DLA

Director

Director – Elyria Public Library System (OH)

Be a part of the 150-year Elyria Public Library System (OH) success story as its next Director. The Elyria Board of Trustees seeks a Director who will lead the Library into the future through new opportunities, programs, and services. Working collaboratively with its communities, the Library engages the 63,000+ residents of Elyria, Village of LaGrange, and the Keystone School District through five locations and a single bookmobile. The annual operating budget, primarily funded through a 2014 levy and the OH Public Library Fund, is $5.3mil. The successful candidate will lead and support a dedicated team of 57 staff members, ten Trustees, the Elyria Public Library Foundation, and two committed Friends organizations, the EPLS Friends and the Keystone Friends.  Key initiatives developing and implementing a new strategic plan; working with community partners contributing to an excellent quality of life for residents; developing and implementing a branding/marketing program; and expanding and adapting library services with a primary focus on stellar customer service.

Our Communities: Elyria, the County Seat, is nestled between two forks of the Black River, six miles from Lake Erie and twenty miles from Cleveland. Home to twenty-two diverse, vibrant neighborhoods, Elyria has excellent schools, an affordable cost of living, recreational opportunities (365 acres of parks), and a charming Ely Square, where annual festivals and events unite the people of the City and Lorain County. Lorain County Community College, nearby Oberlin College and Lorain County JVS (Joint Vocational School) provide culture, business development and job training opportunities to keep the workforce current, while constantly innovating to meet the opportunities of tomorrow. LaGrange, home of one of EPLS’s branch libraries, is a small, rural village (population-2,375 residents) in southern Lorain County. Living in LaGrange offers residents a suburban/rural lifestyle. The County’s commitment to a high quality of living makes Lorain County and its communities a great place to live and work.

Responsibilities: Under the direction of and reporting to the governing Board of Trustees, the Library Director is responsible for strategic planning and all Library operations including developing, recommending, and monitoring the annual operating budget in conjunction with the Fiscal Officer; leading staff with a focus on collaboration and teamwork; and managing multiple facilities. The Director works closely with Library staff to live up to the core values and meet the strategic imperatives of the Library. This position is a public-facing role and the Director is expected to be an effective advocate, a contributing partner with all stakeholders, and bring innovative and creative solutions and ideas forward to advance the goals and objectives of the Library. Excellent communication skills are a must.

Qualifications: A Master’s Degree in Library Science is required with five years of library experience including three years of leadership/administrative experience, and a proven track record of achievement in initiating, leading and completing projects that have advanced the goals of the organization. The successful candidate will also demonstrate excellent interpersonal and communication skills, be successful in promoting library services to the community, and possess ease and skill working, coaching, and mentoring staff. The Board will expect a candidate to have a demonstrated passion for the work of libraries and a thorough knowledge of current trends, technologies, and “best practices” for library services. Experience reporting to a governing board and working in a union environment are desirable.

Compensation: The starting salary range is $90,000 – $105,000 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 karenmiller AT bradburymiller.com on or before the closing date of August 29, 2021.

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

Posted: 7/8/21