Duck Creek Regional Library (DCRL)
Library Director
Qualifications and Responsibilities
Job Title: Library Director – Town of Smyrna/Duck Creek Regional Library
Reports to: Town Manager then later to the DCRL Board of Directors
Type of Employment: Full-time
Supervisory Responsibilities: Town staff/DCRL staff and volunteers
Position Summary
This position will be part of the Town of Smyrna staff before transitioning to the Duck Creek Regional Library (DCRL) staff, once the DCRL opens. The DCRL Library Director is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the library staff, community engagement, and strategic planning in keeping with the vision, mission, and goals that align with the DCRL’s core values. The DCRL Library director will work closely with the DCRL Board of Directors to develop and implement a shared strategic plan that serves the growing needs of our community. As such, the DCRL Library Director will:
• Provide visionary leadership and foresight into emerging trends, innovative service models, and technological advancements that will make the DCRL the preferred destination for learning resources, valuable services, and inclusive meeting spaces;
• Formulate strategies and initiatives in alignment with the DCRL mission, thus providing access to a diverse range of learning resources and services that inspires lifelong learning, honors our history, equips for an ever-changing future, and strengthens and celebrates our diverse community;
• Lead the development of strategic goals in alignment with the DCRL’s vision and mission to ensure its ongoing relevance and impact within the community;
• Model and uphold the DCRL core values to all stakeholders to foster a culture of respect, trust, and inclusivity;
• Align and communicate operational systems, processes, and structure with a focus on efficiency, innovation, and fiscal responsibility;
• Collaborate with members of the Delaware library community such as the Delaware Library Consortium, the Delaware Library Association, the Delaware Association for School Libraries, and other Kent County Libraries to implement cutting-edge library technologies, establish partnerships, enhance services, and seek opportunities to secure funding from both public and private sources;
• Build strong relationships through community engagement and outreach programs to ensure the DCRL is a vital and integrated part of our community; and
• Inspire and empower people to be their best, fostering a culture of excellence and innovation that positively impacts the DCRL and the community it serves.
Key Result Areas
The DCRL Library Director will play a pivotal role in steering the DCRL towards innovation and growth, exerting influence across every facet of our operations. Leadership will be instrumental in realizing our strategic goals and fostering a thriving, inclusive, and supportive environment. Key result areas for the DCRL Library Director position include:
• Strategic Leadership – Develop, implement, and adapt a strategic vision that encompasses library policies, programs, systems, structure, and strategies to ensure alignment with the vision, mission, and goals of the DCRL, as well as the DCRL’s continued growth and success.
• DCRL Board of Director Relations – Collaborate closely with the DCRL Board of Directors to develop and implement a shared strategic plan that serves the growing needs of our community through effective leadership and sustained financial performance. Actively attend all Board of Director meetings, providing comprehensive reports on strategic goals, strategies, and the current status of income and expenditures to budget.
• Personnel Relations – Recruit, hire, train, supervise, inspire, and empower library staff to build a dynamic team capable of addressing the diverse needs of our community. Create an environment where each staff member is inspired to reach their full potential.
• Customer Relations – Represent and promote library services to the community. Assist both staff and customers in navigating the library’s offerings, including facilitating access to desired materials and the use of various technologies including the internet, computers, e-government services, e-readers, library equipment, and facilities.
• Community Relations – Develop and implement a comprehensive community engagement strategy that aligns with the DCRL’s mission and goals and includes outreach and advocacy. Identify and prioritize key stakeholders such as civic organizations, public and private institutions, and the Delaware library community to establish, grow, and maintain meaningful partnerships that cultivate a robust system of support, promote professional development, and leverage partnerships to meet the evolving needs of the community. Develop and nurture relationships with local schools, forging collaborative initiatives that connect in- and out-of-school learning and enhance educational opportunities for students and the broader community.
• Financial Administration – Formulate and present the library’s budget for approval from the DCRL Board of Directors. Manage and allocate resources in an efficient manner and actively seek to secure additional funding opportunities through grants and partnerships. Adhere to the laws, regulations, and policies of all governing bodies (town, county, and state levels).
• Collection Development – Direct the development, acquisition, and maintenance of library collection materials and technology to curate a diverse and relevant collection that meets the dynamic needs of the community. Ensure compliance with county and state acquisition requirements.
• Facilities Management – Ensure the DCRL’s premises are safe, clean, and well-maintained. Oversee routine preventive maintenance to guarantee a conducive environment for both staff and patrons. Actively assess and adjust the hours of operation to align with the evolving needs of the community, ensuring that the library remains a welcoming and accessible space for all.
Qualifications
Educational Background:
• Master’s Degree in Library Science (MLS), Library Information Science (MLIS), or a related field from an accredited university.
Leadership Experience:
• Proven experience in a leadership role within a library or comparable institution.
• Demonstrated success in guiding and overseeing library operations, programs, and services.
Strategic Planning and Execution:
• Proven success in strategic planning and execution.
• Ability to set clear goals, develop actionable plans, and lead teams in achieving strategic objectives.
Financial Management:
• Proficiency in financial management and budgeting for libraries or similar organizations.
• Experience in resource allocation, financial planning, and adherence to budgetary constraints.
Communication and Interpersonal Skills:
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage with people of all ages and backgrounds.
• Strong public speaking and presentation abilities to represent the DCRL within the community.
Organizational Skills:
• Strong organizational skills to oversee operations and ensure efficiency.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines efficiently.
Technology and Digital Resource Proficiency:
• Proficient in utilizing technology and digital resources relevant to library services.
Community Relationship Building
• Commitment to building community relationships and fostering partnerships.
• Ability to engage with diverse stakeholders, including community members, local organizations, and educational institutions.
Alignment with Vision, Mission, and Core Values
• Strong commitment to upholding the vision, mission, and core values of the DCRL.
• Demonstrated understanding of how these principles guide decision-making and library operations.
ADA Requirements
• Work requires sitting, standing, and working in an administrative office setting for extended periods of time.
• Work requires the ability to answer the phone, verbally communicate, draft written correspondences, (physical and digital), to perform daily tasks.
Additional Requirements
• Must pass background check, drug test.
• Possession and retention of a valid motor vehicle operator’s license required.
APPLY HERE
DCRL Website: https://duckcreeklibrary.weebly.com/
Posted: 6/27/24