Ontario Public Library Director

Ontario Public Library Director

The Ontario Public Library seeks an engaging & community-minded Library Director. This is a full-time position at 35 hours per week. Ontario Public Library is a municipal public library that serves the town of Ontario. It will be a Library Director II Civil Service position. Located in Wayne County on the southern shore of Lake Ontario, the Library serves a population of 10,000. Ontario has all the charm of rural life while being only 30 minutes away from metropolitan Rochester. The Ontario Public Library is part of the OWWL Library System, consisting of 42 member libraries.

Salary Range: $70,000-$73,000

Benefits: Health insurance, paid vacation, sick, and personal time, paid holidays, NYS Retirement

General Description:

The Library Director will be the library's executive and administrative officer. The Director will be responsible for daily operations, supervising professional and clerical staff, providing support and working closely with diverse staff, working with the board to create and administer policies, and providing guidance and vision for the library’s future.

The role of Library Director requires a deep understanding of a broad range of public library functions. The Director will carry out the library's mission, creating an inclusive and empowering environment for library staff and the community. The administrative work involves responsibility for managing a public library collection and for providing library services to patrons and community organizations.

Duties include policy recommendation, strategic thinking, long-range planning, and direction and administration of library activities. The position also involves investing in library technology decisions. The work requires that the Director have thorough knowledge, skill, and ability in every area of the public library field.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Develops library budget and supervises the expenditures of Library funds and the collection of library revenues and grant administration
• Communicates regularly with the library Board of Trustees by providing pertinent information at all Board Meetings and reports on library achievements and challenges
• Develops and evaluates the plans for the library’s services and programs, as well as evaluating their effectiveness in meeting the needs of the community
• Reviews and develops policies and procedures for the operation of the library with the library Board of Trustees
• Hires, trains, supervises, and evaluates library personnel
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with community organizations, businesses, OWWL Library System, and Friends of the Ontario Public Library, as well as representing the Library at pertinent meetings of these groups
• Keeps informed of professional developments through attendance at/participation in professional organizations, system meetings, workshops, continuing education courses, reading professional materials, and staff interaction
• Works with collection development staff to maintain the appearance and integrity of library collections
• Tracks trends and developments that may affect library operations, including, but not limited to, new technologies, economic and demographic community changes, and opportunities for outreach programs
• Works with the Town Board and the Library Board of Trustees to oversee Library facility upgrades
• Coordinates with community, staff, and Library Board of Trustees to develop and carry out long-range planning for the future of the library
• Advocates for and promotes the library through high-quality customer service, active participation in social media, and fostering relationships with community groups, underserved populations, and local schools
• Develops promotional materials to inform the community of the library’s materials
• Supports the Library Board of Trustees in securing operational funding as well as additional revenue for program or project support

Knowledge, Skills, and Responsibilities:

• Regularly ensures that the library is in compliance with local, state, and federal laws/regulations and, when unsure, is able to seek out advisement from official entities
• Demonstrates an understanding of library administration practices, current challenges, and trends
• Desire to learn and gain new skills with an interest in continual professional development
• Strong reading comprehension skills and writing skills and ability to communicate meaning to a broad audience
• Clearly expresses ideas and information, orally and in writing, to a broad range of audiences
• Fosters an effective, empowered environment for staff, creating a positive work environment
• Proficiency in technology including, but not limited to, PC, laptops, portable devices, Microsoft Office, Google Suite, internet browsing/searching, and social media platforms
• Keen interest in building community relationships to promote outreach and a robust and visible library presence

Minimum Qualifications:

• A Master’s degree in Librarianship from a library school that is accredited by the American Library Association or recognized by the NYS Education Department as following acceptable education practices to receive a NYS Public Librarian’s Professional Certificate
• Six (6) years of professional experience, one year of which must be supervisory or administrative
• This position is subject to Civil Service requirements.

Preferred Qualifications, Not Required:

• Community outreach and engagement is highly desirable. 
• Budget development and supervisory experience is preferred. 
• Construction experience is favorable.
• Excellent communication skills
• Demonstrated leadership skills

To Apply:

Use the Quick Apply feature or send a PDF resume, cover letter, and references to [email protected]. 

This position will remain open until filled.