The Iowa City Public Library Board of Trustees is now accepting applications for the next Library Director. Governed by a nine-member Board, the Iowa City Public Library is a vital, vibrant downtown destination located on the Iowa City Pedestrian Mall. Circulating 1.2 million items a year, the library hosts over 500,000 visitors in the building annually and many more through its Bookmobile and outreach programming. With an innovative, creative staff (63 FTE), a $7.6 million annual operating budget, and a Friends Foundation which generates significant financial support, the library provides stellar services to just under 100,000 area residents. Almost 56,000 of these community members are cardholders! The mission says it all, “The Iowa City Public Library is a center of community life that connects people of all ages with information, engages them with the world of ideas and with each other, and enriches the community by supporting learning, promoting literacy, and encouraging creativity.”
The Iowa City Public Library is the heart of the Iowa City community. It is a dynamic college town with the University of Iowa situated in the middle of the city. Home to the Iowa Writers Workshop and a UNESCO City of Literature, the arts flourish in Johnson County with numerous opportunities to enjoy music of all genres, theatre, summer festivals, local food, and visual arts. Residents are encouraged to ride, bike, and walk through downtown and its surrounding neighborhoods.
Responsibilities. The Library Director performs professional level work under the general supervision of the governing Library Board of Trustees. Responsibilities include the planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of all library operations and services; supervision of the administrative team and staff in establishing and directing library policies and procedures; advocacy for the mission of public libraries; and managing physical facilities, personnel, and financial operations in accordance with Board policies, City administration, and applicable legislation. The Director serves as a liaison to the community, governmental bodies, and library leaders and works to establish collaborative relationships. Fiscal responsibilities include preparing and administering the annual budget, including capital improvements projects, and working with the Friends Foundation to secure additional funding. For the complete position description please visit www.icpl.org/jobs.
Qualifications. Minimum qualifications include a Master’s degree in Library Science from an ALA- accredited program and a minimum of seven years of professional progressively responsible library experience with five years of public library administration The successful candidate will also have a demonstrated record of development and fundraising, developing and mentoring staff, facilities management, implementing new library service models, an outstanding customer service philosophy, successful community engagement, and a strong passion for public library advocacy work. Experience reporting to a governing board and working in a union environment are preferred. The Library Director must reside in the municipal limits of the City of Iowa City and State of Iowa librarian certification will be required within 60 days of hire.
Compensation. A starting salary range of $111,217 – $176,259 (dependent upon experience and qualifications) and an exceptional fringe benefits package. More information can be found at icgov.org/government/departments-and-divisions/human-resources.
Application. To start the application process, send a cover letter and resume as Word or PDF attachments to directorsearch@icpl.org on or before the closing date of July 23, 2025. For more information, contact Jen Royer at Jennifer-royer@icpl.org.
The selection process for this position is subject to Iowa open meetings and records. Please be advised that external candidates may request their application be considered confidential in writing at the time of application on their cover letter. Internal applicants cannot request their application be considered confidential.
To request an application be considered confidential, please include the following language in the cover letter: I hereby acknowledge that the selection process for this position is subject to Iowa open meetings and records. To the extent allowed by law, I request that my application be kept confidential. I further request that the sessions in which my qualifications are reviewed and discussed be done in closed session so as to protect my reputation.
It is the policy of the City of Iowa City to afford equal employment opportunities for all employees and potential City employees.
Date posted: July 3, 2025