Library Executive Director | Fox River Valley Public Library District

Posted on Jan 13, 2025

The Board of Trustees of the Fox River Valley Public Library District is seeking an Executive Director to lead our dynamic organization. We are looking for a passionate and positive leader who can inspire others and drive momentum within the team. The ideal candidate will possess strong interpersonal skills, enabling them to connect with diverse groups, including staff, community members, and stakeholders. They should have exceptional verbal and written communication abilities, along with a solid understanding of library budgets, financial management, and resource allocation. The candidate must be comfortable addressing both staff and community members with transparency and clarity. Additionally, they should have a deep understanding of the vital role libraries play in the community and a strong commitment to fostering inclusion, access, and connection.

Summary of Essential Duties

As the chief administrator of the library district, the Director, under the Board's guidance, oversees public service, library operations, personnel, fiscal management, and community relations. Responsibilities include hiring and evaluating staff, managing the budget in compliance with regulations, and securing funding. The Director also represents the library in the community, engages with representatives, and promotes services while fostering relationships with regional library partners, including Cooperative Computer Services (CCS) and Reaching Across Illinois Library System (RAILS).

Key Responsibilities

Community Engagement

  • Collaborates with the Board, library staff, local officials, and community members to achieve the library’s mission and maintain strong relationships.
  • Engages with the community to ensure the library meets their needs.
  • Spends time in the community, building partnerships with local organizations and schools
  • Utilizes outreach to expand the library’s base, learning from recent public experiences.
  • Embraces the changing demographics of the library district.
  • Committed to fostering a welcoming environment that promotes equity, diversity, and inclusion.
  • Demonstrates measurable experiences in cultural competence.
  • Actively participates in professional and civic organizations at local and state levels.

Operations & Finances

  • Administer the library's finances to ensure that budget management aligns with strategic priorities
  • Communicate regularly about the financial status of the library, maintaining transparency and accountability
  • Responsible for building maintenance, space planning, renovations, and modifications.
  • Lead initiatives to renovate and remodel various areas of the library to enhance the user experience.
  • Create and accurately manages a fiscal plan.
  • Utilize a working knowledge of library statutes and administrative rules.

Visionary Leader

  • Clearly define the library's mission and strategic vision to guide staff in achieving key goals while inspiring a unified and motivated team
  • Develop an innovative yet realistic vision for our library district.
  • Foster an environment that nurtures, guides, and encourages both personal and professional growth for all library staff
  • Stay informed about current library trends and best practices, continually striving to implement new services, including alternative delivery methods and technology.
  • Demonstrate a strong ability to manage change effectively.

Staff Engagement and Development

  • Foster a positive work culture by actively listening to and valuing feedback from staff.
  • Provide opportunities for healing and connection, facilitating open communication, team-building, and staff appreciation initiatives.
  • Champion the growth and development of library staff.
  • Develop and implement strategies to retain BIPOC staff
  • Hire the right people for key positions, ensuring a diverse, skilled, and engaged team.
  • Create professional development opportunities and encourage staff to improve and grow continuously.

Communications and Collaboration

  • Communicate regularly and clearly with staff, stakeholders, and the public about the library’s vision and goals.
  • Collaborate with district leadership and public service agencies to align with broader priorities.
  • Establish effective communication with library staff, the Board, and the community
  • Advocate for the needs of library staff and constituencies
  • Provide timely and relevant information to staff, the Board, and the public.
  • Ensure transparency regarding goals, mission, and vision
  • Foster a culture of appreciation, trust, and growth among staff.
  • Recognize staff strengths and build their capacity
  • Recommend and implement policies.

Compensation, Benefits, and Application Process

Compensation

The Board will offer an attractive and competitive salary commensurate with the selected candidate's qualifications and experience. The salary is $120,000 - $130,000 DOQ, with the middle and high end reserved for candidates who meet or exceed the preferred qualifications.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, and life insurance. The employer contributes to the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund, and employees can optionally participate in a 457(b) deferred compensation plan or Roth IRA. Paid time off includes vacation, sick, personal, holiday, and bereavement leave.

Applications received by February 7, 2025, will receive first consideration.

Requirements

Preferred Qualifications

  • Master of Library Science (MLS) from an ALA-accredited university
  • A minimum of eight years of professional public library service, including three years of increasingly responsible supervisory experience.
  • Experience leading organizational change and fostering team cohesion during transitions.
  • Strong background in facility management or library space design and renovation.
  • Proven ability to build and sustain relationships with external stakeholders, including donors, government officials, and community groups.
  • Knowledge of library technology, trends, and services, and how to leverage them for better community impact

We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may come from a less traditional background. The Library may consider an equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet the necessary qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role.

Salary

The salary is $120,000 - $130,000 DOQ, with the middle and high end reserved for candidates who meet or exceed the preferred qualifications.

Location

Fox River Valley Public Library District
555 E Barrington Avenue
East Dundee, IL 60118
United States

How to apply

Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references to directorcandidates@stackscg.com.  For more information on the position: https://www.stackscg.com/jobs/fox-river-valley-director-search.

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