The Board of Trustees of the Cranford Public Library is seeking an energetic professional to become our next library director. Under general supervision of the Board of Trustees, the successful candidate will assume leadership of a thriving suburban library and a vibrant center of the community, with an active and engaged patron base and a full schedule of programs, services and activities. The Director will work with the Board of Trustees and the library staff to continue the outstanding level of service the library currently provides.
The ideal candidate will be knowledgeable about library legislation on the local, state and national levels and involved in the professional library community, through groups such as the American Library Association, the New Jersey Library Association, or similar organizations. The promotion of equal access to information and intellectual freedom is of paramount importance to the library and the library board.
The Director’s responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Day to day operation of the library according to the policies adopted by the Board of Trustees.
- Communicating on a regular basis with the library board.
- Recruitment, supervision and evaluation of the library staff.
- Leadership of a management team of administrative staff and department heads
- Researching, recommending and implementing new technologies to improve library service to the public.
- Preparation of the library's annual operating and capital budgets (in consultation with the library board and library staff) and seeking additional sources of funding if feasible.
- Working with the library board to develop and implement the library’s long range strategic plan.
- Preparing for, and attendance at, monthly library board meetings, including the creation of narrative and statistical reports.
- Facilitating regularly scheduled staff meetings.
- Maintaining effective working relationships with township officials and other township departments.
- Developing outreach efforts to community organizations and patrons of all ages.
- Working with the Friends of the Cranford Public Library.
- Preparing publicity announcements, news releases and flyers.
- Cultivating the library’s digital presence, services, and collections.
- Handling special projects as assigned by the Board of Trustees.
- Performance of other duties as required.
Qualifications: An ALA accredited MLS/MLIS or equivalent degree. Applicant should also have a thorough knowledge of professional library principles, practices, methods and knowledge of all phases of public library work, including the role of the library board. Applicant should possess strong interpersonal skills, including communication, (verbal and written), and personnel management. A strong background in technology and the use of social media is required. A minimum of five years of public library experience, with at least two years in a supervisory position is required. Experience with integrated library system software is required. (SirsiDynix ILS software preferred). Knowledge of cataloging and classification standards for public libraries (MARC, Dewey) is required.
Compensation: Compensation is commensurate with experience and skills, and salary levels recommended by the New Jersey Library Association.
Application Process: Submit your cover letter and resume to Search Committee, cplsearch [at] lmxac.org. Please include “Director Search” in the subject line. Documents should be sent as attachments in Microsoft Word or PDF only. Candidates under consideration will be asked for three professional references. For consideration, materials must be received by February 1, 2023.
The Cranford Public Library is an ADA compliant / equal opportunity employer.