EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SEARCH, Albany Public Library

Application Deadline Extended and Residency Requirement Updated – 2/12/2104 

Albany Public Library Board of Trustees is seeking a dynamic, forward-thinking, experienced professional who possesses a proven track record in building partnerships, managing budgets, and leading change to be its new Executive Director.

RESPONSIBILITIES: This is an executive leadership position as top library administrator of an urban library system consisting of one Main Library and six community branches in surrounding city neighborhoods. The library serves the 98,000 residents of the city of Albany, NY as well as 350,000 more customers as the central library in the Upper Hudson Library System, a consortium of 29 member libraries in Albany and Rensselaer counties. The position is appointed by the Albany Public Library Board of Trustees, a nine-member elected body that is responsible for library funding, policies, services and programs, and facilities.
The Executive Director is responsible for fulfilling the comprehensive strategic plan, managing a $9.4 million annual budget, working with the Library’s Foundation Board on development and fundraising initiatives, spearheading work on the yearly public vote on the library tax levy, implementing and evaluating library programs and services, ensuring high-quality customer service interactions, implementing technology and other industry innovations, recruiting and retaining a diverse and skilled workforce that currently consists of 89 full-time equivalent positions, maintaining a safe and pleasant environment in seven different facilities, and representing the library in the community to build partnerships and positive public perceptions.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Graduation from a college or university registered by the New York State Education Department to grant degrees with a Master’s Degree or higher and eight years of full-time paid professional library experience in a library of recognized standing, three years of which must have been in an administrative capacity* over a complex operation. (*Administrative capacity is defined as spending the entire workweek planning, organizing, budgeting/allocating funds, staffing, and communicating.)

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Eligibility and application for a New York State Public Librarian’s Professional Certificate at the time of appointment. Experience working in a multiple branch library system in an urban environment. Executive Director must be a resident of the city of Albany or must relocate to the city of Albany within six months of the date of his or her appointment to the position.

IDEAL CANDIDATE: The ideal Executive Director candidate will be a/an:

Forward thinker who can steer the implementation and evaluation of a new, comprehensive strategic plan; identify emerging technology, facilities, service, and other trends and bring them to the library; and make the necessary decisions to ensure the library continues to be a vital and well-used community resource

Excellent advocate who can effectively share the library story with the public, potential funders, community partners, businesses, government organizations, and non-profit entities to ensure continuing support, good will, and funding for the library and its mission

Skilled collaborator who can seek out and cultivate partnerships with community organizations, businesses, and others who can work together to further the library’s programs, services, outreach, and financial stability; foster a culture of collaboration among staff; and build consensus to accomplish goals

Effective change manager who can lead the library through this time of great transition in an industry struggling to realign itself with customers’ changing needs, constantly evolving technologies and material-delivery mechanisms, and public perceptions about the value and necessity of public libraries

Trusted team leader who can rally and empower staff to evaluate programs and services and make changes to better serve customers; provide guidance, training, and coaching to employees so they reach their full potential in service to the library; and lead the charge to fulfill the library’s mission to educate, entertain, and empower the community

COMPENSATION: The minimum hiring salary is $100,000 annually. Competitive benefits including health, dental, vision, NYS Retirement, short-term disability, and the opportunity to participate in a deferred compensation program.

APPLICATION: Send cover letter, resume, and three professional references as MS Word or PDF attachments via email to HR Manager Marjorie Reinhart at reinhartm@albanypubliclibrary.org on or before closing date Feb. 25, 2014.

Albany Public Library is an AA/EO institution and is committed to increasing diversity within its organization