Library Director

Town of Seekonk•Seekonk, MA

6d•$98,000 - $103,000

About The Position

Are you energetic, flexible and adaptable and love libraries, then this might be the perfect position for you. The Seekonk Library Board of Trustees is searching for an experienced and visionary Library Director to provide leadership for the Seekonk Public Library. This is a full-time role, offering a unique opportunity to guide a vibrant community resource dedicated to innovation, inclusivity, and lifelong learning. The incoming Director will join at a critical time, as the library is currently in the Design Development phase of an exciting Repair Project, allowing them to be involved with the renovation from the beginning. The Seekonk Public Library is a central, vital pillar of the community, strategically located to maximize its accessibility and influence. Its proximity to several schools and key public facilities has been instrumental in fostering strong, collaborative relationships with a wide array of town organizations. This central role allows the library to function far beyond a simple repository of books; it is the de facto town center and a primary meeting place. The library regularly hosts a diverse range of local organizations, civic groups, and youth programs, making it a true hub for community life and discussion. This deep, continuous engagement with the community's fabric empowers our professional librarians to go beyond standard programming. They are uniquely positioned to tailor their services, collections, and events to perfectly align with the specific needs, interests, and demographics of the community as a whole, ensuring the library remains a highly relevant and indispensable resource for every resident. The Library Director, operating under the general direction of the Board of Library Trustees, holds responsibility for the comprehensive management and administration of the Seekonk Library. This pivotal leadership role encompasses strategic planning, personnel oversight, fiscal management, collection development, policy implementation, public programming, and community relations. The Director is key to ensuring the library consistently fulfills the informational, cultural, educational, and recreational needs of the Seekonk community. Please note that this job posting serves as an introductory summary. It is not intended to be a comprehensive or exhaustive enumeration of every job duty, responsibility, or qualification requirement associated with the Library Director position. This position of Director of the Seekonk Public Library mandates an ALA-accredited Master of Library Science (MLS/MLIS) degree, 4-7 years of progressively responsible experience in library operations with significant managerial duties, and extensive expertise in library administration, fiscal management, personnel oversight, automation systems, and technology. Library Director Certification from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners (MBLC), while not required upon hire, must be obtained immediately as a condition of employment. This is a full-time, salaried position offering an annual compensation package within the range of $98,000 to $103,000. The final salary offer extended to the successful candidate will be determined based on a comprehensive review of their demonstrated qualifications, relevant professional experience, and alignment with the specific needs of the Seekonk Public Library.

Requirements

The Library Director position demands advanced theoretical and technical expertise in library science, information technology, and management to ensure the effective operation of the library.
Essential responsibilities include planning, organizing, and coordinating the primary functions of the library.
The role requires superior judgment, initiative, and leadership qualities, as well as the capability to anticipate and respond proactively to technical and administrative challenges within both the library and the broader town government.
The Library Director holds comprehensive authority over all library operations, operating within the broad guidelines established by library policy and the strategic plan developed by the Board of Library Trustees.
This includes supervising the management team and overseeing the planning and budgetary recommendations for the library's operational budget, which covers the facility, equipment, materials collection, and staffing.
The position also involves handling confidential and sensitive information related to the library, with errors in judgment carrying significant fiscal and legal consequences at the municipal level.
A thorough understanding of administrative and personnel management, as well as development, is essential for this role.
The Director must possess advanced skills in organizing, managing, and motivating library staff.
The ability to assess community needs is critical for developing and maintaining a library collection that effectively serves those needs.
Establishing strong relationships with other library professionals, the public, and officials at local, state, and federal levels is required.
The role also entails attending and actively participating in professional meetings and library associations to remain informed about current trends and developments affecting libraries.
Applicants must have a Master’s degree in Library Science from an ALA-accredited program and certification from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.
The Director role requires 4-7 years of progressive library management experience, expertise in administration, fiscal oversight, personnel management, automation, and technology.
Certification from the MBLC is required upon employment.
Candidates should be familiar with specialized practices, current technology, relevant laws, and possess initiative, leadership, and sound judgment.
Strong communication skills are necessary for interactions with various stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with a Library Board is essential.

Responsibilities

Supervising the operation of the public library
Administering personnel
Coordinating and planning all technical operations including technology developing public relations and marketing of library services promoting the use of the library coordinating and directing the day-to-day activities of the library.
Develop a private and public fundraising plan for the library
Formulates goals and objectives for presentation to the Board of Library Trustees.
Develops financial and strategic plans for the library.
Recommends policies and programs to achieve objectives.
Interprets goals, objectives, policies and procedures for staff and public.
Develops library environment supportive of the vision and mission of the library.
Coordinates staffing and resources to accomplish established objectives.
Assesses library needs and sets action plans.
Develops and recommends operating budget to trustees.
Prepares documentation for budget justification.
Presents budget requirements to various boards as required (Finance, Selectmen, etc.).
Tracks library budget and initiates corrective actions where required.
Evaluates and authorizes all purchase requests.
Manages spending from special gift and memorial accounts.
Recommends general categories of library needs for consideration of funding by the Trustees of the Seekonk Library Trust Fund.
Responsible for managing public library trust funds.
Formulates and advances the library's role—both traditional and innovative—within the community by introducing new services.
Serves as ex-officio member of the Board of Directors of the Friends of the Seekonk Public Library and Library Trust.
Recommends library support categories for the Friends of the Seekonk Public Library.
Supervises how funds donated to the public library by the Friends of the Seekonk Public Library are spent.
Writes grant requests and seeks additional sources of funds for the library.
Engages in state and regional library activities to ensure Seekonk Public Library accesses all available assistance.
Monitors compliance with local, state, and federal laws and regulations (Affirmative Action, Uniform Procurement, Workmen’s Compensation, etc.).
Represents Seekonk as a member of Sails Library Network.
Participates in professional programs and conferences to keep abreast of new methods and techniques for the improvement of the library operation.
Develops and implements operational procedures for building maintenance, including the monitoring of alarms and related systems.
Identifies long range needs and goals for building expansion and develops building program.
Notifies Trustees, Selectmen, and Public Works Department of building needs and problems, and coordinates necessary activities.
Determines equipment and furniture needs of building.
Prepares specifications for bid for non-bibliographic materials, equipment, furniture and services.
Coordinates cooperative library development and automation efforts with the school department.
Coordinates compliance of responsibilities and services with the Sails Network Administrator.
Performs Other duties as assigned by Board of Library Trustees.
Coordinates Management Team.
Determines staffing levels required to meet goals and objectives.
Job requirements are determined in compliance with the Town Personnel Policy.
Advertises for, interviews, evaluates and selects candidates for positions.
Hires personnel
Oversees training of personnel
Provides ongoing staff development to encourage motivation.
Provides work environment conducive to staff growth and development.
Implements Public Services Policy and training.
Evaluates performance of staff.
Oversees staff work schedules.
Co-chairs staff meetings and reviews quarterly staff reports.
Offers guidance and support to help staff enhance their work performance.
Recommends dismissal of non-performing employees to the Board of Library Trustees and Personnel Board.
Formulates library operating policies and procedures.
Coordinates operations of library departments.
Plans and coordinates implementation of new technology.
Analyzes user needs and interests to assess collection development and plan future programs.
Evaluates patterns of material use.
Supervises all aspects of the selection process.
Represents library in state cooperative book buying group.
Negotiates contracts for prices and services with publishers, dealers and jobbers.
Establishes policies and procedures of the purchase, exchange, lease, or rent of materials.
Promotes use of the library by publicizing its resources and services.
Develops and maintains liaison with local media and press, by providing press statements, articles and interviews.
Arranges and schedules exhibits of community interest at the library.
Represents the library in professional and governmental organization.
Coordinates volunteer recognition activities.
Accepts and acknowledges gifts and donations from the public.
Meets with library users and the general public to resolve any problems.
Educates community about library services.
Encourages and supports public involvement in the library.
Develops marketing plans addressing needs of various population segments.