Executive Director, Mid-Hudson Library System

The Board of the Mid-Hudson Library System (MHLS), an Equal Opportunity Employer, is expanding its search for the position of Executive Director due to the June retirement of the 10-year incumbent. Based in Poughkeepsie, New York, MHLS is a state-supported cooperative/ interdependent system of 66 large and small local libraries in a five-county region of the mid-Hudson River valley. 17 full-time and 8 part-time employees provide a wide range of catalogue, circulation, program, support, and technology services to the member libraries. Program Plan of Service and annual budget application require State approval.

The Executive Director reports to the Board of Trustees and will provide oversight and leadership for the staff in developing these programs and services. Extensive communication and interaction with the Directors and Boards of the member libraries is required to determine the specific mix which will best meet the needs of the member libraries. The Executive Director will represent the system and member libraries at NYLA and in other professional venues.

The successful candidate will:

• Be a visible leader willing to become thoroughly acquainted with our system needs and the needs/personnel of the member libraries
• Be an exceptional listener and communicator with outstanding interpersonal skills
• Be an administrator who empowers others but remains accountable for all areas of planning, oversight, personnel, and budget
• Be a public librarian with the exceptional experience, flexibility, and vision to help our system provide continuing high levels of service to our member libraries in our current economic climate, and to help our system evolve to meet future needs and constraints

Qualifications:

• Hold a Master of Library Science (MLS) degree from an ALA-accredited institution
• Hold or be eligible to hold a New York State Public Librarian Certificate
• Have eight or more years of professional library experience (post MLS) at least two years of which shall have been in an administrative capacity
• Be familiar with, or demonstrate the ability to become familiar with the unique relationship between local libraries and library systems in New York State

Pay Range: $105K/year – Negotiable depending on experience – Competitive benefits

To Apply: Please submit a cover letter, resume, and three professional references to MHLSsearch@gmail.com Application review to begin on August 1, 2010.