Director of Cultural Services

The City of Louisville is seeking a knowledgeable, enthusiastic and experienced Director of Cultural Services to lead our Public Library and other cultural services divisions. 

This is a Department Director-level position reporting directly to the Deputy City Manager. The Director of Cultural Services has the principal responsibility of planning, coordinating, and leading overall operations at the Louisville Public Library, Cultural Arts, Special Events, and the Historical Museum. This includes oversight of the Library and Museum’s full-service programs, services, and collections; public art programs; and community-wide special events including the City's 4th of July celebrations and Labor Day Parade. 

The Director of Cultural Services develops the vision for the Library, Museum, Arts & Events in accordance with the City goals. The Director leads the Department by providing strategic vision, operational excellence, and a commitment to community enrichment. This role ensures the Library and Museum programs as well as cultural and special events programs include innovative programs and ensures a welcoming and inclusive environment for all. As a senior leader, the Director cultivates collaboration among city departments, community stakeholders, and advisory boards to align services with community needs and City Council objectives.

This role is part of an executive leadership team that is accountable, respectful, professional and eager to model these City values to the organization.  Work involves the exercise of considerable judgment, latitude, and independence in decision-making within established policies and guidelines. Work performed is reviewed by the Deputy City Manager through conferences, reports, observation, and for results obtained.

Note:  This position is open until filled.  The first review of applications will be on February 25, 2025.  Please apply soon!
You will only receive communication via the email address you provided on your application.  Please check your email frequently during the hiring process or junk mail.

• Guide the Cultural Services Department in meeting its vision, mission, and strategic goals

• Develop long-range strategic plans and annual work plans; oversee plan implementation in conjunction with the City Council, City Manager, Library Board of Trustees, Historical Museum Advisory Board, Cultural Advisory Board, and Cultural Services staff

• Plan, coordinate, and direct the programs, activities and systems of the City’s Library and Museum; develop and implement operational policies and procedures

• Oversees staff for cultural arts, public art, and special events and direct policies and procedures for these areas

• Review administrative procedures and controls used in operations

• Propose and implement operational changes needed to improve operations

• Work with staff and the City Manager to encourage library use and deliver services to the Town of Superior residents in accordance with the Intergovernmental Agreement between the City of Louisville and Town of Superior

• Develop programs and services to meet community needs and plan for efficient and economical use of staff, facilities, equipment, and materials

• Provide a viable mix of inclusive and accessible cultural services for residents of all ages and diversified needs

• Respond to and resolve complex citizen inquiries and issues

• Develop departmental budget requests and administer approved budget

• Oversee Library collection development goals and activities to determine priorities

• Serve as staff liaison to the Library Board, prepare agendas, attend meetings, and seek the Board’s input and recommendations related to Library services and related matters

• Maintain appropriate budgetary controls and direct the preparation of required financial and activity reports

• Represent the Library, Museum, cultural arts, and special events in the community and at professional meetings as required

• Coordinate activities and program opportunities with the Louisville Public Library Foundation and History Foundation 

• Support strategies and efforts to augment the Library’s collections and programs

• Select, develop, supervise, and evaluate the performance of professional, technical, and administrative employees

• Assign work priorities and monitor progress

• Promote and sustain a work environment that reflects the City of Louisville's organizational values as well as standards of customer service and teamwork

• Prepare and present information on work programs, projects, and other matters to the City Manager, City Council, Library Board of Trustees, Historical Museum Advisory Board, Cultural Advisory Board, Superior Board of Trustees, other boards and commissions, and agencies

• Participate in community collaborations that promote lifelong learning, a sense of belonging, and other beneficial goals

• Monitor facility maintenance and custodial services, address safety concerns, and plan for preventive maintenance

• Coordinate building repairs and maintenance activities with Public Works staff

• Maintain effective working relationships with supervisors, co-workers, and the public

• Collaborate with City staff to provide shared services and programs

• Participate in resource-sharing projects, including the Marmot Library Consortium and the state-wide Prospector system; develop cooperative relationships and partnerships with other libraries throughout the State of Colorado

• Provide leadership in the work of professional library, museum, and event planning associations

• Regular and predictable attendance required

• Other duties as required

Other Duties and Responsibilities:

• Attend City Council regular meetings and study session meetings as necessary
• Oversee staff which serve as liaisons to the Youth Advisory Board, Historical Museum Advisory Board, and the Cultural Advisory Board
• Acts as the staff liaison to the Library Board of Trustees

Education and Experience required:

• Master’s degree in Library Science from an American Library Association accredited college or university, with major coursework in Library Science; or a master's degree in Public Administration may be considered
• Seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in professional public library service
• Five (5) years of supervisory and/ or management experience or comparable experience
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered if deemed acceptable by the City of Louisville

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Thorough knowledge of principles and best practices of public library administration, museum management, and large event execution

• Ability to exercise considerable initiative and judgment and make sound decisions in ambiguous situations

• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing

• Knowledge of personnel management, budget development and analysis, and project management principles and practices

• Knowledge of automated library systems and technologies

• Skill in the use of computers and various application programs

• Ability to maintain effective working relationships with City employees, elected officials, and the public

• Skill in dealing with the public, news media, and citizen groups

• Ability to plan, assign, coordinate, direct, and evaluate the work of subordinates

• Skill in managing employer/ employee relations

• Ability to retain and respect the privacy of individual library users

License, Certification or Registration:

Current driver’s license in good standing with no major violations in the past three (3) years or the ability to obtain a Colorado Driver's License within ninety (90) days of hire and must maintain good standing throughout employment.

Other Necessary Requirements:

Candidates who receive a conditional offer may be subject to the following pre-employment screens: reference check, background check including motor vehicle record check, or other applicable screen related to the role.

Physical Requirement of the job:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to read, speak and hear. The employee frequently is required to sit and use hands and fingers to handle or feel objects, tools, or controls. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 lbs., frequently lift and/or move up to 25 lbs., and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:

Work is primarily performed in a standard office and library environment although the employee is required to travel to other library sites. The work requires sitting for extended periods. The work requires visual and physical capabilities to work on computers and associated equipment for prolonged periods of time. Lifting, carrying, pulling, pushing, bending/stooping, and driving may be required. Work requires frequent interaction and communication with employees, customers, and the public. The noise level in the work environment is usually low to moderate.

Equal Opportunity Employer:

The City of Louisville offers Equal Opportunity for employment and advancement to all qualified applicants and employees. It is the City’s policy not to discriminate on the basis of race, religion, creed, sex, age, national origin, ancestry or disability unless related to a bona fide occupation qualification. This policy applies to all aspects of employment and the provision of the municipal services. The Human Resources Director has been designated as the compliance coordinator for persons with disability seeking employment and will provide reasonable accommodations for testing and employment to qualified applicants.

Salary : $151,694 - $182,042