Library Director

The Board of Trustees of the Cortland Free Library (Cortland, NY) seeks an innovative and community-oriented library director with proven leadership and supervisory skills.  The Cortland Free Library is an association library chartered to serve the Cortland, Cortlandville, and Virgil communities (population 28,390). 

Job Description

The Library Director is responsible for managing the library on a day-to-day basis with a focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion, while adhering to and implementing board-approved policies and the budget. The Director encourages and models excellent patron service and leads the library forward to meet the needs of the community. Both within the library and in the community at large, the Director communicates and works toward achieving the library’s goals as stated in its mission statement and long-range plan. The Director participates in professional librarian activities (e.g., collection development, programming, and outreach) as well as administration and reports to Cortland Free Library’s Board of Trustees.

Primary Responsibilities:  

Board of Trustees Relationship

• Works collaboratively with the Board of Trustees and committees; attends monthly Board meetings; attends committee meetings as needed.
• Provides support and technical advice to the Board of Trustees by preparing reports, presenting necessary background information, data, relevant statistical comparisons, and recommendations needed to make informed decisions.
• Informs and advises the library board about local, regional, state, and national developments (e.g., technology trends, legal issues, programming ideas, etc.) in the library field, and works to maintain communication with other area libraries and the library system.
• In cooperation with the Board President, provides information and orientation to new trustees.

Building & Grounds / Technology

• Oversees the security and maintenance of the building and grounds.
• Oversees operation of all technology and equipment and recommends new technology/equipment.

Finance & Administration

• Prepares the annual budget with the Finance Committee for approval of the Board of Trustees.
• Seeks, prepares, and submits grant applications; participates in fundraising initiatives.
• Completes the Annual Report to the State and Written Report to the Community.
• Recommends new policies and updates to policy.

Patron Services & Community Relations

• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with trustees, staff, volunteers, peers, patrons, officials, and other members of the community, including other libraries, schools, governmental bodies and organizations.
• Seeks and is responsive to staff, trustee, and community input.
• Promotes the library to the community, including other libraries, schools, governmental bodies and organizations, as well as at the regional and state levels through speaking engagements, outreach, advocacy, etc.
• Plans and directs the development and maintenance of all library materials to ensure collections meet the current and future needs of our community; this role currently has specific responsibilities in a professional librarian capacity for the Adult Nonfiction collection.
• Oversees the development, execution and evaluation of programs and services to meet the needs of our community with the goal of increasing use of the library.
• Creates, maintains, and promotes an environment where staff is able to provide and patrons are able to receive superior service.
• Effectively communicates and implements library policies, activities, and services to staff and the community as appropriate.

Staff Development/Support/Training

• Interviews, hires, and evaluates all library staff.
• Supervises the development and implementation of training techniques.
• Provides regular professional development opportunities for staff.
• Sets expectations and goals for staff and holds individuals accountable for their performance; conducts performance reviews; fosters employee development.
• Holds regular staff meetings and encourages regular communication and staff appreciation. 

Minimum Required Qualifications:

• A Master’s degree in Library Science or Library Information Science from a college or University accredited by The American Library Association.
• Possession of a current New York State Public Librarian’s professional certificate at the time of application.
• Three (3 years) of professional library experience, with at least two years in public libraries.
• Three (3 years) of supervisory experience.

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Personal Characteristics Needed:

• Demonstrated leadership ability and dependability.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Familiarity with library budgets and basic understanding of financial reports.
• Demonstrated ability to work with diverse populations.
• Ability to work under pressure with competing demands and frequent interruptions.
• Experience with project management; policy development; grant-seeking; collection management; outreach; marketing; facilities management; capital projects; assessment/evaluation; programming; strategic planning.
• Ability to create and maintain relationships with various stakeholders (staff, trustees, Friends of the Library, patrons, local government, etc.).
• Proficient with MS Office Suite and Google Drive.
• Proficient with electronic resources and Polaris or another ILS (integrated library system).
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
• Familiarity with emerging technologies and applications for libraries.

Desired Skills/Qualifications:

• Proficient with WordPress and/or other content management systems.
• Proficient with Mailchimp and/or other marketing platforms.
• Proficient with social media resources.
• Experience in fundraising and development.
• Familiarity with NYS minimum standards for libraries.
• Experience in trauma-informed librarianship and harm reduction.

Salary Range and Hours: $63,000- $72,000.  This full-time position is for 37.5 hours per week.

Benefits: CFL contributes 75% of the cost of health insurance premiums for single adults and participates in the NYS Municipal Employee Retirement System, which currently provides defined benefit pension benefits. Paid time off is included and negotiated.

 How to Apply:  To apply for this position, please email the following to [email protected]:

• Cover letter
• Resume/CV
• Three professional references

 Applications received by Friday, April 19, 2024 will receive first consideration.