Library Director - Portage County
Stevens Point, WI
About the Job
Library Director - Portage County Public Library; Stevens Point, Wisconsin
Join the Library Board and staff of The Portage County Public Library as it continues to play its important role as cultural center and community partner. Serving 70,380 people, PCPL operates four facilities: the 45,000 Square foot Main Library located in Stevens Point and three smaller branch libraries located in Almond, Plover, and Rosholt.
With a team of 28 full-time equivalent employees and a $1.7 million dollar budget, the Library circulates 337,000 items annually to 19,600+ registered card holders. Opportunities for the new Director include strategic planning, working with local universities on the fledgling social work internship program, and developing alternative funding streams for library services and programs.
The Area:
Stevens Point is centrally located in Wisconsin and boasts a historic and cultural downtown home to museums, art galleries, the Wisconsin Riverfront Park, and dozens of unique restaurants.
In 2014, the Stevens Point Mid-State Technical College relocated downtown with a beautiful new campus, just a block away from the Main Library. The University of Wisconsin Stevens Point is also located only a short drive away, and offers a wide range of cultural events and attractions such as the Carlsten Gallery and the UWSP Museum of Natural History. It is home to the Nelis R. Kampenga Archives and Area Research Center as well, which houses collections from the Wisconsin and the Portage County Historical Societies.
Nearby, the Green Circle trail will take you on a 27 mile loop through the Stevens Point area that will bring you past outdoor activity areas such as the Stevens Point Sculpture Park, Schmeeckle Reserve, and Yulga Park, which is known for its 18-hole championship level disc golf course.
These and many other attractions and events make Stevens Point a wonderful area to live in and explore.
OVERVIEW OF POSITION:
The Library Director plans, organizes, directs, and controls all functions, operations, and activities of the Library, either directly or through senior management staff. This position is hired by and reports to a seven-member Library Board of Trustees. This position is responsible for developing, presenting, and overseeing an operating plan, a budget, and the policies necessary to provide optimal library services to County residents. The Library Director must exercise independent judgment and decision making, while performing strategic planning, effectively promoting library services to the community, and developing alternative funding streams for library services and programs. This position collaborates with and provides direction to all library personnel in carrying out the library’s mission. The Library Director will maintain rapport with the community and municipal, county, and state organizations, as well as the Portage County Public Library Foundation, Inc., allied organizations, other County departments, and the South Central Library System.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
LIBRARY OPERATIONS:
- Establishes and maintains overall library workflow for optimal operations and success of Portage County Public Library
- Oversees development of a comprehensive and inclusive collection of print, non-print, and digital materials related to specific patron demographics of the library's service population
- Oversees and supports development of inclusive programs and services, including but not limited to: planning, marketing, technology, implementation, and evaluation
- Establishes and achieves strategic and operational goals for the library in alignment with the Library Board, and according to the needs of the community
- Drafts and recommends policies to the Library Board; responsible for compliance and implementation of the library's policies and procedures
- Attends Library Board of Trustee meetings, County Department Head meetings, South Central Library System (SCLS) meetings, State Library and other library association meetings as necessary, reporting on activities and representing PCPL and its staff, as well as keeping abreast of current technologies and advancements
- Participates in continuing education and encourages staff to do the same while actively seeking out opportunities for them to attend
- Analyzes and reviews statistical reports, trends, and usage data and evaluation metrics to monitor effectiveness of resources and/or services, and reports on these findings to the Library Board
- Manages the organization's effort to assess, acquire, install, and evaluate technology to meet the changing needs of patrons and to constantly improve efficiencies
- Develops and oversees annual budget and controls expenses for the library, including the writing of grants and proposals for funding from all levels of government, corporate, foundation, or public sources
- Provides oversight on maintenance operations, future planning, and building needs, including the safety and security of library facilities
- Provides oversight on space planning, library construction, renovations, lease negotiations, and site location, with a focus on inclusive design
LEADERSHIP:
- Works closely with Library Board of Trustees and the library management team to improve the overall efficiency, effectiveness, and value of library services and resources.
- Maintains a collaborative, team-oriented workplace
- Oversees and collaborates with library staff, including but not limited to hiring, mentoring, coaching, disciplining, scheduling, training, and evaluating
- Supervises and supports the management team and provides leadership for library-wide talent development, designates leadership positions and management for staff, defines responsibilities, establishes line of authority, delegates work, and directs the duties and training of staff
- Develops and maintains documented procedures and schedules
- Develops long-term strategic plans and recommends goals and objectives for the library to the Library Board. Oversees implementation of approved goals and objectives through short and long-range planning
- Provides administrative and overall managerial direction for the library. In the absence of department manager, provides direct management, administration, and supervision of that department
- Builds effective relationships with South Central Library System (SCLS) staff and SCLS library directors
- Builds effective relationships with Library Board and state, municipal, and county organizations and entities, including Portage County Public Library Foundation, business leaders, area schools, and local non-profit organizations
- Leads and works with others in teams to evaluate, develop, and improve services
- Enforces the library's policies and procedures and works to support safety and security of the library building and grounds while also providing a welcoming environment for all
- In case of natural disaster may be required to assist in disaster relief efforts
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:
- Demonstrates and models sensitivity to and respect for diverse socioeconomic, ethnic, religious, and cultural backgrounds of staff and patrons
- Directs, coordinates, and monitors special fundraising projects and capital campaigns to meet established fundraising goals
- Oversees and manages the promotion of library resources and develops community partners through regular outreach
- Acts as a library liaison to civic groups, attends community events and other outreach opportunities as a representative of the library
- Maintains and strengthens community contacts, relating library objectives to community needs
- Regularly reviews what other libraries in similar communities are doing to take inspiration from their programs and processes and creates collaborations when possible
- Represents the library on city committees and local service organizations as an expert of the Portage County Public Library
- Capitalizes on opportunities to promote and upsell services to patrons, including but not limited to programs, online databases, and collections
- Understands and advocates for broader community needs
- Serves as a member of SCLS; acts as liaison between Portage County Public Library and Wisconsin Division for Library Services; builds state-wide relationships to connect Portage County Public Library with state initiatives
POSITION REQUIREMENTS:
- Master's Degree in Library and Information Services (MLIS) from an accredited college or university
- Eligibility for Grade 1 Wisconsin Library Certification according to DPI standards
- Preferred: three to five years of professional library related experience in a position requiring administrative and supervisory responsibility
- Experience working with a board of trustees or similar authoritative body
- Valid driver’s license or eligibility for Wisconsin driver’s license and access to insured vehicle for work-related travel
- Ability to successfully pass a criminal and financial background check
Applications will be accepted until the position is filled, with the initial review of applicants on May 20th. The first round of interviews will be conducted the week of June 2, 2024.
The Library Director is a Portage County employee, with the full benefits package granted to county employees. The salary starts at $91,777.11 and includes paid vacation, holidays, and sick leave, health insurance, dental insurance, a retirement plan, and more.
Source : Portage County