DLA

Town Librarian

Fairfield Public Library – You Belong Here! The Town of Fairfield (CT) seeks its next Town Librarian to lead the Library to new levels of excellence. The successful candidate will serve a community of 62,000+ residents from two locations – a Main Library – housing the Bruce S. Kershner Gallery and an innovative children’s space – and a busy, popular neighborhood Woods Branch Library. The new Town Librarian will work with a committed staff of 27 full-time and 50 part-time, an energetic core of volunteers, an established Friends of the Library, and an annual $3.6 million budget to deliver quality library services and programs. The ideal candidate can readily transform big ideas into strategic results-driven initiatives; recruit, develop, and motivate an outstanding staff; promote inclusion and diversity; and effectively communicate the Library’s mission, goals, and objectives to the broader Fairfield community. Key opportunities include building strong external partnerships with community agencies and organizations; developing alternative service models while sustaining core library services; exploring new funding streams for program development; executing a new strategic plan; working closely with the Town of Fairfield as a contributor and collaborator; and supporting a strong, dedicated staff committed to change and innovation.

Our Community – Fairfield, Connecticut is a charming and thriving town featuring five miles of shoreline on the Long Island Sound. Fairfield has five town beaches, two universities, many parks and ball fields, two public golf courses, lakes and walking trails, a vibrant array of restaurants / stores, and three train stations with access South to New York City and North to New Haven. Family-oriented Fairfield also has top-notch, high performing public schools with rich academic programs. To learn more, explore the links below.

Responsibilities. The Town Librarian of the Fairfield Public Library reports to a six-member Library Board of Trustees, serves as a Town department head (reporting to the First Selectwoman on administrative matters), and works with the Board, staff, First Selectwoman, and major stakeholders to support and implement the strategic vision for the Library, aligning the Library’s mission, goals, and objectives with the community’s needs and priorities. Overall responsibilities include developing and maintaining effective internal and external communications; building and leading a diverse team of talented professionals to manage Library operations; planning, evaluating and oversight of the library budget; strengthening current governmental funding sources; and developing additional revenue sources.

Qualifications. Minimum qualifications are a master’s degree in library science from an ALA-accredited program and a minimum of 5-7 years of increased responsibilities with administrative library experience including a minimum of three years supervisory experience. Essential attributes and skills include vision, creativity, energy, and enthusiasm; ability to network, partner, and promote library services; budget experience; political acumen; demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion; and consensus-building skills. A track record of working effectively with a policy-making board, unions, and collaboratively with Town officials is desirable.  The successful candidate will also demonstrate excellent interpersonal and communication skills while possessing comfort and skill in fundraising and development activities. The Board will expect a candidate to have a passion for the work of libraries and a thorough knowledge of current trends, technologies, and “best practices” for library services.

Compensation. With a salary range of $125,000 – $140,000 (final placement dependent upon experience and qualifications), the Town offers an exceptional package, including excellent benefits, and annual attendance at leading library conferences.

For further information, contact Bradbury Miller Associates. Apply via email with a cover letter and your resume as Word or PDF attachments to Karen Miller. The position closes July 18, 2021.

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

Posted: 6/8/21