“Advance Library Excellence” as the next CEO of the Southern Maryland Regional Library Association (SMRLA). With an excellent staff (15FTE), an annual $3 million operating budget, and a nine-member governing Board of Trustees, SMRLA will continue to provide new and ongoing library services and products to its three member libraries serving the 370,000+ residents of Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s Counties. The Board of Trustees seeks a progressive leader to be an enthusiastic advocate with State and local partners, an inspirational CEO for SMRLA staff, and a collaborative partner with its member Library Directors. Key opportunities for the CEO include implementing the strategic plan, creating a stronger regional library system through strong governance, continuing staff development, succession planning, and creating sustainable revenue streams. The successful candidate will be a co-partner with member Libraries in the areas of innovative technologies, resource sharing, advocacy, and exploration of future funding potential. Established by the State of Maryland, SMRLA is located in St. Mary’s County (Charlotte Hall), MD.
The three counties served by SMRLA—St. Mary’s County (113,000 population), Calvert County (91,000 population), and Charles County (146,000 population)—are centrally located in the Mid-Atlantic corridor close to Washington, D.C., Annapolis and Baltimore. Home to crabbing, fishing, and farming, the area is also home to the high-tech Naval Air Station Patuxent River and has a deep appreciation of a combined focus on its historical foundations and its dynamic outlook. Southern Maryland boasts a thousand miles of shoreline with fossil-laden cliffs, quiet tidal inlets and sandy beaches. The result of this unique geography is a maritime heritage of skipjacks, steamboats and lighthouses, a network of scenic byways joining resort towns and picturesque communities and an abundance of state and national parks offering a diverse variety of water-based recreational activities. The area also boasts of excellent public schools and a wealth of cultural amenities. To learn more about SMRLA and the area, see SMRLA Links.
Responsibilities. The CEO directs, coordinates, and manages the activities and operations of the Southern Maryland Regional Library Association. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, providing organizational leadership and direction to ensure optimal operations; recommend, develop and implement strategic initiatives in conjunction with the Board of Trustees, Member Library Directors, and SMRLA Staff; and serve as the principal representative to state government agencies and organizations to promote visibility, influence, and funding for SMRLA Libraries. In addition, the CEO will also oversee the ongoing programs and services offered by the Association and continue to enhance those programs and services offered to the citizens of Calvert, Charles and St. Mary’s Counties.
Qualifications. Minimum qualifications are: (1) a Master’s Degree in Library Science from an ALA-accredited program; (2) the Public Library Director’s Certificate from the Maryland State Library or the ability to secure such certification within 120 days of hire; and (3)a minimum of five years of experience in a library organization and three years in a supervisory role. Additional qualifications include knowledge of library trends and best practices, strong interpersonal communication skills, knowledge of state-of-the-art library technologies, and successful experience with budget preparation and financial reporting. Desirable skills also include the ability to work collaboratively with Trustees, Member Libraries, staff, and local and state officials and experience reporting to a governing board.
Compensation. The position offers a hiring salary range of $90,000 - $110,000 (dependent upon experience and qualifications), relocation assistance, and an attractive benefits package.
For further information, contact Bradbury Miller Associates. To start the application process, send a meaningful cover letter and resume as Word or PDF attachments to Karen Miller on or before the closing date of April 5, 2020.