by Zach Miller
Quick Summary
This position is based in St. Paul and offers compensation of $106,438- $150,000, depending upon qualifications. A master’s degree in library science from a library education program accredited by the American Library Association is preferred but not required. The deadline to apply is July 5, 2024.
Text courtesy of MELSA.
Position Overview
The Executive Director leads the regional library system with strong, supportive leadership, serving as a trusted steward of public funds. The Executive Director will drive innovation, act as a thought leader, establish a shared vision, and advocate for libraries’ collective impact across sectors. As a visible leader, the Executive Director will amplify the library community’s voice, ensuring maximum public investment for the benefit of residents in the seven-county metro area.
Responsibilities
The team reporting directly to the Executive Director includes the Youth and Service Manager, Communication Manager, Project Manager, Business Manager, and Office Manager. Key Responsibilities include:
- Strategic direction
- Government relations and community engagement
- Fiscal responsibility
- Organizational leadership
- Board engagement
Education & Experience
A successful candidate will have:
- A master’s degree (preferred but not required) in library science from a library education program accredited by the American Library Association.
- Five years’ experience working for a library, with at least two years of public library administration experience preferred.
- Two years' supervisory experience, preferably in a library setting.
- Experience in strategic planning for library services preferred.
- Experience working with regional public library systems in Minnesota and/or experience working across political jurisdictions with a variety of stakeholders at different levels.
- Experience working with Governing and/or Advisory Library Boards preferred.
- Experience in governmental relations (advocacy) preferred.
- Experience in a remote work environment preferred.
About MELSA
The Metropolitan Library Service Agency (MELSA) is a Minnesota regional public library system that promotes cooperation among its eight-member library systems in the Twin Cities metro area. With funding from the State of Minnesota through Regional Library Basic System Support, Regional Library Telecommunications Aid, and the Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund, MELSA promotes cooperation among its members by providing libraries and the public with access to great resources, programs, and other important library services.
For more detailed information, and to apply, visit MELSA's online job post (PDF).
