Director – Montclair Public Library (NJ)

Change lives every day, through words, ideas, and community building in Montclair (NJ) as the next Director of the Montclair Public Library. The Board of Trustees seeks candidates who want to expand opportunities for Montclair’s almost 41,000 residents. The municipal library, through its early literacy efforts, the Open Book Open Mind conversation series, and its Adult School of Montclair, focuses on lifelong education. With a committed staff of 24.69 FTE, an annual budget of $3.8 million from Montclair Township, and additional support from the Montclair Public Library Foundation and Montclair Library Friend groups, the Library provides stellar programs and services inside and outside the four walls of its two locations. The new Director will build relationships with the staff and community, work collaboratively with cultural and educational institutions, share a compelling story about the library to stakeholders, work with the leadership of the Montclair Library foundation to successfully guide fundraising efforts, and embrace the spirit of the Montclair community.

Responsibilities. The Library Director, under the supervision of the Board of Trustees, manages and directs the operations of the library. Specific responsibilities include understanding and aligning the organizational culture; developing and recognizing staff talents; successfully designing and implementing library programs and services; managing the Library’s public relations and marketing program; working strategically with the senior management team; planning, justifying, and executing the Library’s budget; collaborating with the Library Foundation and Friends groups; developing entrepreneurial activities; working closely with the Township of Montclair and the Board of Education; actively engaging and partnering with other community agencies and organizations; and being active in local, state, and national professional activities. The Montclair Public Library consists of two buildings: the Main Library at 50 South Fullerton Avenue and the small, historic Bellevue Avenue Branch Library at 185 Bellevue Avenue. The Director is responsible for all aspects of both buildings and the people that work in them, along with cultivating good relationships with neighbors and the entire community.

Minimum qualifications are a Master’s degree in Library and Information Science, five years of executive managerial experience, and possession of (or eligible for) the professional librarian’s certificate issued by the New Jersey Department of Education. High priority qualifications include skill and success in working, developing, and hiring personnel and building successful teams; knowledge of best practices in library technologies; experience developing and administering budgets; strong oral and written communication skills; customer focus and excellent public relations skills; ability to build trust and effective internal and external partnerships; facilitating change; leading through strategic planning and goal setting. Prior success in reporting to a governing board, successful fundraising experience, and working with local officials are highly desirable.

Montclair— a vibrant community of small shops, studios, restaurants, and professional services—is considered the arts and cultural capital of northern New Jersey. Closely linked with the growth of New York City, the burgeoning area— racially, ethnically, and economically diverse—is enlivened by a notable art colony and the work being done by the Montclair Center Business Improvement District. Residents have excellent and innovative schools, museums, churches, and many other places to find a sense of belonging. The Montclair Board of Education and the Montclair Public Library work together. Montclair provides for the education of the town’s children via eleven public Magnet Schools, offering STEM, International Studies, and the Arts. These are just a few of the variety of curriculum options for families. Montclair also provides a range of lifelong learning for adults; many of these opportunities are through the Library. Today, eclectic, and exuberant Montclair embraces its diverse cultural heritage and still nourishes the rich artistic expressions that took root more than a century ago. Jazz clubs, theatrical companies, shops and boutiques, galleries, and trendy restaurants are among the many amenities that attract residents and visitors alike.

Compensation. The position offers a hiring salary range of $125,000-$140,000 (dependent upon experience and qualifications) and an attractive 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 May 29, 2022.

View this announcement in its entirety along with accompanying links and information at https://bradburymiller.com/job/montclair/.

Submit specified application materials to karenmiller@bradburymiller.com.