Help us plan the future of library services as the next Director of Teaneck’s “crown jewel” library. As a greatly respected and beloved institution, Teaneck Public Library’s mission is “building community and enriching lives by bringing together diverse people, information, and ideas.”

The Library Director will lead a dedicated and hard-working staff (50 full and part-time) as it simultaneously continues to provide traditional library services while transforming and expanding new services focusing on the diversity of Teaneck’s population, emerging library technologies, and new community partnerships.

Working closely with a nine-member appointed Board, a dedicated Friends group, and Township officials, the Library Director will determine the course of library services for years to come.

Key opportunities include actively and intentionally supporting an inclusive and welcoming environment for both staff and community members; continuing the work on the library’s renovation plans; expanding the growing outreach services through an embedded services model; increasing capacity through space redesign; developing and implementing a new strategic plan; and enhancing the library’s role as the center of the community.

A county leader in public library service, Teaneck has a reputation for providing high quality materials, programming, and information services to residents of Teaneck and surrounding communities. With the second highest total public library circulation in Bergen County for 2019, Teaneck Public Library loaned a total of more than 426,000 items.

Teaneck is an ethnically diverse community, with an estimated population of 40,619, giving it the second largest population in Bergen County. The library operates with a budget of $2,900,000.

Responsibilities
The Library Director reports to a nine-member Library Board of Trustees, works with the Friends of the Library, serves as a Township department head (working collaboratively with the Township Manager and other Township Department Heads), and works with the Board, Friends, library staff, Township Manager, and major stakeholders to support and implement the strategic vision for the Library, aligning the Library’s mission, goals, and objectives with the community’s needs and priorities.

Overall responsibilities include (but are not limited to) developing and maintaining effective internal and external communications; building, leading, and managing a diverse team of talented professionals to manage library operations; planning, evaluating and oversight of the library budget; applying for grants and identifying additional funding sources; and building mutually beneficial relationships with community partners.

Knowledge and Abilities
Knowledge of theories, principles, and techniques of library and information science.
Knowledge of library administration and management techniques.
Knowledge of current library technology, trends and innovations.
Ability to manage and administer a library program.
Ability to analyze, comprehend, and utilize approved public library standards, methods, techniques, budgeting systems, and classification and pay plans.
Ability to confer with staff, library administrators, board members, and other interested persons on problems of budgeting, standards, library techniques, and related problems.
Ability to plan and carry out surveys and studies of existing public library services.
Ability to analyze and comprehend the basic book needs of the library, apply approved book selection methods, and provide assistance to librarians in problems of book selection, classification, cataloguing, and with other technical administrative problems.
Ability to speak before professional and nonprofessional groups interested in or concerned with public library problems, speaking clearly, concisely, and informatively.
Ability to coordinate library services programs to achieve maximum efficiency and proper utilization of available funds, personnel, equipment, materials, and supplies.
Ability to act as consultant and advisor on public library problems, services, and techniques.
Ability to take and maintain a firm stand when differences of opinion and interpretation arise and work harmoniously with subordinates, associates, and superior officers.
Ability to oversee the preparation of clear, sound, accurate, and informative narrative and statistical and other reports containing findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
Ability to oversee the establishment and maintenance of essential records and files.
Ability to learn to utilize various types of electronic and/or manual recording and information systems used by the agency, office, or related units.

Requirements
Minimum qualifications are an ALA-accredited Master’s in Library Science and a New Jersey Professional Librarian’s Certificate and five years’ library experience, with three years in an administrative/supervisory capacity. The successful candidate will also demonstrate visionary leadership skills; excellent interpersonal and communication skills; the ability to build productive relationships and promote collaborative partnerships through civic engagement; success in promoting library services to the community; and possess comfort and skill in fundraising activities. The Board will expect a candidate to have a demonstrated passion for the work of libraries; a thorough knowledge of current trends, technologies and “best practices” for library services; and a demonstrated commitment to serving ethnically diverse communities.

Notices
Equal Opportunity Employer. Employees must comply with the “New Jersey First Act”.

To Apply
Interested applicants should submit a resume, cover letter, and three (3) references all in a single document to apply@teaneck.bccls.org. Deadline to apply is Friday, October 1.

Submit specified application materials to apply@teaneck.bccls.org.