Library Executive Director

Position: Library Executive Director (RC-01); Athens-Regional Library System Status: Full-Time with Benefits Submissions Close October 10, 2024

About Our Job The Athens Regional Library System (ARLS) located in northeast Georgia serves over 245,000 residents through eleven branches across five counties. ARLS sees more than 450,000 visitors with 111,000 registered borrowers and nearly 1 million material circulations. We believe a strong library is vital for a strong community. ARLS is committed to serving its residents through inspired programs, a balanced and well-curated collection of materials in all formats, a Trauma-Informed staff, innovative spaces, the latest technology, and equitable policies and procedures. The Library System is in the process of building a new facility.

For more information, go to athenslibrary.org. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

The Athens Regional Library System’s Board of Trustees is seeking an Executive Director to lead our innovative Library System to higher levels of success. Awarded four National Leadership Grant awards, honored as the 2017 Georgia Public Library of the Year, and the Southeastern Libraries Outstanding Program of the Year Award, ARLS has consistently been able to develop creative programs that meet the unique needs of county residents.

The Library Board seeks an executive to manage, plan, organize, evaluate, and administer all aspects of library service for the Athens Regional Library System. Duties and responsibilities include but are not limited to working with an Executive Team of senior-level management to oversee the management of 11 locations, the supervision of 140 full and part-time staff, directing operations, the financial management of a $5 million operating budget, grants review and administration, writing and implementing policies, evaluating services, and serving as a technical advisor to the five-county Boards and the Regional Board. This position reports to the Chairman of the Athens Regional Library Board.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities The following duties are normal for this job. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned by the Board.

• Coordinates the administrative operations of the Library System, including preparing system budgets, assuring bibliographic access, resource sharing, planning, directing, managing, and overseeing the activities of the System. Strives to position ARLS for the future through creative and innovative planning techniques.
• Supervises Senior Managers and works with the Board, staff, branch libraries, and major stakeholders to establish the strategic vision for the system, aligning its mission with member libraries. Collaborates with the Georgia Public Library Service on projects to further library development.
• Reports to the Board of Trustees on all matters pertaining to system policies, finances, governance, and any matter which the Board requests. Oversees the preparation of reports, and keeps the Board informed on current regional, state and national library issues. Meets all criteria for State Aid under the requirements of the State Library.
• Oversees the preparation of the annual budget and regular budget reports, monitors expenses, insures the fiscal integrity of the System. Works with support groups including the Friends organizations and the Athens-Clarke County Library Foundation to build funding. Develops entrepreneurial activities to generate additional sources of funding including vending, passports and a Library Store.
• Advocates locally, regionally, and nationally on behalf of public libraries to increase greater awareness of public libraries; increase community support, and facilitate sustainable funding. Works to maintain good working relationships and open communications with trustees, government officials, community groups and organizations.
• Hires, evaluates and directs System staff and policies, oversees personnel policies, benefit plans, maintains accurate records. Offers staff development training and continuing education programs for staff.
• Assists and consults with member libraries to develop collections designed to meet the needs of the counties, considers new technologies and formats. Also consults with member libraries about library development including facilities master planning, technology, and services designed to meet the needs of the member libraries.
• Coordinates with others the efforts to collaborate with other library systems that will be mutually beneficial.
• Involved in the development, review and implementation of the System Technology Plan. Oversees the maintenance and enhancement of physical plants and vehicles.
• Works to build partnerships within the communities for projects, grants, and activities. Communicates openly, clearly, and effectively to share a vision of library services.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• Manages and directly supervises staff including the coordination and administration of all library system programs as well as some non-supervisory staff.
• Responsibilities include authorizing the hire of all employees
• Interviewing, hiring, ensuring training, planning, assigning and directing work, appraising performance, disciplining and rewarding employees is accomplished appropriately,
• Addressing complaints and resolving problems.

Qualifications Master’s degree in Library Science from an ALA-accredited institution with eight or more years of administrative experience in a public library. Georgia Public Library certification through the Secretary of State’s Office at the G-5 level or higher is mandatory. Evidence of continuing education beyond the Master’s degree is expected.

• Has extensive knowledge of the Georgia Public Library Service requirements, federal and state laws and funding programs, administration, principles, practices, procedures, operations, and functions of the five-county library system. Has knowledge of all applicable laws, ordinances, policies, standards, and regulations pertaining to specific duties.

• Has extensive knowledge of management, finance, human resource management/personnel, and administrative practices, policies, and procedures as necessary in the completion of daily responsibilities.

• Developing effective work teams and motivating individuals to meet goals and objectives and provide customer services in the most effective and efficient manner.

• Is able to develop partnerships and collaboration with local community groups and non-profit organizations.

• Is able to develop and administer practices, policies, and procedures as necessary in the completion of daily responsibilities and to monitor performance of subordinates against established and measurable goals. Can keep abreast of changes in policy, methods, operations, budgetary and equipment needs.

• Knows how to develop and administer operations and staff plans, to establish objectives for the expedience and effectiveness of specific duties of the position. Uses independent judgment and discretion in handling emergencies, determining procedures, setting priorities, and resolving problems.

• Can develop and implement long-term goals. Can analyze library needs, evaluate services, and develop plans for effective service delivery.

• Has a thorough knowledge of collection development and be skilled at locating and procuring funds from various sources.

• Possesses the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees, with the public, member counties, and businesses providing services to the library system.

• Other qualifications include analytical thinking, communications skills, innovation, judgment, management experience, project management, strategic thinking, visionary leadership, and professionalism.

Athens Regional Library System is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the library may provide reasonable accommodation to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages prospective employees to discuss potential necessary accommodations. The library is a drug-free workplace and may require drug testing according to established policy. Verification of identity and employment authorization through E-Verify will be required.

Submit a completed resume and cover letter describing your qualifications for this position to Lorrie Lavengood at [email protected].