The Chester Library serves as a welcoming gathering place in the heart of our community. We are committed to developing strong relationships with residents in our borough and township, increasing library use, and modernizing our facilities. The Chester Library Board of Trustees is seeking an enthusiastic, community-focused leader who can actively engage with staff, residents, and local businesses and organizations. We are looking for a Director with strong financial management skills, who can also advance our plans to redesign the physical space of our library.
About Our Library
Chester Library sits in the heart of the community, and serves nearly 9,500 residents in both Chester Township and Chester Borough. Our library is inviting and community-focused, and enjoys strong support and a positive relationship with both the township and the borough. We have an annual budget of approximately $750,000; and a dedicated, experienced staff that includes 2 full-time and 17 part-time employees.
Central and inviting, our library provides information, resources, and a place to connect. Residents enjoy our wide range of services, including borrowing print and electronic materials, accessing museum passes, and participating in a variety of programming for all ages. Chester Library also offers meeting and study spaces that are available for community use. Our newly completed strategic plan will help us work collaboratively over the next few years to meet the evolving needs of our community.
Chester Library is a member of the MAIN Library Alliance, which includes 49 libraries in Hunterdon, Morris, Somerset, and Warren counties. Member libraries have access to over 3.1 million items, including print and electronic resources. As a member library, our staff benefits from professional development and the support of a large community of library professionals.
Surrounded by the scenic countryside of southwestern Morris County, Chester Library operates from a beautiful building that is within walking distance of a vibrant downtown. Chester is home to several local small businesses, as well as larger shops and dining. While the area provides easy access to major highways, nearby parks are home to hiking trails and other outdoor recreation activities.
About This Opportunity
The Chester Library Board of Trustees is seeking a Director to serve as an organizational and community leader of our joint municipal library. Our ideal candidate is energetic and resourceful, with strong interpersonal and fiscal management skills. Our new Director will prioritize outreach to new and existing residents, actively engage with the local business community, and oversee a redesign of our library space that is responsive to the needs of our community.
Required Experience
- An ALA accredited MLS/MLIS or equivalent degree.
- A New Jersey Professional Librarian certificate, or eligibility to acquire.
- At least 5 years of progressive professional public library experience. Director’s experience is preferred, but not required.
- Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
- Demonstrated experience building community relationships and partnerships.
- Experience managing a budget.
- Experience working with a library board of trustees.
- Ability to work with a staff and colleagues, including hiring new employees.
- Ability to think critically and creatively to solve problems and implement ideas.
- Current knowledge of library technology, trends, innovations, and New Jersey library law.
Notices:
Equal Opportunity Employer. Employees must comply with the "New Jersey First Act," which requires residency in New Jersey.
Compensation and Benefits:
This is a full-time position with a minimum salary of $94,000 (salary negotiable based upon experience). Benefits include: paid holidays, paid vacation, paid sick leave, health benefits, and enrollment in the PERS pension system.
For Further Information:
For more information about Chester Library please visit our website: https://chesterlib.org/
The Chester Library Board of Trustees has retained Library Crossroads Consulting to help with this important search. Please direct all inquiries to Library Crossroads: chesterlibrary [at] librarycrossroadsconsulting.com ().
To Apply:
Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume to chesterlibrary [at] librarycrossroadsconsulting.com (). Review of applications will begin immediately. The deadline to apply is June 23, 2023.