Dubuque County, IA Library District Director
The Dubuque County Library District (IA) Board of Trustees is seeking an empowering and innovative leader to serve as the next Director. This individual will inspire staff and engage the community in the library’s mission to learn, connect, create, and grow. The Director will manage 10.81 FTE across five locations, oversee a $1 million budget, implement the strategic plan, and handle the day-to-day operations of the library system. Following a recent rebranding, the library has experienced renewed interest in its services, diverse programming for all ages, and increased community engagement. The new Director will collaborate with the board, staff, and city officials to further extend the district's reach and impact.
The scenic Mississippi River forms the natural border between Dubuque County and Wisconsin and Illinois, with the area being just a short drive from their larger metropolitan cities. Residents of the county enjoy a variety of outdoor recreational activities, including biking, walking, and hiking trails, as well as ski runs in the winter months. Dubuque County offers affordable living with a small-town atmosphere, while still providing the amenities of a larger city. The county is also known for its vibrant food scene, craft breweries, and a wide range of activities for people of all ages including the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium, the Dubuque Arboretum & Botanical Gardens, the Mines of Spain State Recreation Area, and the Dubuque Museum of Art.
Responsibilities: The Director reports directly to the Board of Trustees and is responsible for developing and implementing a comprehensive plan for the library. Key duties include overseeing community relations, human resource management, budget preparation, collection development, and the day-to-day operations of the library, including facility and equipment maintenance. The Director is the library's representative and advocate in the communities it serves, evaluating the effectiveness of current services and ensuring that programs meet community needs and interests. The Director will also seek opportunities to expand services, manage personnel, foster positive relationships with the union, and prepare reports for the board, city and county officials, and those required by the state.
Qualifications: A master’s degree in Library and Information Science from an ALA-accredited program or its international equivalent is required. Strong preference will be given to applicants with five years of professional and progressively responsible experience within a public library and those with at least two years of supervisory or department head level experience. The ideal candidate will have strong communication skills and the ability to establish and maintain strong working relationships with employees, the board, other agencies, and the public. For a full listing of job responsibilities, please see the job description.
Compensation: The hiring salary range is $95,000 – $110,000 (with placement negotiable dependent on experience and qualifications) and an excellent fringe benefits package.
For further information, visit Bradbury Miller Associates (https://bradburymiller.com). Apply with a meaningful cover letter and resume via our application portal (https://bradburymiller.com/current-clients/) by clicking on Dubuque County Library District and the apply button. This position closes on Sunday, February 2, 2025.
View the most up to date version of this announcement in its entirety along with accompanying links on our website (https://bradburymiller.com/current-clients/).