Library Director – Oshkosh Public Library (WI)

The Oshkosh Public Library (WI) Board of Trustees seeks a collaborative team leader who can build relationships within the community as its next Library Director. Working from a single historic location with a $3.8 million budget and 39 FTE staff, the Library Director will work to meet the library’s mission statement and help the nearly 67,000 residents ‘find knowledge resources; provide free access to information; preserve local history; and create a vibrant community gathering place’. Highlights include a strong endowment fund, a supportive Board of Trustees, and a commitment to local history and genealogy. The 10-member board has nine members appointed by the mayor (with the concurrence of City Council), and one appointed by the County Executive. The library recently transitioned its Winnefox Library System (WLS) to a separate entity and the new Director will work to ensure WLS’s growth as a newly independent organization. Key initiatives include strengthening the library’s relationship with the city, undertaking a facilities assessment, and ensuring intellectual freedom for its residents. 

Oshkosh, Wisconsin boasts a charming blend of history, community spirit, and natural beauty. Nestled along the shores of Lake Winnebago, Oshkosh offers picturesque waterfront views and recreational opportunities, like the Oshkosh Riverwalk and Leach Amphitheater. Its historic downtown features a variety of shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions, making it a hub of activity. Home to the renowned EAA AirVenture Oshkosh aviation event, the city celebrates innovation and aeronautics as an integral part of the local economy. Residents also have the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh which provides three campuses for higher education pursuits. Located in central Wisconsin, Oshkosh is equidistant to Green Bay and Milwaukee. The area’s strong schools, affordable cost of living, and high quality of life make it a standout destination in the heart of Wisconsin. 

Responsibilities: The Library Director will be responsible to lead and foster an inclusive culture that welcomes creative and innovative ideas; develop and communicate a strong vision for a 21st-century library; work with the library’s leadership team to develop library policies, procedures, programs, and services; maintain a regular presence in the community, increasing the library’s visibility and connecting with other community leaders; provide oversight of the library’s finances in accordance with established laws and policies; advocate for the library, while serving as the primary spokesperson and liaison between the library and the federal, state, and local government agencies; and effectively motivate staff, delegate tasks, and manage the day-to-day operation of the library. Additional responsibilities are listed in the job description below. 

Qualifications: A master’s degree in library science from an ALA-accredited library school, eligibility for the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction Public Librarian Grade I Certification, and five (5) or more years of increasingly responsible professional library experience including management and supervisory experience or other combinations of training and/or experience which translate to the knowledge and abilities necessary to perform the duties of this position are required. Residency in the Oshkosh Public Library service area is highly preferred. The ideal candidate will be a confident library professional who can clearly articulate a vision for service. 

Compensation: The hiring salary range is $106,000 – $120,000 (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 Brian C. Hare (brianhare@bradburymiller.com). This position closes on Sunday, October 1, 2023. 

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

Submit specified application materials to brianhare@bradburymiller.com.