What are the responsibilities and job description for the Executive Library Director position at Des Plaines Public Library?

Job Description

Des Plaines Public Library

Title : Executive Director

Onsite

Des Plaines Public Library is seeking a collaborative Executive Director who excels in building relationships with staff, Board of Trustees, and the community and has the expertise to execute new initiatives. We are proud of the departments, services and resources we currently have developed, join us as we continue to reach new heights!

Located in the heart of downtown Des Plaines, IL and serving 60,000 residents, Des Plaines Public Library’s (DPPL) mission is to be a catalyst, advocate and place to advance the vision and ideals for our community. Ranked as a Star Library , our dedicated staff works diligently to be a valuable part of the daily life of our residents via the items in our collections, programs for enrichment or fun, or the partnerships we foster within the community. DPPL offers an array of resources and programs for children to adults within a vast number of interests to include computer classes, digital devices, resources via our ‘Library of Things’, ‘Explore Illinois’ access and more! New for 2025, we are thrilled to present our new Maker Space. In support and value of our diverse community, DPPL provides a welcoming and intentionally inclusive environment which is reflected in our collections, services, instruction and physical and virtual spaces. To learn more about what DPPL has to offer, visit us at www.dppl.org.

Position Overview

Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the Executive Director is responsible for the effective completion of planning, directing, and coordinating the operation of all departments of the library as well as guiding, directing and supporting our dedicated staff.

Provides leadership and direction in the development and implementation of short- and long-range library goals, objectives, policies and programs.

Provides uniformly gracious and friendly service to all.
Responsible for the hiring, training, supervising, and evaluating of all library staff.
Prepares, implements and maintains the library budget and makes recommendations concerning purchases, leases, rentals and related services. Responsible for the management and accounting of funds received through donations.
Designs and delivers presentations to staff, Board of Trustees, Friends of the Library, civic groups and the general public.
Reviews and evaluates program areas, recommends changes or new programs to meet the library needs of the community and participates in the library's collection evaluation program.
Attends Board of Trustees meetings, workshops, and conferences and represents the library at community organizations and events and occasionally participates in fundraising activities.
Maintains memberships and participates in professional library associations and develops and maintains partnership agreements and activities with other community and regional agencies.
Keeps informed of current trends and developments affecting libraries and effectuates implementation
Responsible for administration of library grievance procedures and oversees the management of library records and enforces the library’s policies and procedures.
May write and manage grants
Performs other duties as assigned by the Board of Trustees.

Requirements

Master’s degree in library science from an ALA accredited program

Twelve years work experience

Ten years of experience as a professional librarian in a public library

Five years of administrative / management experience

Five years supervisory experience

Available to work occasional evenings and weekends

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Highly knowledgeable in specialized professional library principles, methods, practices, techniques and procedures as well as laws and regulations relating to library operations.

Considerable knowledge of administrative principles and practices such as finance, human resources, strategic planning, grant administration and change management.

Skilled in organizing, managing, and motivating people.

Highly skilled in developing and facilitating team based planning and collaborative problem solving.

Ability to analyze community and professional trends and to develop and maintain an optimal collection of materials.

Well-versed in preparing and presenting management and technical reports, budgets and other presentations.

Ability to perform excellent customer service and to communicate general library policies and procedures to the public.

Highly skilled in establishing and maintaining effective work relationships with staff, patrons, and community agencies

Accomplished leader in resolving difficult situations in a calm and professional manner.

DPPL Offers :

Salary range of $125,000 – 160,000 per year for this onsite opportunity. (Salary awarded will be dependent on the candidate’s experience and skills.)

Benefits :

Vacation

Holiday pay

Sick time

IMRF Pension Plan

Mission Square Pre or Roth 457

Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance

Life Insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Des Plaines Public Library is an equal opportunity employer.

Salary : $125,000 - $160,000

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