Position Title:

Executive Director- Jersey City Free Public Library

Position Description:

The Jersey City Free Public Library seeks a dynamic, visionary leader to serve as its new Library Director (the “Director”). Under the leadership of the Board of Trustees, the Director leads the Jersey City Free Public Library in developing a vision and implementing its strategic goals. The Director works closely with elected officials in the city of Jersey City and with other city departments, divisions and outside agencies. As a highly visible community leader, the Director must have the talent, skill, and energy to exercise considerable initiative, independent judgment and politically savvy acumen to ensure that library services complement the needs and desires of the broader community; and provide high caliber 21st century library services.

Established in 1891, the Jersey City Free Public Library has a long history of innovation and service and serves a host of patrons in the most diverse city in the United States. The historic Main Library, six regional branches, three neighborhood branches and a Bookmobile are hubs of activity, with a wide variety of programming for children and adults. The Library has New Jersey’s largest and most extensive collection – Biblioteca Criolla -- dedicated exclusively to Spanish-language works, and to presenting Latino culture from all Spanish-speaking nationalities. Library services and collections are provided by an experienced staff of approximately 97 full time staff and approximately 20 part-time staff. In the future, the Library wants to recruit a large group of active volunteers who assist library staff.

Responsibilities:

Once the new Director is installed, The Jersey City Free Public Library Foundation Board, which is distinct from the Board of Trustees, intends to eventually strategize to launch a capital campaign to strengthen financial support for the Library’s initiatives: strengthening and increasing children's literacy programs throughout the city; activating library spaces and fostering robust community engagement via programming and other methods; increasing the Library’s prominence as a digital community hub; capitalizing on the city’s dynamic diversity by addressing the varied interests of the African-American, East Asian, Hispanic, LGBTQ, Millennial and South Asian communities as well as the many affluent people moving to Jersey City; and renovating and modernizing library buildings and infrastructure.

Qualifications:

Successful candidates will bring to the role extensive experience in developing and implementing 21st century library services and programming, demonstrated skill or potential in fundraising at significant levels including cultivating and securing six-figure and, ideally, seven-figure gifts, a singular ability to work with diverse ethnic and cultural groups, an ability to form and leverage partnerships with a variety of constituent groups and a proven ability to lead, develop and manage both a diverse staff and budget well. An MLS, or equivalent, from a program accredited by the American Library Association, and a minimum of ten (10) years of increasingly responsible library management experience is required.

Application Process:

Please send your resume at stanwar@nesc.org and pbarrett@nesc.org 

Deadline:

6/30/2019