Inform-Inspire-Delight! The Board of Trustees of the Hackley Public Library (Muskegon, MI) is looking to fill the position of Library Director. The Board seeks a Library Director who will inform, inspire and delight its 40,000+ residents through exciting programming, a dedicated staff making a difference, a vital Friends of the Library group, and strong collections – all through a beautiful, historic building (listed on the Michigan Register of Historic Places), in vibrant downtown Muskegon. Governed by a seven-member Board, the Library provides excellent services and programs with 28 staff, and a $1.9 million annual budget. The Library is well supported by its community-approval of a 2014 building bond allowed the Board and staff to identify areas for restoration and repair beginning in 2016. Too, the Library, through its “The Building of Character” fundraising campaign, raised $1.1 million in donations. A key opportunity is implementing the Library’s 2016-2020 Strategic Plan highlighting the Library’s core values: promoting access to knowledge, understanding, and wisdom; overcoming ignorance, intolerance, and indifference; promoting literacy and the free exchange of ideas; and conserving and celebrating its diverse national and local cultural heritage.
Responsibilities. Under the direction of the Library Board of Trustees, the Library Director develops, administers, supervises, and coordinates the work of the Library and staff, performs managerial duties related to personnel, budget, collection development, building maintenance, and library operations and services in conformity with Michigan State law and under the policies and strategic directions established by the Board of Trustees.
Qualifications. Minimum qualifications include a Master’s Degree of Library Science from an ALA-accredited program; four years in a post-professional library position; and the ability to obtain and retain Michigan Certification Level 1. Essential attributes and skills include: excellent communication and organizational skills; the ability and desire to plan, develop, and administer the activities of a public library; supervisory experience; a commitment to diversity; and demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the Board, staff and community stakeholders. Successful experience as a library director reporting to a governing board, proven community engagement activities, and experience with a successful millage campaign are highly desirable.
Compensation. The starting salary range is $80,000 - $92,000 (with placement dependent upon experience and qualifications) with an attractive benefits package.
Muskegon, located on the shore of Lake Michigan, is a popular destination. With beautiful beaches, parks and lakes, summer and winter outdoor opportunities include water sports, cross country skiing, biking, and hiking. Muskegon’s cost of living as a waterfront destination is one of the lowest in the country with many lifestyle options – from downtown lofts and condos to single-family homes. Downtown Muskegon is experiencing a resurgence in growth and renewal—including a thriving Farmer’s Market, the Frauenthal Center for the Performing Arts, the West Michigan Symphony Orchestra as well as the well-regarded Muskegon Museum of Art. A desired destination for young professionals, Muskegon is an attractive, exciting place to live and grow. Both Chicago and Detroit are within a few hours’ drive. For more information about the Library, Muskegon, and the area, please see Muskegon Links.
Jobeth Bradbury, jobethbradbury@bradburymiller.com
For further information contact Bradbury Miller Associates 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 Jobeth Bradbury on or before the close date of August 19, 2018.