DATE ENTERED: March 22, 2018
POSITION: LIBRARY DIRECTOR
LOCATION: DES MOINES (IA) PUBLIC LIBRARY
APPLY BY: April 29, 2018

Plan for tomorrow as the next Library Director of the Des Moines Public Library! The Board of Trustees of the Des Moines (IA) Public Library (http://www.dmpl.org/) seeks a forward-thinking and creative Director to develop and implement collaborative, community library services. The library serves 215,000+ residents from a central library (an architectural icon) and five branches anchoring neighborhoods by providing convenient access to library programs. Key opportunities include developing a new strategic vision, restoring hours of operation, and working closely with the City of Des Moines and with the Library Foundation to seek new streams of revenue. With a dedicated staff (93.7FTE), a committed Library Board, a $8.5 million annual budget, and a successful Library Foundation—the library can continue to be an agent for positive change contributing to economic development, community building and academic achievement.  As Iowa's capital city, Des Moines is a small city with big city amenities. Noted for being one of Expedia’s Most Artistic Towns in America and one of the Top 10 Places to Live in the U.S. (U.S. News & World Report, 2017), the city is a hub of government action, business activity, arts and cultural affairs—with much of the activity focused on the reinvigorated downtown area where the central library is a centerpiece.  The library can be a key participant with the city as it looks to the future with its Forward Plan and the Capital Crossroads Plan. Des Moines is also home to good public services and friendly, cohesive neighborhoods. Additional information on the library, city and position can be found at Des Moines Links (http://www.bradburymiller.com/desmoineslinks.htm).   

Responsibilities. Under the direction of the Library Board of Trustees, the Library Director is a visionary for the Des Moines Public Library. The director will communicate with the Library Board, the City of Des Moines, the community and the library staff. The director will advocate for the Library in all communications. The Director of the Des Moines Public Library reports to a five-member Library Board of Trustees and partners with city officials as a city department head to achieve the library’s mission, goals and objectives within the context of community needs and priorities.  Overall responsibilities include: fostering effective internal and external communications with the community, city officials, the Library Board, the Library Foundation, and library staff; proposing recommendations and implementing board policies and operating procedures reflecting the reality of the current economic environment; developing the library staff as a strong team through leadership, mentoring and providing staff development opportunities; providing sound fiscal management while seeking additional revenue sources; working with the Library Foundation; and exploring and developing collaborative relationships with a variety of local, regional and statewide organizations and agencies.  

Qualifications. A master’s degree in library science from an ALA-accredited program is required. Five years of increasingly responsible management experience in a public library setting is preferred. Experience in a multi-branch library; a minimum of five years of executive level experience as director of a library or deputy, assistant, or associate director of a comparable or larger system; experience reporting to a governing board; and experience in a union environment are all highly desirable.  Essential attributes include energy and enthusiasm; personal integrity; and excellent interpersonal skills; thorough knowledge of financial management; collaboration and consensus-building skills; sensitivity, flexibility, and creativity; and a solid understanding of philosophy, trends and “best practices” in the library and information technology fields. The Library Director must live in the City of Des Moines.

Compensation. A starting salary range of $125,000-155,000 (with placement negotiable, dependent upon experience and qualifications) and an excellent fringe benefits package.

For more information, contact Bradbury Miller Associates (http://www.bradburymiller.com/contactus.html).  To start the application process, send a cover letter and résumé as Word or PDF attachments to Dan Bradbury, danbradbury@bradburymiller.com, on or before the closing date of April 29, 2018.

DES MOINES PUBLIC LIBRARY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER