Library Services Director – Nashville Public Library (TN)

The Nashville Public Library (TN) seeks a visionary leader, demonstrated advocate, and authentic communicator as its next Library Services Director. Named Library of the Year by Library Journal (2017) and having received the Institute of Museum and Library Services National Medal (2010), NPL has a long history of excellence in service and continues this tradition through projects like the Civil Rights Room and Collection, Votes for Women Room and Collection, Bringing Books to Life program, and its Limitless Libraries partnership with Metro Nashville Public Schools. The Director will be responsible for a $40 million operating budget, 406 FTE, 21 branches, and collaborating with the Nashville Public Library Foundation which has raised more than $60 million dollars to help the library impact literacy, life skills, and connections. Reporting to the seven-member Board, Board Chair, with general directions from the Mayor of Nashville, and working with the Metro Nashville Council – the Library Services Director is a team player helping to inspire reading, advance learning, and connect Nashville residents. Board members are appointed by the Mayor and Council for seven-year terms and serve, primarily, as a policymaking body. Key initiatives include guiding the library through facilities and strategic planning processes, developing a broad and transparent organizational culture, and advocating for intellectual freedom at the local and state levels. 

Situated on the Cumberland River, Nashville, TN has a joyful balance of nature, culture, music, and people, which is why the metro region is the fourth largest in the Southeast and the fastest growing in the nation. Known as Music City and the Athens of the South, the area has over 180 recording studios, 100+ live music clubs, 80+ record labels, and thirteen universities which include four historically black colleges and universities. Nashville is home to twenty distinct neighborhoods, each offering its own take on the music, food, and hospitality for which the region is famous. The Country Music Hall of Fame, Frist Art Museum, and Nashville Zoo are destination attractions along with three professional sports teams. 

Responsibilities: The Director oversees programs, resources, and services provided by the Metropolitan Public Library system; confers with the Mayor’s staff and other Metro Department Heads as needed; provides leadership and supervises division heads; works with division heads to develop and sustain a culture that embraces change and innovation; serves on community boards, appears on various panels, and accepts public speaking requests; develops and presents a budget to local officials; directs planning and setup of new library facilities and remodeling of existing facilities; works collaboratively with the Library Board and Library Foundation to increase community support and donations; and collaborates with division heads and Metro DEI leaders to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion strategies in Library services and workplace culture. 

Qualifications: A master’s degree in Library Science or master’s degree in a Library Science field, degree must be accredited by the American Library Association (ALA) from an accredited college or university and nine (9) years of professional library experience, including six (6) years of experience managing and directing the work of a major library’s functions. Some experience in a public library required. The ideal candidate will possess political acumen, skill in articulating a vision to lead and inspire others, significant administrative experience, and will put the library customer first. 

Compensation: The hiring salary range is $144,000 – $190,000 (with placement negotiable dependent on experience and qualifications) and an excellent fringe benefits package. 

For further information, contact Bradbury Miller Associates. Apply via email with a meaningful cover letter and your resume as Word or PDF attachments to Karen Miller (karenmiller@bradburymiller.com). This position closes on Sunday, July 2, 2023. 

View the most up to date version of this announcement in its entirety along with accompanying links at https://bradburymiller.com/job/nashville/.

Submit specified application materials to karenmiller@bradburymiller.com.