EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR - Southeast Regional Library System
Job Classification: Salaried / Professional / Exempt
Reports To: Board of Trustees
Compensation: $50,000 – $75,000 per year
Location: 252 W 13th Street Wellston,OH — Open to fully on-site or hybrid arrangements depending on candidate preference. (Requires regional travel as needed).
Benefits Package
● Health & Insurance: Paid dental, vision, and life insurance policies.
● Time Off: Paid Time Off (PTO) package.
● Workplace Flexibility: Flexible scheduling options.
How to Apply
To apply for the Executive Director position, please submit your resume and cover letter via email to director@SERLS.org
Application Deadline: Due to operational constraints, this is a time-limited posting. All application materials must be received within 1 week (7 calendar days) of this posting date. Late submissions will not be considered.
Position Summary
The Executive Director is responsible for the overall administration, leadership, and development of the Southeastern Regional Library System (SERLS), a cooperative regional library system serving public, academic, school, and special libraries throughout the region.
The Executive Director provides leadership in planning and delivering services to member libraries; manages organizational resources; supports the Board of Trustees in fulfilling its governance responsibilities; represents SERLS to member libraries, community organizations, public officials, the Ohio library community, and professional organizations; and ensures that the organization operates effectively in support of its mission.
Minimum Qualifications
● Master’s degree in library science or its equivalent from an ALA-accredited program.
● Three years of professional library experience, with progressively responsible administrative or supervisory experience preferred.
● Valid driver’s license, access to an automobile, and willingness to travel throughout the region as required.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience in one or more of the following areas is preferred:
● Library administration or management.
● Regional, cooperative, or multi-library systems.
● Strategic planning and organizational development.
● Budget development, financial oversight, and grant administration.
● Staff supervision and professional development.
● Technology planning and implementation.
● Board relations and governance.
● Community partnerships and public relations.
● Grant writing, reporting, and fund development.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
● Demonstrated ability to manage complex organizations and multiple priorities.
● Knowledge of professional library practices, policies, systems, and procedures.
● Knowledge of planning, research, and community analysis techniques and the ability to apply them to the needs of the regional library system.
● Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to prepare grants, reports, presentations, and other professional documents.
● Demonstrated consulting, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
● Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with member libraries, the Board of Trustees, employees, public officials, community organizations, professional organizations, and other stakeholders.
● Ability to develop and maintain effective partnerships throughout the region and the Ohio library community.
● Knowledge of current library technologies and emerging technology trends, with the ability to evaluate, plan for, and implement appropriate technology services and infrastructure.
● Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and make decisions consistent with Board policies and the mission of SERLS.
● Ability to represent SERLS professionally and effectively in public and professional settings.
Responsibilities
Leadership and Administration
● Administer and provide overall leadership for the regional library system in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, Board policies, and the mission of SERLS.
● Develop, implement, and evaluate the regional system’s service program.
● Gather, analyze, and use data to identify member library needs and evaluate the effectiveness of regional services.
● Recommend policies, programs, services, and organizational priorities to the Board of Trustees.
● Administer policies approved by the Board of Trustees.
● Select, supervise, evaluate, and develop SERLS staff and recommend individuals to the Board for hiring as required.
● Foster a positive, professional, collaborative, and service-oriented organizational culture.
● Coordinate the development and implementation of continuing education and professional development opportunities for member library staff.
Board of Trustees
● Provide information, recommendations, and administrative support to the Board of Trustees.
● Assist the Board in fulfilling its governance responsibilities.
● Prepare agendas, reports, background materials, and other information needed for Board meetings and decision-making.
● Implement policies and directives approved by the Board.
● Keep the Board informed of significant organizational, financial, professional, technological, and legislative developments affecting SERLS and its member libraries.
Member Library Services and Consulting
● Provide and coordinate consulting services to member libraries.
● Assess the needs of member libraries and develop programs, services, and resources to address those needs.
● Provide guidance and assistance to member libraries regarding library operations, administration, technology, policies, and professional practices.
● Develop and coordinate cooperative programs and services that benefit member libraries.
● Coordinate and develop contract services that support the needs of SERLS and its member libraries.
Financial and Grant Management
● Work closely with the Clerk-Treasurer in developing the annual budget and monitoring the financial condition of the organization.
● Operate within the budget approved by the Board of Trustees and recommend adjustments or priorities as appropriate.
● Identify and pursue appropriate grant and funding opportunities.
● Prepare grant applications, reports, and other funding documents as appropriate.
● Ensure that grant-funded programs and services are implemented and reported in accordance with applicable requirements.
● Maintain appropriate awareness of financial, legal, and regulatory requirements affecting the organization.
Reporting and Planning
● Prepare monthly, quarterly, annual, and special reports for the Board of Trustees and the State Library of Ohio as required.
● Lead strategic and long-range planning activities for SERLS.
● Monitor developments affecting libraries and regional library systems and incorporate appropriate trends and opportunities into organizational planning.
● Develop and evaluate programs and services based on member library needs, community analysis, available resources, and organizational priorities.
Technology
● Provide leadership in the evaluation, planning, and implementation of technology services and infrastructure.
● Coordinate web design, web development, and other SERLS online services.
● Monitor emerging technologies and assess their potential value to SERLS and its member libraries.
● Work with staff, vendors, contractors, and member libraries to support effective technology services.
● Ensure that technology initiatives are aligned with organizational priorities and available resources.
Facilities Management
● Oversee the condition and maintenance of SERLS facilities.
● Monitor facilities for maintenance, safety, security, and operational concerns.
● Coordinate building maintenance, repairs, inspections, and service contracts as needed.
● Recommend capital improvements, equipment purchases, and facility-related expenditures to the Board as appropriate.
Community, Government, and Professional Relations
● Represent SERLS to member libraries, community organizations, public officials, funding agencies, the State Library of Ohio, and the broader Ohio library community.
● Develop and maintain effective relationships with community and governmental organizations.
● Represent SERLS at appropriate professional meetings, conferences, workshops, and other events.
● Keep informed of developments in the library profession and participate in professional organizations and activities as appropriate.
● Advocate for regional library services and communicate the value of SERLS to member libraries, stakeholders, and the community.
● Plan and implement appropriate public relations and communications efforts.
Other Duties
● Perform other duties as assigned or required to fulfill the mission and responsibilities of the Southeastern Regional Library System.
Work Expectations
The Executive Director is expected to demonstrate professionalism, integrity, sound judgment, initiative, adaptability, and a commitment to cooperative library service. The position requires the ability to manage multiple priorities, respond effectively to changing circumstances, work collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders, and maintain a strong focus on the needs of SERLS and its member libraries.
"To submit your application for the Executive Director position, please submit a cover letter and resume directly to director@serls.org via email.
Because of operational schedules, this is a time-sensitive posting. All application materials must be received within one week (7 calendar days) of the initial posting date. Late submissions will not be considered."