Library Services Director

Town of Hopkinton MA•Hopkinton, MA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Town of Hopkinton is seeking an experienced, collaborative, and forward-thinking library professional to serve as our next Library Services Director. The Town of Hopkinton is committed to equal opportunity, and we encourage diversity and inclusion in our workforce. We believe a culture of inclusion strengthens our organization and contributes to making Hopkinton a great place to live and work. We welcome all qualified candidates to apply. Hopkinton is a vibrant community of approximately 20,000 residents, located 26.2 miles west of Boston and perhaps best known as the starting point of the Boston Marathon. At the heart of the community is the Hopkinton Public Library, a welcoming and well-used community resource with a strong tradition of service, programming, and connection. The Library serves more than 110,000 visitors annually and offers nearly 1,000 programs and events each year. Its historic building, thoughtfully renovated and expanded in 2017, combines the character of the original Library with modern, flexible spaces, including a dedicated CreatorSpace for hands-on learning, creativity, and exploration. And there is important work ahead. The Library is developing its next five-year strategic plan, which will help establish priorities and direction for the years ahead. Depending on the timing of the recruitment, the next Director will have an opportunity to contribute to the planning process and will play a key leadership role in bringing the plan to life through its implementation and ongoing evaluation. Appointed by and under the direction of the Library Board of Trustees, the Library Services Director provides strategic leadership and directs the administration and operation of the Hopkinton Public Library. The Director leads a team of nine full-time employees and a robust part-time staff providing approximately 160 hours of service each week, supported by additional substitute staff. The Director is responsible for creating an effective organizational and supervisory structure that supports staff development, accountability, collaboration, and excellent public service. This is a highly visible leadership position requiring someone who can balance the many dimensions of modern public library leadership: supporting and developing staff, engaging with the community, managing resources responsibly, thinking strategically about services and facilities, and building strong working relationships with an engaged Board of Trustees, Town administration, other municipal departments, and community partners.

Requirements

Master's Degree in Library Science from an ALA-accredited program.
State Certification of Librarianship from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.
Seven or more years of progressively responsible experience in library administration, including personnel management, fiscal management, program development, and oversight of library facilities.
Three or more years of supervisory experience, including demonstrated leadership and experience mentoring staff.
Demonstrated knowledge of public library administration, including operations, budgeting, community engagement, personnel management, staff development, and long-range planning.

Nice To Haves

Experienced, collaborative, and forward-thinking library professional.
Ability to think strategically while remaining connected to staff, patrons, and the everyday work of the Library.
Values collaboration and clear communication.
Comfortable leading within both a municipal organization and a Board-governed environment.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic leadership and guide long-range planning, including development and implementation of the Library's five-year strategic plan.
Lead, mentor, and develop Library staff while fostering an effective organizational and supervisory structure.
Strengthen the Library's role as a welcoming community gathering place and promote equitable access to Library services and resources.
Build relationships with residents, community organizations, schools, Town departments, and other partners.
Oversee Library operations, collections, technology, programming, service delivery, and facilities.
Develop and recommend policies in collaboration with the Board and implement Board-approved policies and procedures.
Prepare and manage operating and capital budgets in collaboration with the Board and within established Town processes.
Oversee grants, procurement, financial controls, and other fiscal responsibilities.
Serve as Hopkinton's public library expert, remaining current with developments in the profession and applicable local, state, and federal requirements.