Library Director

Library Director-Downers Grove (IL) Public Library

Discover Downers Grove! The Downers Grove Public Library Board of Trustees seeks a new Library Director to maintain and grow this excellent library program.  Work with the Board to determine the strategic direction for the library; serve as the “face of the Library” with the local and regional community; develop and implement plans for interior renovation and space design, new library programs, and innovative technologies; and work with the Friends of the Library and the Foundation to develop alternative funding streams to enrich library services. The successful candidate must have excellent communication skills that inspire and motivate; experience as budget officer developing annual budget proposal linked to Board policies and priorities; be a good listener who is responsive to needs and concerns of staff, patrons, and the community; and have the ability to create a shared vision of excellent library services. See www.gossagesager.com/DGjobdesc.pdf for the complete job description.

The dynamic Downers Grove Public Library (http://www.downersgrovelibrary.org)  serves  the Village of Downers Grove, Illinois (a population of 47,833) with a newly expanded 67,000 square foot facility, a dedicated staff (55 FTEs), an active Friends organization, a Library Foundation, and an operating budget of $4 million.  The Library loans 1 million items annually and provides an outstanding array of programs and services to the community--30,000 people carry Downers Grove library cards! The Library is an independent library with a permanent tax rate exclusively dedicated to public library services. It is governed by a 6-member appointed library board that focuses on outcomes and looks to the director and management team to devise creative implementation strategies.

Named by the Chicago Tribune as one of the region’s Ten Best Historic Areas, The Village of Downers Grove (http://www.downers.us) is a comfortable  western Chicago suburb that combines residential suburban living balanced with economic growth. Residents, small businesses and large corporations thrive in the small town “feel” of Downers Grove. Located strategically with commuter rail service to Chicago and access to two major airports, the Village has award winning public schools, Midwestern University, extensive  downtown revitalization through thoughtful planning , and 600 acres of parks and recreational facilities.  Additional information on the Downers Grove Public  Library and  the Village of Downers Grove can be found at: www.gossagesager.com/downersgrovelinks.htm.

Minimum requirements: an MLS from an ALA-accredited program with a broad knowledge of the principles and practices of librarianship; eight years of public library experience in increasingly responsible positions with a minimum of four years at the management level. Essential skills include: excellent administrative, financial planning, communication, and personnel management skills; ability to speak to diverse groups concerning library affairs; ability to handle critical incidents and resolve conflicts involving patrons, staff, materials, or facilities;  ability to participate in meetings and conferences outside of normal working hours; ability to inspire and lead staff; initiative, awareness and vision in developing library services; and skill in building and maintaining effective relationships with the Library Board, staff and with community leaders.  Successful experience reporting to a governing board, developing a strategic plan and experience in library technology  are preferred.

Compensation: The starting salary range is negotiable from $100,000 depending on qualifications  with a competitive benefits package. 

For further information: Contact Dan Bradbury, danbradbury@gossagesager.com  or Jobeth Bradbury, jobethbradbury@gossagesager.com or by phone at 816-531-2468. To apply, please send a cover letter and current resume as Word attachments via email to jobethbradbury@gossagesager.com. Applications will be accepted until May 29, 2011.