The Danville-Center Township Public Library is seeking a visionary and community-focused leader to serve as its next Library Director. This individual will oversee all aspects of library operations, including strategic planning, fiscal management, facilities oversight, staff development, and public engagement. Reporting to a seven-person Board of Trustees, this hands-on leader will ensure the library continues to serve as a cornerstone of the community, fostering lifelong learning, creativity, and equitable access to information.

The ideal candidate will be a skilled communicator and collaborator with a strong understanding of library operations, emerging technologies, community engagement, and public library revenue streams. They will build and strengthen relationships with local organizations, advocate for the library’s mission, and drive innovative services that meet the evolving needs of Danville’s residents. Key priorities include maintaining the library’s rich history while advancing modern library services, cultivating a positive workplace culture, securing funding through grants and partnerships, and expanding community outreach.

With a legacy dating back to its founding in 1902 as a Carnegie Library, the Danville-Center Township Public Library has grown into a vital resource for the community. Today, it offers a diverse collection, digital resources, and dynamic programming to support education and engagement, housed in a historic and renovated building. The next Director will have the opportunity to build on this foundation, ensuring the library remains an essential asset for future generations.

Essential Job Functions

• Leadership and Workplace Culture: Cultivate a positive, inclusive work environment that fosters trust, collaboration, and professional growth among staff.
• Community Engagement: Establish and strengthen relationships with local organizations, civic leaders, and educational institutions. Represent the library at public events, media engagements, and civic meetings to advocate for services and expand outreach efforts.
• Strategic Planning: Develop and implement short- and long-term plans for collections, services, facilities, and digital resources.
• Continuously assess and refine programs to meet evolving community needs.
• Operations and Budget Management: Oversee daily library operations, ensuring efficient resource allocation and financial stewardship.
• Prepare and administer budgets, manage state, federal, and private funding, and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Personnel Development: Recruit, train, evaluate, and mentor library staff. Foster professional development and ensure adherence to workplace policies and best practices.
• Policy and Governance: Implement and recommend policies in collaboration with the Library Board, ensuring alignment with institutional, legal, and community standards.
• Provide reports and policy insights to the board.
• Facility and Resource Management: Maintain and enhance library facilities to ensure safety, accessibility, and optimal space utilization.
• Coordinate maintenance, renovations, and long-term planning with town officials and contractors.
• Technology Services: Lead library initiatives in digital transformation, ensuring access to online resources, automation systems, and emerging technologies.
• Funding and Advocacy: Identify and secure grants, partnerships, and external funding to enhance library programs, collections, and facilities. Advocate for library initiatives and financial support through public relations and civic engagement.
• Professional Development: Stay informed about trends in library science and public service.
• Maintain active participation in professional organizations and community discussions.
• Direct Patron Services: Provide direct library services, including reference assistance, outreach, and event participation.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Library Operations and Services: Comprehensive understanding of library functions, including circulation, reference services, collection development, and programming.
• Leadership: Experience in team leadership, goal setting, and fostering a culture of professional growth and collaboration.
• Strategic Thinking: Ability to develop and implement strategic initiatives that align with community needs and institutional goals.
• Community Relations: Strong verbal and written communication skills to engage stakeholders, build partnerships, and advocate for the library.
• Financial Management: Proficiency in budget preparation, financial reporting, and regulatory compliance to ensure responsible fiscal oversight.
• Digital Literacy: Knowledge of library automation systems, online databases, and emerging digital trends. Ability to implement and manage new technologies effectively.
• Facility Planning: Experience in overseeing facility maintenance, renovations, and space optimization to ensure accessibility and efficiency.
• Fundraising: Ability to identify funding opportunities, prepare grant proposals, and secure financial support for library initiatives.
• Adaptability: Willingness to stay current with trends in library services and adopt innovative practices to enhance public engagement.

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

• Ability to occasionally lift materials up to 25 pounds.
• Work in a public-facing environment with frequent interruptions.
• Ability to travel for professional development, outreach, and meetings.
• As the leader of our library team, this position requires full-time, in-person work to support staff, engage with the community, and oversee daily operations.

Basic Requirements

• Master’s Degree from an ALA-accredited MLS program.
• At least four years of progressively responsible library experience.
• Three years of experience hiring, developing, and supervising staff.
• Two years of experience formulating and implementing a library budget.
• Appropriate Indiana Certification for Public Library Professionals (LC2), or obtaining it within six months of hire
• Experience submitting annual reports to a board of trustees and a state library.
• Available to work occasional evenings and weekends.

Preferred Experience

• Experience with local and state government finance and taxes as they relate to libraries and library bonds.
• Experience launching a library foundation.

Compensation and Benefits

• The hiring salary range is $60,000 – $70,000 depending on qualifications and experience.
• The library does not currently offer medical insurance but partners with the Hendricks Regional Health Employee Wellness Center.
• The library provides a generous PTO and holiday plan.

Application

To apply for Director of the Danville-Center Township Public Library, please send a resume to jobs@dplindiana.org.