Director – Massanutten Regional Library (VA)

The Massanutten Regional Library (MRL) seeks its next Director to fulfill the organization’s mission of being an engaging community partner providing programs and services that bring people together, foster creativity, and encourage lifelong learning. The ideal candidate will embrace the library vision to be the welcoming heart of the community where all come to learn, discover, create and connect. A non-profit 501(c)(3) library with an annual budget of $2.5 million and approximately 34 FTE, MRL is guided by a twelve-member Board of Trustees; four appointed by the localities served and the remaining eight nominated by the Board.  MRL is a seven-branch system, with the Central Library remaining in Harrisonburg, four branches serve Rockingham County, and two branches serve the residents of Page County.  With a service population of over 159,000 residents and 515,000 items circulated in 2020, MRL is an active member of the local community and maintains involvement with a variety of local, state, and national organizations, both civic and professional. Key initiatives include a review of organizational structure, assessment of existing buildings and possible branch construction, and development of services for Spanish-speaking residents.

Located in the heart of the Shenandoah Valley, the City of Harrisonburg is 130 miles from Washington, DC, 130 miles from Richmond, and 115 miles from Roanoke. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Shenandoah National Park and the Blue Ridge and Allegheny Mountains, Harrisonburg, Rockingham County, and Page County offer a wealth of recreational features for the outdoor enthusiast. The area is also rich in cultural, historical, and educational sites with four colleges and universities (James Madison University, Bridgewater College, Eastern Mennonite University, and Blue Ridge Community College). Downtown Harrisonburg, an award-winning downtown, which includes a Virginia Arts & Cultural District and Culinary district is the lively center of the city’s innovative and dynamic culture.

Responsibilities:  The Library Director is the chief executive and administrative officer of Massanutten Regional Library. With direction from the Board of Trustees, the Library Director has overall responsibility for all management, administrative, and professional function of the library system. The Library Director is responsible for long-term library development and daily operations under policies and goals established by the Board of Trustees. This is a full-time, 37.5 hours per week, exempt position. The benefits package includes medical and dental insurance, participation in the Virginia Retirement System, paid sick, vacation, and personal time and paid holidays.

Qualifications:  Minimum qualifications include a master’s degree in library or information science from an ALA-accredited program and five years of library administrative experience showing a progression of increasing responsibility, including at least three years in a supervisory capacity.  Other training or experience can substitute for professional library experience.  Essential attributes include excellent organizational skills, managing multiple projects, strong written and verbal communication skills, the ability to represent the library at all levels within the community, and strong financial management skills.  The Director should also have the ability to develop long-term goals, objectives, actions, and policies to support the mission of the library system, analyze library needs and evaluate library services, establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff and the community, be flexible and adapt to a changing environment, and to prepare and present public presentations.

Compensation: The hiring salary range is $90,000 – $105,000 (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 Hare (brianhare@bradburymiller.com).  This position closes on October 17, 2021.

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