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Walla Walla County Rural Library District Board of Trustees seeks a spirited leader with a deep commitment to rural library service for its next Executive Director. The Walla Walla County Rural Library District, http://www.wwrurallibrary.com/, was established in 1972 with a permanent tax base and operates as an independent municipal corporation under Washington State law. The County Commission appoints five members to 5-year staggered terms on its Board of Trustees. As a body, the Board holds all subsequent legal authority. With an annual budget of $1.1 million and 14.68FTEs, the District serves the 17,000 rural residents of unincorporated Walla Walla County and the City of Prescott with five small branches, a digital branch, and an administrative office. It is currently engaged in a $5.3 million building program (with funding secured) which includes a new County Central Library and Administrative Center to be located in the city of College Place and expansion of facilities in Prescott, Burbank, and Touchet. The communities served by the Library District are diverse small towns that see their libraries as community centers and gathering places—integral to community life. Walla Walla County, http://www.co.walla-walla.wa.us/index.shtml, is in southeastern Washington State along the Oregon state line. The rolling hills and the mountain backdrop are the perfect rural setting. This area is known for its agriculture--apples, wheat, sweet onions, and vineyards. With over 100 wineries in the area and a thriving downtown, Walla Walla, the County seat, rivals many larger cities with its eateries, wine tastings, shops and art. In addition, several renowned institutes of higher learning -- Walla Walla University, Whitman College, and the award-winning Walla Walla Community College are in close proximity. For additional details on the Library District, the region and its communities, see http://www.gossagesager.com/WWlinks.htm. Responsibilities. The Executive Director reports to the Board and works under its vision and direction. As chief administrator, the Executive Director performs professional level organizational and library administrative tasks to provide effective and efficient services to the residents of the District. The Executive Director also leads strategic planning, implements operational procedures, oversees personnel, develops and manages the annual budget and financial plans, oversees the integration of current technologies, and exercises leadership in planning, designing, and maintaining District facilities. See the Executive Director job description (http://www.gossagesager.com/WWjobdesc.pdf) for additional details. Qualifications. The successful candidate will have an MLS from an ALA accredited program, five years progressively responsible management experience in public libraries, the ability to manage the corporate functions of an independent library district, the ability to obtain a Washington state driver’s license or provide for transportation needs, demonstrated knowledge of policies and procedures of sound public library management, full commitment to philosophical principles of public library service, and a commitment to serving rural and multi-cultural communities. This position is ideal for an energetic mid-career administrator with a high philosophical commitment to free public library service, flexibility to apply these principles in a changing information environment and the ability to inspire and sustain a teamwork approach in achieving success. Successful experience reporting to a governing board, interacting with community stakeholders, and success with Hispanic/Latino community ethos and needs are highly desirable. Compensation. The starting salary range is $67,300-$74,200 (placement being dependent on experience and qualifications) with an attractive benefit package.

For further information contact Bradbury Associates/Gossage Sager Associates, http://www.gossagesager.com/, via email or telephone. To start the application process, send a meaningful cover letter and your resume as Word or pdf attachments via email to Karen Miller, karenmiller@gossagesager.com, or Jobeth Bradbury, jobethbradbury@gossagesager.com, on or before the closing date—August 25, 2013. The Walla Walla County Rural Library District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.