Library Director

The Board of Trustees of the Sandwich Public Library District (925 S Main St, Sandwich, IL) is seeking a skilled professional with collaborative energy to lead our library district. Sandwich is a growing community sixty miles west of Chicago with a population of approximately 7,500 residents, although the district extends beyond the city limits. The current library building opened in 2014 and is staffed by a competent and passionate team of employees who work together to provide outstanding programming and excellent customer service. The vision of the Sandwich Public Library is to be the hub for a highly engaged community where all residents participate fully in civic life and satisfy their needs for personal growth and knowledge. Our mission is to engage the community by stimulating curiosity and enhancing knowledge, which we fulfill through a robust collection of circulating materials and an ever-growing number of services to our patrons. To make this vision and mission a reality, the staff and board are seeking a leader who will build upon a strong foundation and work alongside them to make the Sandwich Public Library District the best it can possibly be. A Master’s Degree in Library Science (MLS or MLIS) is preferred but not required. Library supervisory experience preferred. Proficiency in budgeting (including use of budgeting software, such as QuickBooks) and excellent communication skills are essential. Grant writing experience is highly valued. The position of Library Director offers a salary range of $60,000-$67,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience. Compensation package includes insurance stipend, paid sick and vacation time, and IMRF (Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund) pension contribution. Library Director Job Description - Sandwich Public Library District A. Primary Function Under the policy guidance and direction of the Sandwich Public Library District Board of Trustees, the Library Director serves as the Administrator of the Sandwich Public Library District. All employees of the Sandwich Public Library District are under the supervision of the Library Director. B. Organizational Relationship The Library Director of the Sandwich Public Library District reports to the elected Board of Trustees of the Sandwich Public Library District. C. Value Statement The Library Director upholds the American Library Association Bill of Rights and the American Library Association Freedom to Read Statement. D. Work Activities Leadership Lead with a vision for the future. Organize and empower staff to be effective. Collaborate with Board and Staff on the planning and implementation of events and initiatives. Address patron concerns while upholding library policy. Be attentive to library trends and their local implications. Create strong relationships with City Council, Chamber of Commerce, Park District, and other appropriate local and regional organizations. Seek opportunities to develop leadership and organizational skills (e.g. continuing education). Administration Develop a comprehensive understanding of the Library District's mission, goals, strategic plan, documents, policies, procedures, services, and programs. Collect necessary statistics and prepare monthly agendas and board meeting packets for distribution. Stay informed in legislative and legal areas affecting the Library District. Maintain and store all required library legal documents for the time required by law. Manage records retention. Serve as FOIA officer and abide by FOIA regulations. Prepare and submit the following: Illinois Public Library Annual Report (IPLAR) Illinois State Library Per Capita Grant application Illinois Library Certification Participate in RAILS activities and regional groups. Personnel Interview, hire, orient, and delegate responsibilities to library employees. Develop/review staff job descriptions, recommend and administer personnel policies as approved by the Board of Trustees. Oversee work responsibilities to all classifications of staff. Define expectations for staff performance and set goals for service and programming. Work to promote high staff morale. Plan and promote staff professional growth through in-service programming, association memberships, and other continuing education opportunities. Schedule and approve all employee work hours and maintain accurate payroll records of sick and vacation hours. Approve and submit timesheets. Conduct monthly one on one meetings and annual performance reviews of senior staff. Maintain up-to-date personnel files on all employees. Be knowledgeable/willing to learn and to assist in all areas of library operations as needed. Fiscal Management Work in conjunction with the Board of Trustees to complete the following: Annual Working Budget Annual Budget and Appropriations Ordinance Annual Tax Levy Compliance with all publication requirements/deadlines for annual financial and reporting documents Implementation of staff compensation and benefits Manage all financial operations of the library, including the review and approval of receipts and expenditures. Collaborate with Accountant and Auditor. Seek bids and negotiate costs with outside vendors. Prepare monthly financial reports for Board Meetings. Research and apply for grants and search out new streams of revenue. Facilities Management Oversee maintenance of building and grounds; develop a budget and schedule for building maintenance, furnishings, equipment, and improvements. Proactively address the needs of library facility. Assess building and library grounds on a regular basis and keep Board updated on status. Solicit best bids/vendors for library projects. Effectively manage emergency or unforeseen facility issues. Other duties as assigned by President of the Board of Trustees How to Apply Interested candidates should submit the following: Cover letter including answers to the following questions: What does it take for a team to develop high levels of trust? How would you describe the value a library brings to its surrounding community that otherwise would not be present? Resume Three professional references Applications should be directed to: President, Sandwich Public Library District Board of Trustees Sandwich Public Library District, DeKalb County #J-18808-Ljbffr