Library Director

Bellwood Public Library, Bellwood, IL

The Bellwood Public Library Board of Trustees seeks an experienced, communicative, visionary leader to serve as Library Director. The ideal candidate will be pragmatic and foster a trustworthy and approachable environment for all staff and community members.

A seven-member library Board of Trustees oversees the Library Director. The library currently employs a team of 25 (11 FTE) talented, creative, and dedicated library professionals known for providing first-class service to their community. The library is committed to fostering an inclusive environment where Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) are core values. The Library prides itself on providing exceptional services and resources that enrich the lives of its patrons.

The Village of Bellwood is located 13 miles west of downtown Chicago and has a population of 18,000. It is an ideal place to live, work and play.

Responsibilities:

• Provide visionary leadership and strategic direction to achieve the library’s mission and goals.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, teamwork, and professional growth among staff.
• Advocate for the library’s interests and resources within the local government, community organizations, and other stakeholders.

• Ensure equitable access to library resources and services for all community members.
• Oversee the management of library operations, including budgeting, financial, and facilities management.

• Thorough transparent and proactive outreach efforts, maintain effective communication with the Board of Trustees, staff, and the public.
• Promote a culture of continuous improvement and adaptability in response to changing community needs and technological advancements.
• Navigate challenging situations with diplomacy and tact, fostering favorable resolutions and maintaining professional relationships.
• Seek out and participate in library-related conferences or seminars, continuing education or other job related training opportunities to improve job skills and to maintain adequate knowledge of current library science practices and principles.

Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Library Science or Information Science from an ALA-accredited institution.
• Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in library administration, with at least two years in a supervisory or managerial role.
• Proven track record of successful leadership, strategic planning, and implementation of library services.
• Strong understanding of EDI principles and a demonstrated commitment to integrating these values into library services and operations.
  
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to engage effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to navigate complex situations with diplomacy, tact, and professionalism.
• Experience in budget management, resource allocation, and fiscal oversight.
• Knowledge of current trends and best practices in library services, technology, and community engagement.

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Salary: $90,000- $115,000, IMRF and excellent benefits package.

Application Process: Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references to directorcandidates@stackscg.com. Bellwood Public Library is an equal opportunity employer.

We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and if you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role. The Library may consider an equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet the necessary qualifications.