Library Director

The Urbana Free Library is seeking an innovative leader to serve as their next Executive Director. This dynamic leadership position reports to a nine-member Board of Trustees, oversees a staff of 68, and is responsible for the executive administration of the Library’s Patron Services [Patron Services, Community Engagement, and the Champaign County Historical Archives] and Operations [Collections, Information Technology, Facilities, and Human Resources] divisions. In addition to organizing, directing, and evaluating all Library functions, operations, and activities, the Executive Director will prioritize patron satisfaction, community collaboration, civic engagement, funding, and staff safety and development.

About the Library and Community

The Urbana Free Library’s mission is to encourage learning and enrich lives by providing access to diverse resources and programs. The Library employs 70 dedicated staff and its FY2025 budget is approximately $5.3million. Founded in 1874, The Urbana Free Library has been serving the Urbana community for over 150 years and is one of the oldest public libraries in the state of Illinois. The Library was established when the subscription library model was popular, so the city felt compelled to be clear that the Library was free and open to the public. The name stuck. The Urbana Free Library continues to embody its original mandate to serve the public, while also evolving to serve the ever-changing needs of its patrons.

Located in the heart of Champaign County in east central Illinois, Urbana [population 38,200] is the home of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, the state’s flagship public university and one of the preeminent research institutions in the world. Also, the  University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has been the top-ranked MLIS degree program in the country since 1996. With the help of four beautiful seasons, a richly diverse population, a Big Ten University, two regional medical centers, and a vibrant arts and entertainment scene, Urbana offers a variety of services, recreation, and culture. 

The City of Urbana boasts an outstanding quality of life and low cost of living. Due to its natural assets and college setting, Urbana offers residents a metropolitan feel with small-town charm. The highly ranked school districts, park district, cultural amenities, and award-winning mass transit district also highlight the community's dedication to excellence.

Position Qualifications and Compensation

• A Master’s degree in Library and Information Science [MLIS] is required.
• Five years of progressively responsible library managerial experience, including at least three years of supervisory experience, is required.
• Experience collaborating and partnering with trustees, civic/community partners, local businesses, and other key stakeholders is required.
• Experience leading projects and teams to enhance facilities, collections, programs, services, and team members is required.
• Bilingual language skills [especially Spanish, French, or Chinese] are preferred.
• Experience working collaboratively in a union environment and in collective bargaining is preferred. 

A generous compensation package includes a competitive starting pay range of $115,000 to $135,000; generous paid time-off allowances; medical, dental, and vision insurance; retirement plan; and more.

How to Apply

To Apply

To be considered for this position, please submit your resume and a cover letter [including salary requirements] to: [email protected]. 

Application Contact

Ryan Sheehan

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