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Job Position: Library Director

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Kinderhook Memorial Library
Kinderhook, New York

Kinderhook Memorial Library is a public, association library located in the historic village of Kinderhook in New York’s Hudson Valley.  The Library is a hub of village life and also serves the Town of Stuyvesant and the majority of the Town of Kinderhook, with a total service area population of approximately 6,500.  Open six days per week (47 hours), the Library offers more than 340 programs each year.  The 2,120-square-foot building, constructed in 1933, is currently under interior renovations scheduled for completion by May, 2012.  A major expansion of the building is in the architectural design phase.

The mission of the Library is to enrich the quality of life for a diverse and growing constituency of all ages by providing resources and services that contribute to individual literacy, education and entertainment.  The Library is dedicated to encouraging children and adults in a love of reading and an appreciation for libraries.  Resources and services are provided free or at a nominal cost to patrons. 

The Library has an annual operating budget of $225,650 (2011) and is staffed by a full-time Director, six part-time employees, including a Youth Services Coordinator, and several regular volunteers.  A Friends group actively supports the Library.  The Director reports to a twelve-member Board of Trustees elected for three-year terms and headed by a President and Vice President.

With broad policy guidance from the Board, the Director is responsible for professional and administrative duties in planning, developing, implementing, and directing Library services.  These duties include budget preparation, purchasing, evaluation, human resources management, collection development, community relations, information technology application, and facility maintenance.  Some travel is required.

 

Education, Experience and Training

The Library seeks a Director who holds a Master of Library Science (MLS) degree, or an advanced degree of substantial equivalence.  He/she will have a minimum of two years experience working in a public library in a supervisory and/or administrative position.  He/she will possess strong communication skills, embrace technology, and exhibit a “can-do” leadership philosophy that is both cooperative and inclusive.  The Director will be expected to participate in professional organizations and continuing education to remain proficient with advances in the field of library science and information technology.

Proficiencies, Skills and Abilities

The Director will be expected to:

Customer service and community relations

  • Strive for a high level of patron satisfaction
  • Communicate effectively with the public
  • Demonstrate awareness of and response to community needs
  • Direct acquisitions and manage Library collections and holdings effectively
  • Advocate effectively for the Library

Organizational growth

  • Ensure the Library is making progress on its long-range plan
  • Develop strategic partnerships with outside organizations and institutions
  • Create new services and programs to satisfy community demand and interests

Human resources management

  • Ensure the library climate is attractive to a diverse and qualified staff
  • Recruit, train, supervise, motivate and evaluate staff and volunteers

Financial management, fundraising and legal compliance

  • Prepare and administer a budget using sound financial practices
  • Monitor and approve expenditures
  • Pursue funding opportunities and administer gifts, grants, and state and federal funds
  • Develop positive relationships with funders (government, foundation, corporate, and individual) and the Friends of the Library
  • Oversees maintenance of facilities and equipment and work with the Board on facility development
  • Maintain official records and documents and ensure the Library complies with all laws and regulations

Technology and equipment

  • Lead the Library in applying electronic tools and media to the needs of patrons
  • Oversee the acquisition, operation and maintenance of library computer systems, computer equipment and software, and office equipment
  • Utilize office, financial, and data management software and online tools and resources
  • Manage the Library website and utilize social media to promote Library services and events

Compensation

The Directorship is a full-time, exempt position.  Salary range is $38,000-$45,000, commensurate with demonstrated ability and experience. Benefits include paid vacation and health insurance.

To Apply

Send letter of application, resume, and three references to: Gary L. Spielmann, President, Kinderhook Memorial Library. Submit via e-mail to: spielmann92@fairpoint.net or in hard copy to: 9 Cortland Drive, Kinderhook, NY 12106

Deadline for submission is: February 15, 2012

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Kinderhook Memorial Library is an AA/EEO employer