LIBRARY DIRECTOR

Blount County (TN) Public Library

The Board of Trustees of the Blount County (TN) Public Library seeks its next Director – an accomplished leader ready to enhance the Library’s role in a world that continues to change. Working with a staff of 30 full time and 9 part-time team members and a 2.7 million annual budget, the Library will continue its focus on excellent customer service to the 133,000 residents of the Blount County community. The successful candidate will build upon the Library’s historically strong service values and its commitment to exceeding community expectations with a respect for the Library’s history combined with thoughtful innovation. The Director will work collaboratively with the Board of Trustees, the Library Staff, the three funding bodies, elected officials and the public to communicate the Library’s mission and goals effectively. Key initiatives include developing and implementing a strategic plan; developing strong positive relationships with staff fostering trust, integrity, respect and teamwork; the renovation of the lower library level; building positive partnerships with external stakeholders- The Friends of the Library, the BCPL Foundation, local and regional organizations, and the Blount County community at large; and charting a clear course for welcoming and inclusive library programs and services after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Our County. Ideally located in the scenic foothills of the Great Smoky Mountains and surrounded by lakes, rivers, and streams, Blount County, Tennessee is a wonderful place to live. With a population of 133,000, the county includes two major cities, Maryville and Alcoa and lies only 15 minutes from metropolitan Knoxville and the University of Tennessee. A tradition of educational excellence and a broad commitment to public schools insure that education is a major priority in Blount County.

Responsibilities. Under the direction of the nine-member governing Board of Trustees, the Library Director plans, coordinates, administers, and directs the operations of the Library, including but not limited to recruiting, hiring, coaching, and mentoring staff; leading all human resources functions; facilities maintenance and care; fiscal management and oversight; and representing the Blount County Public Library as the “public face” of the Library. The Director works closely with staff to support the Library’s core values supporting the Library’s strategic goals. The Director is expected to be an effective advocate, collaborative partner with all stakeholders including the three funding bodies and elected officials, and bring innovative and creative solutions and ideas to fulfill meeting the Library’s mission.

Qualifications. Minimum requirements include seven years of public library experience with at least seven years of supervisory/management experience, a Master’s Degree in Library Science from an ALA-accredited program and/or equivalent background and experience that will enable the candidate to perform effectively the work required. Essential attributes include excellent communication skills, being a problem solver, having personal integrity, experience with fiscal oversight and budgeting, excellent interpersonal skills, and consensus-building skills. The Library Director, through care, compassion, and energy will galvanize an outstanding staff to position the Library at the forefront of library service in its community. A thorough knowledge of current trends, technologies and “best practices” for libraries and experience reporting to a governing Board are highly desirable.

Compensation. The starting salary range is $80,000-$100,000 with an excellent benefits package.

For further information, contact [log in to unmask]. Apply via Blount County Government (TN) at https://www.blounttn.org/ under Employment with a letter of interest, a resume and three references as Word or PDF documents on or before the closing date of September 1, 2021

Liz Thigpen Schreck | Director

Ocoee River Regional Library

State E-rate Coordinator for Public Libraries

Office of Tennessee Secretary of State Tre Hargett

718 George St., NW, Athens, TN 37303

P. (423) 745-5194 – office; (423) 649-1583 - direct

Regional Toll Free - (855) 692-8186

Fax (423) 649-1501

[log in to unmask]

This electronic mail may be subject to the Tennessee Public Records Act, Tenn. Code Ann. §10-7-503 et seq. Any reply to this email may also be subject to this act.

The mission of the Office of the Secretary of State is to exceed the expectations of our customers, the taxpayers, by operating at the highest levels of accuracy, cost-effectiveness, and accountability in a customer-centered environment.

Secretary of State Social Media Links: