EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - OMAHA (NE) PUBLIC LIBRARY

An Exceptional Opportunity In Omaha! The Board of Trustees of the Omaha Public Library seeks a creative and dynamic executive to build on the Library’s recent successes and lead it to new levels of excellence. OPL serves an increasingly diverse population of 486,929 (Omaha and surrounding Douglas County) with its downtown main library, 11 branches (the newest, a library/school/community center joint-use facility opens in August) and programming services. With strong facilities, a dedicated staff (94 FTEs) and a projected $12.5 million budget for 2010 the Library delivers quality services to the community. The challenge for the next director is to transform this good library system into a thriving world-class library for all Omaha residents. The largest city in the state of Nebraska and 40th largest in the US, the greater Omaha area boasts a population of 1.2 million. It offers a strong and vibrant business community and is home to eight Fortune 500 companies. With great housing values, a low cost of living (10-13% lower than the national average), outstanding education and healthcare facilities, short commutes and all of the cultural, recreational and entertainment amenities of a city twice its size, Omaha is consistently recognized (ranked #3 in Kiplinger’s “2008 Best Cities”) as a great place to live, work and play. Additional information on the Library, Omaha and the surrounding area can be found at Omaha Links.

Responsibilities. As Chief Executive Officer of the Omaha Public Library, the Executive Director reports to a nine-member Library Board of Trustees, serves as a mayoral department head, and works with the Board, staff and major stakeholders to establish the strategic vision for the Library—aligning the Library’s mission, goals and objectives with the community’s needs and priorities. Overall responsibilities include: developing and maintaining effective internal and external communications; building and leading a diverse team of talented professionals to manage Library operations; planning, evaluation and oversight; strengthening current governmental funding sources; working with the OPL Foundation and Friends to develop additional revenue sources; and developing and maintaining collaborative partnerships with local, state and regional organizations and agencies. See Omaha Executive Director Job Description for the complete job description.

Qualifications. A master’s degree in library science from an ALA accredited program and a minimum of seven years of increasingly responsible library management experience, including experience in an executive leadership position for a multi-branch library system. Essential attributes and skills include: creativity, energy and enthusiasm; superior written and oral communications ability; demonstrated success in effectively promoting library services to the community; political acumen; collaborative and consensus-building skills; and a thorough knowledge of current trends and “best practices” for library service. Proven success working effectively with a policy-making board and collaboratively with city officials is desirable.

Compensation. A starting salary range of $105,000-120,000 (with final placement dependent upon experience and qualifications) and an outstanding fringe benefits package.

For further information, contact Dan or Jobeth Bradbury at Gossage Sager Associates. Apply via email with a meaningful cover letter and resume as Word attachments to Dan Bradbury or Jobeth Bradbury. The position closes October 11, 2009.