DLA

Executive Director – Illinois Library Association (IL)

Job Title: Executive Director – Illinois Library Association
Salary Range: $150,000 – 160,000
Location: 560 W Washington Blvd., Suite 330 Chicago, IL 60661

The Illinois Library Association (IL) Executive Board is seeking a collaborative, future-focused leader to be the next Executive Director. The Illinois Library Association (ILA) is a professional membership 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization representing Illinois libraries and the millions who depend on them. Founded in 1896, the ILA is the third-largest state library association in the nation and a chapter of the American Library Association, serving more than 2,000 personal and over 500 institutional members—including public, academic, school, and special libraries, librarians, library staff, trustees, students, and library vendors. ILA’s work is carried out in close partnership with an elected Executive Board, 15 committees, and nine member forums—ensuring that the full membership has a voice in shaping the association’s direction. Operating with a budget exceeding $3 million and supported by an engaged staff of eight individuals, ILA produces a robust lineup of professional development events each year, including the ILA Annual Conference, Reaching Forward North and South, the Illinois Youth Services Institute (every two years), Directors University, the Library Trustee Forum Spring Webinars, the Marketing Forum Mini-Conference, Noon Network webinars, and ILA Legislative Meetups. Every event is managed end-to-end by ILA staff—from committee coordination, theme development, site selection, and keynote speaker negotiations to registration, attendee communications, sponsorships, exhibitor sales and management, and on-site logistics and support. ILA delivers a remarkable breadth of programs, services, and advocacy on behalf of Illinois libraries.

ILA’s work extends well beyond its event calendar, encompassing a wide range of initiatives that serve members and the broader library community throughout the year:

• A comprehensive Awards, Grants, and Scholarship program celebrating excellence across the profession and encouraging the continued pursuit of education in the field
• iREAD, a comprehensive summer reading program developed annually by librarians, for librarians, and used by libraries across the country and abroad
• The Fund for Illinois Libraries, supporting member libraries in their fundraising efforts
• ILA Publications, the quarterly ILA Reporter (print and digital), and the weekly ILA Alert e-newsletter, keeping members informed year-round
• Illinois Libraries Present, a statewide initiative delivering high-quality, equitably priced online programming to member libraries and their patrons

The Illinois Library Association (ILA) office is headquartered in Chicago’s West Loop, conveniently close to the Loop and downtown, with easy access to major highways, Ogilvie Transportation Center, Union Station, and the CTA Green and Pink lines. ILA successfully works in a hybrid, digital environment and implements online tools and platforms to facilitate collaboration and efficiency.

Key Responsibilities: The Executive Director will foster and sustain effective relationships with Illinois library partners, including the Illinois State Library, Library Systems (IHLS & RAILS), CARLI, AISLE, and other pertinent organizations; advocating for legislative, executive, and judicial actions that enhance library services for all residents. The Executive Director leads internal organizational effectiveness by retaining and evaluating qualified staff and cultivating a supportive organizational climate. This role requires the ability to manage the association’s financial assets to ensure stability and revenue growth; to provide financial trend data to accurately evaluate ILA’s current and future status, and collaborating with the Executive Board, Finance and Fundraising Committees, and other ILA units to identify and develop additional revenue sources.

The next Executive Director will have strong leadership skills with the ability to engage and inspire members and staff and ensure the organization’s goals, objectives, strategic plans, and standards are advanced. The Executive Director will be an effective team-builder, and motivator who creates a climate of collegiality, trust, and dedication. The ideal candidate will provide strategic leadership by collaborating with the Executive Board, ILA committees and forums, and membership to develop and implement policies that substantively advance the association’s mission, goals, and objectives. They will have experience providing strategic financial oversight and managing budgets in alignment with organizational goals. Executive decision-making skills, experience with developing and enacting strategic plans, and outstanding communication and relationship-building skills are essential to successfully taking on this role. Strong subject matter expertise in the Illinois library environment, laws, and legislation, or the aptitude to develop deep industry knowledge and awareness in this field quickly is desired. For a full list of responsibilities, see the links in the job posting on the Bradbury Miller Associate website (https://bradburymiller.com/open-positions/).

Qualifications: The minimum qualifications for this role include:

• A Master’s degree in Library and Information Science; a Graduate degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Public Policy, or Communications; a Certified Association Executive (C.A.E.) designation; or a combination of experience and education that is equivalent to the aforementioned responsibilities.
• Seven or more years of applicable career experience, with at least five years of supervisory experience, OR significant experience as an effective senior-level supervisor, manager.

Compensation: The hiring salary range is $150,000 – 160,000 (with placement negotiable dependent on experience and qualifications) and an excellent 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, July 26, 2026.

Visit our website to access the latest version of this announcement in full, along with all related links.

To read the full description, please download the full PDF here.

Posted: 6/23/26

Executive Director – Baltimore County Public Library (MD)

Job Title: Executive Director – Baltimore County Public Library
Salary Range: $225,000 – $245,000,

The Baltimore County Public Library Board of Library Trustees seeks a strategic, collaborative, and community-centered leader to serve as the next Executive Director. Serving more than 830,000 residents through 19 branches, four bookmobiles, and a virtual branch, BCPL is one of Maryland’s major public library systems and a vital civic, educational, and cultural resource for communities throughout Baltimore County. Guided by its mission to provide opportunities to explore, learn, create, and connect, BCPL offers welcoming public spaces, strong collections, mobile and digital services, technology access, lifelong learning opportunities, and partnerships that strengthen community life. Reporting to the Board of Library Trustees, the Executive Director provides systemwide leadership for BCPL’s strategy, operations, finances, staff, partnerships, and public service priorities.

The next Executive Director will have an important opportunity to strengthen connection, communication, and shared direction across BCPL while supporting a workplace culture where staff feel informed, valued, and equipped to serve the community well. Working in partnership with the board, leadership team, staff, County partners, and community stakeholders, the director will help align resources, facilities, services, and priorities to meet evolving community needs.

Baltimore County (MD) offers a distinctive mix of vibrant communities, historic main streets, waterfront recreation, rural landscapes, and easy access to the cultural and educational opportunities of the greater Baltimore-Washington region. The county combines convenience with a wide range of quality-of-life amenities, including parks, trails, Chesapeake Bay tributaries, local restaurants, festivals, arts and music venues, and outdoor recreation throughout the year. With two international airports as well as two large cities in close proximity, Baltimore County residents have access to a diverse metropolitan region that includes history, world-class entertainment, and experiences that can only be found in the county.

Minimum requirements include a master’s degree in library science from an accredited-ALA program; at least five years of experience as a professional librarian, including at least two years of experience in an administrative or supervisory capacity; and the ability to obtain and maintain licensure as a Professional Public Library Director in the State of Maryland. Residency within the Baltimore County Public Library service area is required within six months of hiring date.

Preferred qualifications include experience leading a multi-branch public library system or comparably complex public service organization; experience working with a governing board; experience developing, managing, presenting, or advocating for operating and/or capital budgets; experience working with elected officials, county or municipal government, community partners, donors, foundations, or other external stakeholders; experience in a unionized environment; and a record of advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, accessibility, intellectual freedom, and community-responsive service.

Compensation: The hiring salary range is $225,000 – $245,000, with placement negotiable depending on experience and qualifications. An excellent fringe benefits package is included.

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, July 26.

Visit our website to access the latest version of this announcement in full, along with all related links.

To read the full description, please download the full PDF here.

Posted: 6/23/26

Director

Director – Lewisboro Library (NY)

The Lewisboro Library (NY) Board of Trustees seeks a future-focused, responsive, collaborative, and community-centered leader to serve as their Director. The Director will guide daily operations, champion excellent patron services, steward the library’s financial and physical resources, and work with the board, staff, volunteers, community partners, and local government to advance the library’s role as an essential civic, educational, and cultural resource for the Town of Lewisboro. The ideal candidate will bring a collaborative leadership style, encourage connection, foster creativity, bring positivity to daily operations and long-term growth, and balance strategic leadership with operational oversight.

The Lewisboro Library, a non-profit public association library, is a welcoming hub for connection, learning, discovery, and community life. The library’s 7,200-square-foot facility, with its multifunctional floor plan and beautiful garden, is a jewel in the community. A highly engaged staff of 18 welcomes nearly 80,000 visits annually and provides programs, services, and materials for residents of all ages with a budget just shy of $1 million. The next Director will join the library at an important moment of opportunity, helping the board and staff strengthen and modernize its services and spaces, expand library visibility, deepen community relationships, support fundraising and development, and plan for the library’s future. Key opportunities include expanding community partnerships and increasing the library’s visibility throughout the hamlets and town it serves as well as sustaining and growing fundraising efforts through grants, donor engagement, the annual Library Fair, and other development initiatives.

Lewisboro offers a distinctive blend of rural character, natural beauty, and proximity to the New York metropolitan area. Located in northern Westchester County near the Connecticut border, the area is known for wooded landscapes, lakes, trails, and protected open spaces, along with a highly regarded school system and active civic life. Residents enjoy access to numerous parks, preserves, cultural attractions, and outdoor recreation throughout the year while benefiting from a quiet residential setting, a strong commitment to conservation, and commuting access to Manhattan. With its six hamlets—Cross River, Goldens Bridge, Lewisboro, South Salem, Vista, and Waccabuc—active local organizations, and strong sense of place, the Town of Lewisboro is an appealing community in which to live, work, and lead.

Responsibilities: The Director is responsible for the overall administration, leadership, and effective operation of the library. Major areas of responsibility include financial management and fund development; overseeing day-to-day library operations, including circulation, collections, technology, public service, programming for all ages, patron experience, communications, and public relations; hiring, supervising, supporting, and evaluating staff; promoting a positive and accountable workplace culture and encouraging professional development; administering personnel policies consistently and fairly; overseeing the library facility, equipment, technology infrastructure, vendor relationships; coordinating maintenance needs and long-term facility needs; working closely with the Board of Trustees on policy development, strategic and operational planning, compliance, and implementation of board priorities; community engagement and building relationships and nurturing partnerships with schools, civic groups, cultural organizations, local government; strengthening the library’s impact; and ensuring compliance with applicable laws, regulations, library policies, employment practices, reporting requirements, and professional standards. For a full list of responsibilities, see the links in the job posting on the Bradbury Miller Associate website  (https://bradburymiller.com/open-positions/).

Minimum requirements include a Master’s degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS) from an ALA-accredited institution, the ability to obtain and maintain a New York State Public Librarian Professional Certificate, and three years of management or supervisory experience.

Preferred qualifications include public library experience, strong public service experience, fundraising and grant-writing experience, and experience working with a governing board.

Compensation: The hiring salary range is $110,000 – $130,000 (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, July 5, 2026.

Visit our website to access the latest version of this announcement in full, along with all related links.

Posted: 6/3/26

Chief Operating Officer

Chief Operating Officer – Allen County Public Library (IN)

The Allen County Public Library seeks a Chief Operating Officer (COO) to provide system-wide operational leadership across a multi-branch library system. This role partners with the Executive Director, leadership team, and department managers to ensure aligned, effective service delivery across all locations.

This position carries immediate, high-visibility responsibility for a multi-year capital initiative, having a leadership role in the planning and execution of multiple consecutive branch renovation projects. The COO holds a primary role in the project team responsible for this work, ensuring continuity of service while advancing long-term facility goals. Since 2021, ACPL has undertaken an extensive and collaborative planning process that included facility evaluations, focus groups, community surveys, and public hearings. The resulting Facilities Master Plan—supported by $37 million in bond funding and more than $20 million in reserve funds—prioritizes projects at locations where buildings are no longer sustainable due to age, size, or structural limitations.

Reporting to the Executive Director, the COO oversees Public Services, Youth Services, and System Services, aligning strategy, operations, and resources across the organization, including direct responsibility for the performance, consistency, and continuous improvement of public-facing services and system-wide service delivery models, and ensuring programs and services remain responsive to community needs and aligned across all locations.

ACPL serves approximately 385,000 residents through a Main Library, thirteen branches, and a data center, with 324 FTE and a $37 million budget. The Library’s collection exceeds 3.9 million items, with annual circulation of 4.6 million. The Main Library houses The Genealogy Center and The Rolland Center for Lincoln Research.

Fort Wayne, Indiana—recently named the state’s first Certified Welcoming Community —offers a strong mix of economic growth, cultural amenities, and quality of life, with a “big-city, small-town” feel.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Holds a leadership role in a multi-year, multi-branch renovation program, including planning, budgets, timelines, and cross-functional coordination

• Coordinate capital and facilities planning in alignment with the Facility Master Plan

• Drive operational planning aligned with strategic priorities

• Evaluate services, staffing, and initiatives; allocate resources to support effective operations

• Lead a system-wide customer service training initiative to strengthen service consistency

• Align system-wide operations, strategy, and service delivery in partnership with the Executive Director and leadership team

• Act in the Executive Director’s absence 

Qualifications: A master’s degree in library or information sciences from an ALA-accredited institution is required, as is a minimum of five (5) years of public library managerial experience that includes supervisory responsibilities for mid-to-upper-level managers. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered. Other requirements include the ability to obtain State Library Certification at an LC2 level within one (1) year, and a valid driver’s license. Familiarity with capital planning, technology integration, and construction or renovation projects is strongly preferred. Highly desirable skills include: demonstrated success managing multiple departments in complex organizations, and experience leading strategic planning, resource planning, and staff development.

 

Compensation: The position has a salary range of $87,776 – $140,441 (with placement negotiable dependent on experience and qualifications) and comes with an excellent 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, June 21, 2026.

Visit https://bradburymiller.com/current-clients/ to access the latest version of this announcement in full, along with all related links.

Posted: 5/15/26