Executive Director – Mid York Library System (NY)

The Mid York Library System (NY) seeks a strategic thinker with library management experience and excellent communication skills to be its next Executive Director. The Mid York Library System (MYLS) is a nonprofit organization that promotes and assists all 43 public libraries in Herkimer, Oneida, and Madison counties in New York. This large geographic area covers nearly 3,000 square miles and the organization supports a wide variety of public libraries and library professionals. Mid York Library System operates from a single 30,000 square foot facility in Utica, NY and provides interlibrary loan, delivery services, electronic resources, continuing education, outreach, IT support, cost-savings through shared services such as OverDrive, and maintains a shared physical catalog of over 482,000 materials for its system libraries. Reporting to a 15-member Board of Trustees, the Executive Director will be responsible for oversight of a $2 million budget and 14 system staff, and collaboratively works to support 43 library directors of MYLS’ member libraries.

Located at the foot of the Adirondack Mountains in the Mohawk Valley, the area offers four seasons of abundant outdoor activities, numerous historical sites and museums, a lively arts and music scene, breweries, and is centrally located in the state with proximity to NYC, Buffalo, Albany, and Canada. Home to the Erie Canal, Fort Stanwix National Park, and the National Abolition Hall of Fame and Museum, the area provides a rich perspective on the important role it played in America’s history. Mohawk Valley Community College, SUNY Polytechnic Institute, Colgate University, Utica University, and Herkimer College are just a few of the higher education institutions providing opportunities to residents. The region offers bustling cities like Utica and Rome, while rural communities like Jordanville or Prospect provide a more relaxed pace.

Responsibilities: Under the direction of the Board of Trustees, the Executive Director acts as Chief Executive Officer of the Mid York Library System and operates in accordance with the Mid York Library System’s charter, mission, policies, procedures, and goals. Additionally, the Executive Director oversees the development and implementation of the annual budget in collaboration with the Chief Financial Officer and submits it to the board for approval; provides strong leadership for a positive and collaborative work environment; evaluates needs, writes and executes the strategic plan in collaboration with MYLS stakeholders; proposes services, activities, and changes for the successful operation of the system; works with trustees to develop and implement policies, procedures and goals; maintains good working relations and open communications with member library directors, trustees, government officials, community groups, and organizations; and works with and presents information to local and state officials to advocate on behalf of libraries. A complete list of responsibilities is listed in the Executive Director job description on our website.

Qualifications: A master of library science degree (MLS, MLIS) from an ALA-accredited graduate library or information program, eight or more full years of professional library experience in libraries or library systems (post-graduate), at least two of which shall have been in an administrative capacity, as per Commissioner of Education Regulation 90.3(f), and possession of a New York State Public Librarian Certificate or the ability to obtain one. The ideal candidate will possess comprehensive communication and listening skills, the ability to promote values and innovation, awareness of library technology trends, and a history of thoughtful executive leadership.

Compensation: The hiring salary range is $110,000 – $125,000 (with placement negotiable dependent on experience and qualifications) and an excellent fringe benefits package.

For further information, contact Bradbury Miller Associates (https://bradburymiller.com). Apply with a meaningful cover letter and resume via our application portal (https://bradburymiller.com/current-clients/) by clicking on Mid York Library System and the apply button. This position closes on Sunday, September 15, 2024.

View the most up to date version of this announcement in its entirety along with accompanying links on our website (https://bradburymiller.com/current-clients/). 

Submit specified application materials to mandysimon@bradburymiller.com.