“The difference is you…Discover More” as the next Executive Director of the William F. Laman Public Library System, (http://www.lamanlibrary.org/), North Little Rock, Arkansas! The Library Board of Trustees seeks a candidate with a commitment to public service who will build on the Library’s outstanding history of programs and services and its strong financial base to move the Library to its next level of excellence. The successful candidate will be a collaborative, energetic, proactive and supportive leader (with some creativity and innovation in the mix). Working with the governing Board (seven-member), the staff, and the citizens of North Little Rock, the new Executive Director will champion the Library as the literary and cultural heart for the community. The Library serves 66,075 residents with a dedicated staff of 28FTE and a $3.3 million annual operating budget from two locations—a Main Library and the recently opened (2014) Argenta Branch.
Responsibilities. The Library Executive Director is the chief administrative and financial officer who will advance and promote the mission, policies, and signature programs of the Library while being responsive to the changing needs of the community and developing and implementing a strategic plan in conjunction with the Library Board of Trustees. The Executive Director is responsible for all administration of library services and functions within the goals, guidelines, and policies established by the Board. For the complete position description, visit William F. Laman Public Library Executive Director Job Description (http://www.gossagesager.com/Lamanjobdesc.pdf).
Qualifications. A Master’s Degree in Library Science from an ALA-accredited school; and five years of professional-level library experience with at least three years of increasingly responsible administrative experience or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. Additional qualifications include knowledge of library trends and best practices, strong interpersonal communication skills, expertise in establishing and meeting financial objectives, the ability to lead an organization though change, and the ability to work collaboratively with Library Trustees, staff, local officials, and community agencies and organizations. Experience working with or reporting to a governing board is highly desirable.
North Little Rock (http://www.northlr.org/), part of the six-county Metropolitan Statistical Area, is a vibrant, lively, growing community drawing people of all ages, interests, and lifestyles. Located in Pulaski County on the Arkansas River, North Little Rock offers a small-town atmosphere with large-city offerings. The City is home to the 1,700 acre Burns Park, the Arkansas Travelers minor league baseball team, the Verizon Arena, and the Argenta Arts District (downtown North Little Rock). The commercial section of the district includes 18 historically significant buildings including North Little Rock City Hall, the North Little Rock Post Office (now the Argenta Branch of the Library), the Faucette Building, and the Old Central Fire Station. North Little Rock citizens also showed their commitment to “world class” public education passing a 2012 millage to allow construction of four new elementary schools and a greatly expanded high school. In addition to its educational, arts and cultural amenities, the North Little Rock region offers stunning scenery and outdoor recreational opportunities. It is a great place to live, work and play! To learn more about North Little Rock, the Library, and the region, see North Little Rock Links (http://www.gossagesager.com/LamanLinks.htm).
For further information, contact Bradbury Associates/Gossage Sager Associates (http://www.gossagesager.com) via email or phone. To start the application process, send a cover letter and resume as Word or pdf attachments to Dan Bradbury, danbradbury@gossagesager.com, or Jobeth Bradbury, jobethbradbury@gossagesager.com. The position closes August 2, 2015.