LIBRARY
DIRECTOR, DES MOINES (IA) PUBLIC LIBRARY
One
of Kiplinger’s Best Cities of 2010 needs a new Library Director! The Board of Trustees
of the Des Moines (IA) Public Library—serving
a city population of nearly 200,000 (1.62 million annual circulation) with six
facilities including a 110,000 sq. ft. central library and five
branches—seeks an innovative and creative library director to create and
implement visionary library services and programs as a collaborative, regional
partner. As Iowa's capital city, Des Moines
is a hub of government action, business activity, arts and cultural
affairs—with much of the activity focused on the reinvigorated downtown
area where the central library is a key asset. The area also boasts some of
the nation's best schools, superb public services, and friendly, caring
neighborhoods. With a dedicated staff (73 FTE) and Library Board, a $7.2
million annual budget, and a successful Library Foundation—all of the
pieces are in place to take the Library to the next level of services and
programs designed to support community needs.
Responsibilities. The Director of the
Des Moines Public Library reports to a five-member Library Board of
Trustees—appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by City Council—and
partners with city officials to achieve the Library’s mission, goals and
objectives within the context of community needs and priorities. Overall
responsibilities include: fostering
effective internal and external communications with Community, City officials,
the Library Board, the Library Foundation, and Library staff; proposing recommendations and
implementing Board policies and operating procedures reflecting the reality of
the current economic environment; developing the Library staff as a strong team
through leadership, mentoring and providing staff development opportunities;
providing sound fiscal management while seeking additional revenue
sources—including working with the Library Foundation; and exploring and
developing collaborative relationships with a variety of local, regional and
statewide organizations and agencies. Additional information on the Library,
City and position can be found at www.gossagesager.com/dmpllinks.htm
Minimum Qualifications. A master’s
degree in library science from an ALA-accredited program and a minimum of eight
years of progressively responsible experience in a multi-branch library and at
least five years of executive level experience as director of a library or
deputy, assistant, or associate director of a comparable or larger system.
Essential attributes include energy and enthusiasm; personal integrity and
excellent interpersonal skills; thorough knowledge of financial management;
collaboration and consensus-building skills; sensitivity, flexibility, and
creativity; and a solid understanding of philosophy, trends and “best
practices” in the library and information technology fields. Experience
reporting to a governing Board of Trustees and working in a union environment
is highly desirable.
Compensation. Starting salary
range of $110,000-130,000 (negotiable, dependent upon experience and qualifications)
with an excellent 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 Word
attachments to [log in to unmask] or [log in to unmask]. The position closes
August 29, 2010.
DES MOINES PUBLIC
LIBRARY—the bridge to a world of information and ideas for personal
enjoyment and
community growth—IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Jobeth Bradbury
Gossage Sager Associates
4545 Wornall Rd., Ste. 805
Kansas City, MO 64111
816.803.7087
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