meeting and maintaining the public’s confidence; demonstrating excellent communication skills (written, spoken, and listening) and positive interpersonal skills; planning effective public service and guiding the efforts of all employees to support the Library’s mission and vision; demonstrating comprehensive knowledge of library services; supervising others, acting independently and showing good judgment; and demonstrating knowledge of current library technology. A master’s degree in Library and Information Science from an ALA-accredited program and governing board experience are preferred.  Must qualify to be bonded. 

Compensation:  The starting salary range is $65,000-$80,000 with an excellent benefits package.

For further information, contact Bradbury Miller Associates (https://www.bradburymiller.com/). Apply via email with a cover letter and resume as a Word or PDF attachments to Karen Miller, karenmiller AT bradburymiller.com, on or before the closing date of May 23, 2021.

Posted: 3/31/21