Scarborough is a diverse and growing community in coastal southern Maine and is the largest town in the state with approximately 24,000 residents. The town is rich in natural resources - with beaches, forests, and one of the largest tidal estuaries in Maine - while its excellent schools and significant commercial base continue to attract new residents. As one of the fastest growing towns in Maine, Scarborough is facing the challenges of new residents and their needs. However, even though a library expansion referendum recently was voted down, the Library continues to enjoy strong support and operational funding from the town, and maintains excellent and collaborative relationships with other municipal departments.
Although most funding comes from the town, as a 501(c)(3) corporation, Scarborough Public Library is operationally distinct, and is able to set its own objectives and raise funds externally. After over 120 years since its founding, and over 30 years since it moved to its present facility, the Library is entering a new phase of strategic planning. As such, in addition to seeking a strong operational leader, the Trustees are looking for a candidate who is excited to develop a new strategic vision for the Library, and to work with the broader community to implement such a vision. The role offers the opportunity to make a transformative difference to both our Library and the town itself.
Position Overview
This highly responsible position performs administrative, supervisory, and library and information sciences professional duties in directing the full range of public library management functions within a 501(c)(3) corporation. Duties include the development, planning, administration, and management of staff, budget, internal policies, collections, communications, and general library functions. Work is performed under the general direction and sole discretion of the Library Board of Trustees.
In the wake of the recent unsuccessful bond referendum and ongoing discussions regarding the broad spectrum of community resources and capital expenditure planning, the position will oversee the development of a new strategic plan for the Library, including re-envisioned fundraising, property development and expansion, and mission development planning. The position will serve as an ambassador for the library, engaging the Trustees, town officials, and Scarborough community in developing a vision of an expansive role for the Library in the future of the town.
The position requires demonstrated independent judgment, initiative, and decision-making skills, along with communications and engagement skills to deal on a daily basis with a broad set of constituents. Also required are demonstrated skills in managing a combination of full-time, part-time, paid and volunteer, professional, unskilled, and contracted staff; as well as relationship management skills across a range of constituencies, including Trustees, town officials, community leaders, the media, and members of the public.
Qualifications
Completion of an American Library Association accredited master's program in library or information sciences is required, plus a minimum of five years public library experience. Demonstration of progressively increasing management and personnel oversight responsibilities, including the development of department-level budgets. Ideally, the candidate will have experience raising monies via direct fundraising, and will have administered or helped devise a multi-year year strategic plan with a significant component of external non-profit fundraising, and a track record of success.
Compensation
The Library Director is compensated on a scaled basis, subject to periodic update and an annual COLA adjustment. The candidate chosen for the role can expect a starting salary of $100,000 to $120,000, with ultimate determination based on experience and qualifications. A generous benefits package includes: paid vacation, and personal and sick time; health, dental, life, and disability insurance; and 401 and 457 retirement plans. Relocation benefits are available for the right candidate.
How to Apply
The Trustees have established a Transition Committee which is accepting applications through a dedicated and private email, apply@scarboroughlibrary.org, and will begin the process of reviewing applications and considering finalists on May 31, 2023.
The Scarborough Public Library is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
LIBRARY DIRECTOR
FULL JOB DESCRIPTION
The Library Director plans, organizes, directs, and manages all aspects of public library services in accordance with the policies established by the Scarborough Public Library Corporation Board of Trustees (the Board). Subject to the general guidance provided by the Board, this professional employee works independently in supervising the operation of the library.
ACCOUNTABILITY
This position is accountable to the Board. Evaluation will be by the Board on an annual basis.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Planning and Policy Making
Evaluates programs of services and makes changes as necessary;
Evaluates policies governing the library and reports needed changes to the Board;
Evaluates developments in the library and information professions for applicability to local needs;
Collects and analyses community and library data;
Assists the Board in the development and implementation of a strategic plan;
Develops a donor development strategy with the Board;
Works closely with the Board, staff, and community partners to develop a long-term building expansion plan.
Fiscal Management
Prepares the annual budget for presentation to the Board;
Attends meetings and assists the Board in presentation of the annual budget to the Town Manager and the Town Council;
Administers the day-to-day operation of the budget;
Reviews all deposits and invoices and signs checks in accordance with financial controls;
Records and acknowledges monetary donations to the library and directs the disposition of the funds based on guidelines established by the Board;
Collaborates with the Board in all fundraising conducted on behalf of the library including activities organized by the staff and Friends of the Library;
Represents the library in completion of the annual audit and maintenance of internal financial controls.
Personnel Management
Provides leadership in establishing effective working relationships and communication, ensuring quality public service;
Oversees and is responsible for supervising the management of staff, delegating authority as needed;
Administers the personnel policies of the library;
Recruits, selects and hires library personnel;
Administers changes in job status including promotion, demotion, or termination;
Evaluates staff members under the director's direct supervision and oversees the evaluation of other staff members by their respective supervisors;
Coordinates staff training and continuing education opportunities;
Conducts an orientation program for new staff members;
Promotes the recruitment and recognition of volunteers to assist paid staff;
Ensures policies and compensation conform to state and federal employment law;
Ensures safe and supportive work environment.
Management of Services
Directs the daily operation of the library to ensure the highest quality services and the most effective use of resources;
Supervises the selection, acquisition, and weeding of all library materials;
Initiates and develops programs in anticipation of and/or in response to community needs;
Identifies and secures resources, equipment, and technology to enable staff to provide and deliver the highest quality services;
Oversees technology training of library staff to assure a high level of technological competency.
Property Management
Manages the physical plant and grounds;
Ensures servicing of library equipment;
Selects and supervises grounds and maintenance personnel;
Ensures safe conditions for staff and public within the building and on the grounds;
Negotiates service contracts;
Recommends improvements and additions for inclusion in the planning and budgeting process;
Responds to building emergencies and takes appropriate action;
Develops and reviews emergency preparedness plans.
Public and Community Relations
Ensures prompt written and/or oral response to public requests, concerns, and questions;
Conducts a comprehensive public relations program employing news releases, newsletters, brochures, posters, displays, television, and computer transmission;
Acts as library spokesperson and coordinates all releases and statements to the media;
Acts as the library liaison to the Friends of the Library;
Acts as liaison between the library and town departments and administration;
Represents the library at town meetings and other municipal functions;
Addresses community groups to inform them of library resources and services;
Identifies issues of library image to be addressed by the community relations committee;
Evaluates the library's public relations plan and makes recommendations to the Board for inclusion in the long-range plan.
Responsibilities to the Board
Attends monthly meetings of the Board, developing an agenda each month with the President of the Board;
Provides monthly and annual reports to the Board concerning operations and programs;
Acts as the liaison between the Board and the staff;
Assigns staff members as consultants to Board committees;
Acts as the corporation clerk for required reports to the Secretary of State.
QUALIFICATIONS
Completion of an ALA accredited master’s degree program in library or information science plus a minimum of five years of public library experience with progressively responsible administrative and supervisory duties;
Demonstrated managerial expertise and knowledge of good supervisory and personnel practices;
Knowledge of current and emerging trends in information and library technologies is expected.
PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES
The Library Director displays a personal commitment to long-term professional development to keep abreast of new technologies, management practices and library theory.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS
While performing the duties of this job, the Library Director is regularly required to talk and hear. The Library Director is also regularly required to stand, walk, sit, reach with arms and hands, climb or balance, stoop, kneel or crouch, and must occasionally lift and/or move objects of up to 50 lb. and transport loaded book carts and book bags.
Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, color vision, and ability to focus. The Library Director will frequently use current and emerging forms of technology in performing their role.
The position is full-time onsite; no remote working accommodations are available. ADA accommodations are available subject to all other qualifications being met.
WORK SCHEDULE
The position is full-time; the Library's opening hours are Monday through Saturday. The work schedule includes a mix of weekday, evening, and occasional weekend hours based on the operating, staffing, and programming needs of the library and may require working more than the minimum 40 hours a week. Flexibility in scheduling is necessary.
WAGE AND BENEFITS
The Library Director is compensated on a scaled basis, subject to periodic update and an annual COLA. This is a salaried position exempt from overtime pay. The candidate chosen for the role can expect a starting salary of $100,000 to $120,000, with ultimate determination based on experience and qualifications. A generous benefits package includes paid vacation, personal, and sick time; health, dental, life, and disability insurance; and 401 and 457 retirement plans. Relocation benefits are available for the right candidate.