Position Overview

The Library Director serves as the chief administrator of the Library under the direction of the Board of

Trustees and is responsible for all aspects of the Library’s day-to-day operations. The Library Director has responsibility for providing leadership, implementing policy and recommending, designing, supervising, and evaluating an active program of educational, cultural and information services relevant to the North Salem community. The Library Director is also responsible for working with the Board on fundraising, policy development and longer-term financial, strategic capital and operational planning.

The Library Director is responsible for all areas of work described below.

 

Provision of Library Services and patrons of all ages

• Acquisition and management of collections that meet the needs of the public; developing guidelines for such purposes
• Circulation of library materials along with related record keeping & procedures
• Development and provision of programs; envision and interpret community needs, developing new programs and services for all segments of it
• Actively manage PR/communications/website/social media to always be relevant and timely
• Ensures that the library environment, facilities, and services meet patron needs, are easy to use, accessible, and maintained appropriately
• Supports and participates in library special events, committees, and task forces
• Carries out any other duties within the scope, spirit, and purpose of the job
• Coordinates library services as needed to serve patrons in community group settings (may include story times; book discussions, "how-to" training about library resources, etc.)

 

Facilities Management

• Work closely with the Library Board to identify and define work necessary to ensure proper maintenance and safety of the library building and grounds
• Oversee such work performed by the custodial staff and contractors
• Assess and anticipate future facility needs as part of capital planning with the Board

 

Human Resource Management

• Develop and maintain a staffing plan
• Develop a continuity of operations plan to ensure continuation of essential library functions during unforeseen events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic
• Train, develop, supervise retain and hire qualified, motivated staff
• Perform annual reviews for all staff members
• Oversee any volunteer programs
• Ensure the personnel manual is current, and understood and complied with by staff
• Provide any necessary training, particularly any required by law or regulation (fire, active shooter, harassment, etc.)
• Encourage and provide the staff with professional training
• Participate in professional development for self; this may include general management workshops, NYLA, PLA conferences for training and networking among others.

 

Financial Management and Reporting

• Work closely with library treasurer to prepare the annual operating budget for approval by the Board
• Work with the bookkeeper and accountant to ensure that all needed reports are accurate and timely
• Manage the execution of the library budget and its various funds (operating, capital, investment)
• Work with the Board treasurer to provide the board with monthly financial reports
• Coordinates and works closely with the Library Board on execution of all programming and fundraising activities and maintenance of donor records
• Prepare NYS annual report
• Research and apply for grants
• Work with the Board to develop multi-year financial and capital plans

 

Governance

• Maintain a strong, open, and constructive relationship with the Board, enlisting its assistance as appropriate
• Ensure the Board is kept fully informed of all critical matters by maintaining open lines of communication
• Prepare the library Board monthly meeting agenda and necessary reports in coordination with the Board president
• Regularly meet with the Library Board and its committees to discuss and plan policy and priority recommendations; attends monthly Board Meetings; supervises the preparation of reports and collection of data and presents their report at each, the “Director’s Report”
• Assist in the orientation and education of new Board members
• Closely work with Board president on annual appeal and Board Fundraising Committee on execution of annual events; oversee DonorPerfect database for accurate donor records
• Maintain confidentiality of Board matters
• Perform other duties as may be assigned by the Library Board

 

Leadership/vision

• Serving as the public face of the library; interfacing/liaising with members of the community, community organizations (including the RKML Visiting Committee and RKML Friends of the Library), municipal bodies (Town of North Salem) and other government bodies (County, State and Federal) as required
• Continually improve own skills through professional development
• Keeping the library current and innovative by continuously improving and updating services, types of media and technologies to enhance our patrons’ experience in the library
• Working with the Library Board to develop a vision for the longer-term future of the library, including making recommendations as to the future direction and needs of the library
• Representing the Library in the Westchester Library System and actively represent the library at Public Library Director’s Association (PLDA) for Westchester County.

Apply online here

Submit specified application materials to RKMLDirectorSearch@outlook.com.