DLA

Chief Executive Officer

Chief Executive Officer – Allegheny County Library Association (PA)

The Allegheny County Library Association (ACLA) seeks an energetic, innovative, diplomatic, and equity-focused individual to serve as its next Chief Executive Officer and guide the organization to new levels of success, growth, and service to its residents and member libraries.  Established in 1994, the ACLA is a federated library system of 46 independent public libraries made up of municipal department, municipal authority, and 501(c)(3)s. With more than 70 locations, ACLA is led by a 9-member governing Board, which is appointed by geographic regions, the Librarians Advisory Council, the Allegheny Regional Asset District (RAD), and at-large seats appointed by the Board.  ACLA’s $12.5 million budget is a combination of $4.5 million in state funds, $6.7 million from RAD, along with government and foundation grants and employs 13 FTE.  The suburban libraries income – as a collective – is comprised of 66% local, 23% RAD and 11% State funding. To its member libraries, ACLA provides consulting, compliance, Bookmobile, accounting, professional development, advocacy, capacity building and partnership development services.  With a strong foundation of cooperation and collaboration already in place, this unique organizational structure will provide a wealth of engagement and opportunity for a passionate library professional to further the work on equity, diversity and inclusion in the region.  The Association’s mission is to provide and promote the highest quality public library service possible for all residents of Allegheny County through collaboration, cooperation and coordination.  Key initiatives include execution of a completed strategic plan; developing programs and policies to address diversity, equity and inclusion goals; securing and maintaining sustainable funding for the consortium; further developing shared services; maintaining or building new relationships throughout the County, and strengthening the collaborative relationship between ACLA, CLP and eiNetwork.

Situated amongst the hills and river valleys of Allegheny County and Greater Pittsburgh (one of America’s Most Livable Cities), the region boasts some of the most diverse landscape in the United States.  Outdoor enthusiasts can bike, walk or run along the 24 miles of riverfront trails on the three rivers and can take advantage of the impressive County Park system.  If you prefer to escape the city, Ohiopyle State Park, Laurel Highlands and the Allegheny National Forest are a short drive away.  From high-energy professional sports venues to intimate local businesses; from dense urban neighborhoods to spacious rural communities; from Kennywood Park to the Duquesne Incline the area offers something for everyone.  The region has several nationally renowned cultural and educational institutions such as the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, Andy Warhol Museum, August Wilson African American Cultural Center, National Aviary, as well as the Universities of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon, and Duquesne.  Pittsburgh has a long history of philanthropy and has been named one of the five most charitable cities in America by Charity Navigator. It is also home to multiple Fortune 500 corporations like Alcoa and PPG. The technology, higher education, and medical sectors have helped diversify the local economy. New additions like the Google Campus and steadfast organizations like the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and Allegheny Health Network keep the region balanced and dynamic.

The CEO is responsible to the ACLA Board of Directors and will oversee the administration of the federated library system, working with the Office of Commonwealth Libraries while building and maintaining successful relationships with the Allegheny Regional Asset District (RAD), administration and governing bodies of member libraries, elected officials, interested citizens and community partners.  Additional responsibilities include: provide visionary, strategic and innovative leadership; identify, develop and encourage new sources of financial support; implement innovative countywide initiatives; administer distribution of funds to member libraries and ensure completion of reporting requirements; analyze and evaluate diverse service areas; recommend administrative strategies and policy to the Board; facilitate agreements between and among member libraries; and serve as a consultant to local libraries.

Minimum qualifications include a master’s degree in Library Information Science from an ALA accredited institution and 7-10 years of library experience with 5-7 years of leadership required. An MBA, MPA or nonprofit management degree or certification is a plus. Consortium or federated library experience is strongly preferred.

Compensation. The hiring salary range is $135,000 – $155,000 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 July 11, 2021.

View the announcement in its entirety along with accompanying links and information at https://bradburymiller.com/job/acla/.