Library Director

Selecting Pleasant Hill, Iowa, as the place to live, do business, and work is intentional. People choose Pleasant Hill because they share in the community’s commitments. They want a thriving quality of life, a strong school district, and the closest connection to the vibrant attractions of downtown Des Moines while enjoying neighborhood-level access to more than 300 miles of peaceful trails. They value engagement and partnership. They want to make a difference. So, they are intentional. They choose Pleasant Hill. 

The City continues to invest in amenities the community wants and needs. City Staff and elected officials are relentlessly committed to transparency and integrity to achieve the community’s strategic vision. Pleasant Hill offers the opportunity to partner with two strong school districts to advance library initiatives and literacy skills. Pleasant Hill embraces change that engages the community and best serves the growing community. The city’s population grew by nearly 10% in the last five years. Projections show this growth continuing. Each day, City staff and elected officials are Intentional and Transparent, and work with Integrity toward common goals set forth in the City’s Comprehensive and Strategic Plans. 

OPPORTUNITY OVERVIEW

The Library Director role offers an exceptional opportunity for an experienced library professional to shape and enhance library services. This role will oversee all aspects of library operations, organizational and team leadership, managing collections, and ensuring the delivery of innovative programs for patrons of all ages. This position combines strategic leadership, administrative expertise, program development, and community engagement to foster a welcoming and resourceful library environment. The Library Director will also spearhead outreach efforts, collaborate with city departments and community organizations, and contribute to the strategic vision that positions the library as a cornerstone of the community. If you are passionate about connecting people with information, fostering lifelong learning, and building community partnerships, this role is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES

Organizational Leadership

Provide strategic direction and oversight for all library services and operations, community programs, team leadership, maintaining effective communication with the library board, city officials, and the public, and fostering collaboration and accountability to drive the library’s mission.

Community Engagement & Program Management

Develop and promote programs that serve all age groups through community outreach, coordinating events, and partnering with other city departments to leverage consistent, new, and existing marketing tactics and communication strategies.

Operational & Financial Oversight

Oversee the financial and operational activities to ensure effective budget management, prepare reports for the board, and make recommendations on purchases and expenses of library materials and equipment.

Policy & Procedure Development, Board Engagement

Create and maintain library policies and procedures to ensure consistency and compliance. This includes board governance, preparing agendas and reports for library board meetings, evaluating and seeking input on library policies and ensuring that operations align with established policies to support effective decision-making and accountability.

**Resource Services & Collection Management **

Manage and provide assistance for computer-based services, including Internet access, software, and equipment, recommend purchases, maintenance, and repair or replacement of materials, manage the overall collection, ensuring that the collection meets community needs, is up-to-date and accessible

SKILLS & RELATED EXPERIENCE

•        Ability to lead and manage a team, including full-time and part-time staff, with strong decision-making and problem-solving skills.
•       Excellent verbal and written communication abilities to interact with staff, patrons, the library board, and other community stakeholders.
•       Strong interpersonal skills to provide excellent service to library patrons and address their needs effectively.
•       Knowledge in selecting, acquiring, cataloging, and managing library materials that meet the needs of the community.
•       Familiarity with library management systems, computer hardware and software, and digital resources (eBooks, online subscriptions, etc.).
•       Ability to plan, organize, and execute library programs and services, including special events and community outreach.
•       Program development or supervisory experience in a public library.

EDUCATION & REQUIREMENTS

**Required Education **

Masters Degree in Library or Information Science from an American Library Association (ALA)  accredited program

Experience Required

5+ years of progressively responsible professional experience in the public library setting or similar experience

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

The Pleasant Hill Library offers a comprehensive benefits package and salary based on experience starting at $110,000+

How to Apply

APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS

Apply​

• Interested candidates complete the online application. available at https://recruiterflow.com/sagency/jobs/251
• Upload your resume and cover letter.​
• The online application will be posted until the position is filled. ​
• If you are interested in the position, please inquire as soon as possible.​

Initial Screening​

• A Sagency Search Consultant may schedule an initial 15-20 minute phone call with qualified applicants. ​

Sagency Interview​

• A Sagency Search Consultant will schedule a 60-minute interview with specific candidates. ​

Online Assessment​

• After this initial interview process with Sagency, qualified candidates may be asked to complete an online assessment prior to scheduling an interview with Pleasant Hill Search Committee. ​

Client Interviews​

• First-round interviews with Pleasant Hill Search Committee

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