EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - OMAHA (NE) PUBLIC LIBRARY

An Exceptional Opportunity In Omaha! The Board of Trustees of the Omaha
Public Library seeks a creative and dynamic executive to build on the
Library’s recent successes and lead it to new levels of excellence.  OPL
serves an increasingly diverse population of 486,929 (Omaha and surrounding
Douglas County) with its downtown main library, 11 branches (the newest, a
library/school/community center joint-use facility opens in August) and
programming services.  With strong facilities, a dedicated staff (94 FTEs)
and a projected $12.5 million budget for 2010 the Library delivers quality
services to the community. The challenge for the next director is to
transform this good library system into a thriving world-class library for
all Omaha residents.  The largest city in the state of Nebraska and 40th
largest in the US, the greater Omaha area boasts a population of 1.2
million. It offers a strong and vibrant business community and is home to
eight Fortune 500 companies.  With great housing values, a low cost of
living (10-13% lower than the national average), outstanding education and
healthcare facilities, short commutes and all of the cultural, recreational
and entertainment amenities of a city twice its size, Omaha is consistently
recognized (ranked #3 in Kiplinger’s “2008 Best Cities”)  as a great place
to live, work and play. Additional information on the Library, Omaha and the
surrounding area can be found at http://www.gossagesager.com/Omahalinks.htm 

Responsibilities. As Chief Executive Officer of the Omaha Public Library,
the Executive Director reports to a nine-member Library Board of Trustees,
serves as a mayoral department head, and works with the Board, staff and
major stakeholders to establish 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, evaluation and oversight; strengthening
current governmental funding sources; working with the OPL Foundation and
Friends to develop additional revenue sources; and developing and
maintaining collaborative partnerships with local, state and regional
organizations and agencies. See
http://www.gossagesager.com/OmahaPublicLibraryjobdesc.doc for the complete
job description.

Qualifications. A master’s degree in library science from an ALA accredited
program and a minimum of seven years of increasingly responsible library
management experience, including experience in an executive leadership
position for a multi-branch library system.  Essential attributes and skills
include: creativity, energy and enthusiasm; superior written and oral
communications ability; demonstrated success in effectively promoting
library services to the community; political acumen; collaborative and
consensus-building skills; and a thorough knowledge of current trends and
“best practices” for library service.  Proven success working effectively
with a policy-making board and collaboratively with city officials is desirable.

Compensation. A starting salary range of $105,000-120,000 (with final
placement dependent upon experience and qualifications) and an outstanding
fringe benefits package. 

For further information, contact Gossage Sager Associates/Bradbury
Associates via email or call 816-531-2468.  Apply via email with a
meaningful cover letter and your resume as attachments to
[log in to unmask] or [log in to unmask]  The
position closes October 11, 2009.