Executive Director

Mid-Hudson Library System (NY)

Lead an innovative and accomplished New York library system to continue outstanding levels of service and effective resource sharing. The Board of Trustees of the Mid-Hudson Library System (or MHLS – headquartered in Poughkeepsie, NY), seeks an experienced library leader—responsive to member, staff, and community needs and skilled in focusing the efforts of a team of talented professionals—as its next Executive Director. MHLS, a regional system of sixty-six public libraries in Columbia, Dutchess, Greene, Putnam, and Ulster counties, works in partnership with its member libraries providing access to excellent library services for 650,000+ NY residents. With a $3.4 million annual budget and 22 system staff, MHLS is a member-focused model organization with a stellar reputation for collaborative planning and process, resulting in the 5 Year Plan of Service (2017-2021).

The Mid-Hudson Library System seeks a leader who believes in visible leadership, listening to all stakeholders, empowers others to act and serve with accountability, understands the demands of the evolving nature of the modern library and has the skills to create teams for excellence.

Key opportunities for the incoming Executive Director include: implementing and enhancing the 5 Year Plan of Service with a smart, focused staff team and member directors; local and state advocacy opportunities; seeking additional funding streams; and continuing to innovate library services and programs to a diverse—yet cohesive and committed—library membership.

The Hudson River Valley region offers a wealth of options to its residents. The river, forests, and mountains provide an outdoor playground for all types of recreational activities and interests. A 90-minute train ride takes you to Grand Central Terminal and access to New York City. There is also easy access to many wineries, shopping districts, theater performances, and fine dining in the local region as well. Good school districts plus renowned colleges and universities in the area round out the region, creating an excellent quality of life. The region is also home to the Culinary Institute of America. For additional details on MHLS, the region and its communities, see MHLS Links.

Responsibilities. The Executive Director serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Library System, and under the general direction of the 15-member Board of Trustees, has overall responsibility for general administration of System operations. The Executive Director supervises all managers and staff — and works with the Board, staff, member libraries, and major stakeholders to establish the strategic vision for the System, aligning its mission with member library and community needs and priorities. This is complex executive work planning, directing, managing and overseeing the activities and operations of the System.

Qualifications. Minimum qualifications include an ALA-accredited Master's Degree in Library Science; the ability to obtain and retain a New York State Public Librarian Professional Certificate; and a minimum of eight years of post-MLS experience, including two years which must have been in an administrative capacity. Essential attributes and skills include: vision, creativity, energy and enthusiasm; superior written and oral communications skills; meaningful public library experience; flexibility; political acumen; collaborative and consensus-building skills; experience in recruiting, mentoring, evaluating and retaining an excellent staff; and a desire to continue the tradition of excellence and innovation within the System. See the Executive Director Job Description for additional responsibilities and detailed qualifications. Success working with and reporting to a governing board and working in a union or civil service environment are additional preferred qualifications.

Compensation. The hiring salary range is $125,000-145,000 (placement being dependent on experience and qualifications) with an attractive benefits package.

For further information, contact Bradbury Miller Associates. Apply via email with a meaningful cover letter and your resume as Word or pdf attachments to Jobeth Bradbury This position closes June 10, 2018.

BRADBURY MILLER ASSOCIATES
4545 WORNALL RD., STE. 805, KANSAS CITY, MO 64111