Executive Director-New Canaan Library (CT)

New Canaan Library—a 21st century library—seeks a 21st century Executive Director! The Board of Trustees seeks a broad-gauged thinker and dynamic leader to provide strategic direction, participate in the building of a stellar new library and continue to develop the Library’s role as the cornerstone of the community’s intellectual and cultural life. The New Canaan Library, a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization, located in the heart of downtown New Canaan, serves 20,000 residents and loans over 500,000 items annually. With a $2.7 million annual budget, the new Executive Director will work with a committed staff (28 FTEs), an energetic Board and Advisory Board, New Canaan local officials, an established donor group, and an appreciative community—81% of New Canaan residents have active library cards—to achieve the Library’s full potential. In addition to managing day-to-day library operations, the key objectives for the next Executive Director will be to move forward with the strategic vision, participate in planning the new facility, lead a capital campaign for its development, and enhance alternative funding streams to continue an outstanding level of service, programs and growth.

New Canaan, located in Fairfield County and ranked 8th by CNN's Money list of the top-earning towns in the United States in 2011, has a strong sense of community. Residents support and enjoy many outstanding amenities—beautiful parks, sports complexes, community centers and cultural institutions including the Philip Johnson’s Glass House and the Silvermine Arts Center—while maintaining an inclusive, small town, family friendly atmosphere. Strong public schools (ranked as some of the best in CT) are also part of what makes New Canaan a desirable place to live. The Library contributes to New Canaan’s quality of life with nationally recognized programming, special collections, and a dedicated, customer-focused staff. For additional details on the Library and the Town of New Canaan, see New Canaan Links.

Responsibilities. The Executive Director is appointed by and reports to an 18-member Library Board of Trustees and works with the Board, staff, and others to implement the strategic vision for the Library. The Executive Director is responsible for the overall administration of day-to-day operations and finances of the Library, coordinating with the Board of Trustees on major initiatives and managing development and fundraising programs. The Executive Director will be the face of the organization and be responsible for managing the budget as well as provide staffing and personnel leadership. See the Executive Director Job Description for additional details.

Qualifications. The ideal candidate will have an advanced degree in Nonprofit Management, Public or Business Administration or Library Science. The position requires a minimum of eight years of relevant work experience including four years of experience in an administrative capacity, or any combination of education and experience that demonstrates the ability to successfully perform the requirements of the position. Essential attributes and skills include: experience and success with fundraising and development; excellent writing and communication skills; strong traditional and digital marketing skills, confident presentation skills, political acumen; collaborative and consensus-building skills; and a thorough knowledge of current trends and “best practices” for library or nonprofit management. Proven success working with and reporting to a governing board is a preferred qualification. Experience with a major building and construction project is a plus but not essential.

Compensation. The position offers a hiring salary range of $115,000-130,000 (placement dependent upon experience and qualifications) and an attractive benefits package.

For information, contact Bradbury Associates/Gossage Sager Associates via email or phone. Apply via email with a meaningful cover letter and your resume as Word or pdf attachments to Dan Bradbury or Jobeth Bradbury. This position closes March 24, 2013.

BRADBURY ASSOCIATES/GOSSAGE SAGER ASSOCIATES
4545 WORNALL RD., STE. 805, KANSAS CITY, MO 64111