The Waterloo Public Library Board of Trustees seeks a highly motivated, creative, and forward-thinking individual to serve as the Library Director. This executive level position serves as the chief executive officer for the library, providing dynamic leadership and vision who will take an active role in our community. It is a full-time, exempt position that requires the individual to work at least one weekend per month and occasionally on weeknights.
Position Description: The Library Director will support a range of strategic and operational oversight under the direction of the Board of Trustees. To perform this job, successful candidates must demonstrate the ability to effectively manage a team, collaborate with community partners, and understand new/emerging trends in library services.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Administrative
-Plan, organize, and manage programs and services through the library.
-Establish library goals and measure accomplishments against standards.
-Study and interpret community needs, considering regional and national trends.
-Advise, consult, and confer with the library trustees.
-Develop and supervise library policies and procedures.
-Advocate and represent the organization at city council and community meetings.
-Ensure compliance with all state and federal library statues.
-Resolve patron and community concerns when necessary.
Financial
-Develop, present, and administer the library’s $3 million annual budget.
-Seek alternative funding through donations and grants.
-Recommend opportunities and programs to increase the library endowment funds.
Personnel
-Manage and develop a high-performing team, currently with 30 FTE staff members.
-Determine staffing levels to efficiently and effectively offer services.
-Establish clear lines of authority and delegate work to staff as appropriate.
-Evaluate the performance of department heads and supervisors’ annual reviews.
Required Qualifications
Requires a Master’s Degree in Library Science (MLS/MLIS) from an ALA-accredited school and five years of experience in library services and in direct management.
Preferred Experience
-Experience with grant writing and fundraising.
-Understanding of library technology and its application.
-Collaborative team-player familiar with public sector governance.
-Proven experience working with union staff and/or labor management team.
Competitive benefits package provided consistent with director-level leadership positions through the City of Waterloo. Salary range $113,000-$157,000, commensurate based on qualifications and experience.
About Waterloo: The City of Waterloo is a model of the mid-sized American City of the future! Located in the Upper Midwest, Waterloo is the major metro of the Cedar Valley Region of Northeast Iowa. As the Black Hawk County Seat, Waterloo is the hub for government, healthcare, education, employment, and retail for a region with a labor force draw of over 300,000. The city’s population of over 68,500 is made up of 17% African Americans, with growing Latino, Congolese, and Burmese populations.
To apply, submit a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three professional references.
Applications received October 31, 2025 will receive full consideration. Position will remain open until it is filled.
View the full description and the email to send application materials at: https://www.waterloopubliclibrary.org/job-openings