Executive Director – Manchester Community Library (Manchester, VT )

The Manchester Community Library (MCL), the modern offspring of the town’s Mark Skinner Library, founded in 1897, seeks a creative and inspiring Executive Director to lead the organization to the next level in its never-ending quest to simultaneously be a 21 st  century library and a community hub for residents of Manchester, Vermont, and surrounding towns in Bennington County.

Reporting to the 13-member Board of Trustees, the new Executive Director will lead a staff of 10 augmented by a corps of volunteers that will provide patrons with a broad mix of services and programs within its 18,500 square foot building that opened in 2015.

Key responsibilities include the administration and operations of the Library, staff and Board management, oversight of all fundraising, marketing and public relations, and advocacy for the Library and general outreach to residents, patrons and town office holders.

The operating budget for the Library is roughly $1 million, with revenue streams provided by an appropriation from the town of Manchester approved each year by its taxpayers, endowment income, and philanthropic support from individuals and corporations.

The Library’s tag line – “Meet you at The Library” – speaks to the essence of small-town character. MCL’s chief ambition is to connect residents with one another by providing a welcoming and comfortable place that also provides access to tools and information and presents compelling programs for kids and adults of all ages.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Executive Director is responsible for management oversight of the organization including design and implementation of all fundraising and development activities, supervising all staff, and working collaboratively with the Board of Trustees to ensure the financial integrity and accountability of the organization. Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the Executive Director must possess the following attributes and experiences:

Inspiring Community Ambassador and Leader

Someone who can:

• devote themselves to the patron experience;
• model integrity, transparency and empathy;
• lead by personal example;
• hold him or herself personally accountable;
• establish and maintain positive relationships with the Town of Manchester, its manager and Selectboard, and other regional community organizations and libraries.

Operational Experience and Expertise

Someone who can:

• hire, manage, mentor and evaluate staff and is a proponent of professional development;
• create and oversee administrative policies and procedures;
• create, implement and manage the operating budget;
• coordinate support and implement Board priorities;
• oversee the maintenance and enhancement of Library facilities;
• cultivate and integrate volunteers;
• ensure stewardship of the endowment

Excellent Interpersonal Skills

Someone who:

• is committed to collaboration and a team culture;
• is supportive and affirms relationships;
• has a positive perspective;
• is proactive, with a great deal of initiative and a can-do attitude;
• can work productively and positively with a wide range of diverse constituents.

Someone who:

• has the ability to tell constituents where the library is headed, and why;
• possesses the ability to build strong relationships with current donors, and cultivate new ones;
• enjoys telling stories that resonate with donors;
• has the knowledge of the basics of fundraising, including identifying, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding donors and prospects;
• possesses the ability and courage to ask for money in a compelling and thoughtful manner.

KEY QUALIFICATIONS

• A BA or BS is required; a Master of Library Science degree or Library Professional Certification preferable, but not absolutely essential;
• Five years of non-profit management/administrative experience;
• Expertise in fundraising, marketing and technology;
• Excellent communication skills – written, editing, speaking and social media;
• Willingness and ability to work flexible hours;
• Conviction in MCL’s culture, mission, and vision.

TO APPLY

Interested and qualified candidates are invited to contact the consultant in confidence. Candidates will ultimately need to submit the following materials as separate PDF documents:

• A cover letter expressing their interest in this particular position.
• A list of five professional references with name, relationship, phone number, and email address of each (references will not be contacted without the candidate’s permission) to:
  • John G. Clark
    Senior Search Consultant
    john.clark@carneysandoe.com