Library Director

Full-Time
New Paltz NY, Ulster County NY
Posted 3 months ago

Full Time – Elting Memorial Library

Library Director Search: Elting Memorial Library, New Paltz, NY

Elting Memorial Library, New Paltz, NY, seeks a Full-Time Library Director

Elting Memorial Library is an Association Library located in the heart of the Village of New Paltz, New York. It serves the Town and Village of New Paltz (combined population of 15,000) and is a member of the Mid-Hudson Library System. Encompassing a historic stone building and three extensions completed in 1962, 1978 and 2006, the Library celebrated its centennial at 93 Main Street in 2020. Its Haviland-Heidgerd Historical Collection is recognized as one of the best repositories of local history and genealogy in the Hudson Valley, visited by researchers from around the world.

The Library employs 17 staff members of whom seven are full-time, including the Director. The annual operating budget is approximately $850,000.

Founded in 1678 by Huguenots on land originally home to the Lenape people, New Paltz is an exurb of New York City situated between the Hudson River and the Shawangunk Mountains, a world-renowned rock climbing destination. Elting Memorial Library is located in the center of downtown New Paltz, within walking distance of the State University of New York at New Paltz.

Duties and Responsibilities Include

  • Recruiting and overseeing staff to carry out the mission, vision, and values of the library
  • Creating and administering an operational budget and participating in fundraising activities, including grant writing, donor relations, and other strategic funding initiatives
  • Overseeing the development of programs and services
  • Overseeing the maintenance of the library physical plant, including historic facilities
  • Exercising strong, cooperative leadership and communication with a diverse range of stakeholders including the staff, community organizations, volunteers, and the Board of Trustees
  • Providing leadership in the use of technology for library operations, programs, and services
  • Being the face of the library in the community and proactively engaging in advocacy for the mission, vision, and values of the library

             For a complete list of duties see the job description online

Qualifications

  • MLS or MSIS from an ALA-accredited institution
  • New York State Public Librarian Certification
  • A minimum of three years of senior-level leadership or administrative experience in the operation of a library
  • Demonstrated experience with public library operations preferred
  • A thorough knowledge of current trends, technologies, and best practices in public libraries
  • Commitment to professional development as demonstrated by participating in continuing education opportunities

Desired Personal Attributes  

  • Resourcefulness, enthusiasm, and flexibility, with the ability to motivate others
  • Strong commitment to ensuring equal access to resources, tools, information, and programming in a diverse community
  • Demonstrated commitment to inclusion in staffing, volunteer management, collections, programming and community relations
  • Excellent interpersonal skills including empathetic listening, conflict resolution, positivity, and collaborative problem-solving
  • Ability to communicate effectively across diverse populations in different modalities and settings
  • Ability to make connections to local business, government, and community leaders
  • Ability to envision, articulate, and realize a future for the library consistent with its mission, vision, and values statements as outlined in the library’s long-range plan

Salary and Benefits

  • Full-time position
  • Salary range $75,000-$85,000 commensurate with experience 
  • Health insurance and retirement contributions
  • Two weeks of vacation to start, and a Paid Time Off plan 
  • Paid sick leave in accordance with New York State law

Anticipated start date is early to mid-April, 2024.

How to Apply

Submit a cover letter, resume, and at least three references with contact information. References must include supervisors and colleagues.

Send to:

Hilary Cloos, Chair, Elting Search Committee

Elting Memorial Library

93 Main Street

New Paltz, NY 12561

or email to:  

directorsearch@eltinglibrary.org

Applications received by February 2, 2024 will receive priority. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

It is the policy of Elting Memorial Library to hire the best-qualified people who can perform their duties with confidence, courtesy and integrity. No one will be discriminated against because of race, color, religion, sex, age, ethnic or national origin, physical or mental disability, citizenship, veteran status, height, weight, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status or political affiliation.

Apply Online

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