DLA

Library Director

Library Director – Library Center of the Ozarks (MO)

The five-member Library Center of the Ozarks Board of Trustees seeks an innovative and proven community-building leader as its next Library Director. In 2023, voters in the county’s subdistrict approved a tax levy to transition the 90-year-old privately funded Taneyhills Library to the newly-established Library Center of the Ozarks—the district’s first publicly-funded community library. The Library Center of the Ozarks currently operates a standalone 18,561 square foot location with a cohesive team of 11 full-time equivalents, serving the residents of the Branson and Hollister school subdistricts. This is a unique opportunity to continue growing a newer public library system from the ground up—building the team and cultivating community relationships. The new Library Director will be a connector, consensus builder, and communicator, capable of translating the value and vision of the library’s future as a vibrant community asset, with the potential for library service expansion in the region. Key initiatives include bolstering community partnerships, creating an inaugural strategic plan, and leading planning for new facilities that will adequately address the needs of a growing and diverse population.

Branson and Hollister, Missouri, sit in the heart of the Ozarks, just to the south of Springfield and offers a unique blend of opportunity, charm, and natural beauty. Branson is vibrant and lively, known for its family-friendly entertainment, dining, and access to stunning lakes and outdoor recreation, all surrounded by the rolling Ozark Hills. Just minutes away, Hollister provides a quieter, small-town atmosphere with strong schools, a close-knit community, and historic character, while still giving residents easy access to Branson’s amenities, including the world-class theme park of Silver Dollar City and the enduringly breathtaking Big Cedar Lodge. Together, the two towns create a balance—whether you enjoy the energy of a bustling tourism hub or the peace of a slower-paced neighborhood, you’ll find both within reach, making the area a welcoming place to live, work, and enjoy life.

Responsibilities: The ideal candidate will be responsible for short- and long-term planning and directing, and coordinating all activities of the library system, including finance, personnel, programs and services, collection development, facilities, equipment, government and community relations, and public relations. This position will provide fiscal management, prepare budgets, and oversee operational expenses; hire personnel; develop and recommend policies to the Board of Trustees; ensure proper communication of library happenings to staff and community; and collaboratively consult with the board, the staff, and key stakeholders in planning for the library’s future. This individual will file reports as required by the Missouri State Library for library certification and compliance; oversee the facilities’ maintenance and repair; promote the Library of the Ozarks to community organizations, business partners, county commissioners, local government officials, the Missouri State Library, and professional library associations. For a full listing of responsibilities, see the linked job description below.

Qualifications: The minimum qualifications for this role are an ALA-accredited Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science; three (3) or more years of progressively responsible work in a public library; and two (2) or more years of experience as a supervisor or manager. An understanding of Missouri public library governance structures and funding is a plus. Experience with governing boards, construction/renovation, and strategic planning are preferred.

Compensation: The hiring salary range is $90,000 – $115,000, (with placement negotiable dependent on experience and qualifications) and an excellent fringe benefits package. Interested candidates should submit their resume through the application portal by selecting the position and then the “Apply” button. For further information, contact Bradbury Miller Associates. This position closes on Sunday, November 2, 2025.

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Posted: 9/24/25