Director, Learning and Discovery
Imagination, innovation and inspiration...The Director of Learning and Discovery at the Westport (CT) Library will embrace and promote these ideas as they lead an inventive, committed public service staff who is transforming the traditional role of Libraries by delivering innovative programs and services. The Director must value responsive, personal customer service and view the Library as a platform for community innovation and experiential learning. The selected candidate must be interested in seeking new service models and fostering exploration through staff and community collaboration. He/she must be knowledgeable about emerging trends in libraries and the world at large and passionate about implementing new approaches to learning, information access, and services. In other Libraries this position may be called the Deputy Director for Public Service but the Westport Library uses a title that best describes the role.
The Director of Learning and Discovery must have both left and right brain skills—the ability to inspire and motivate staff as well as day-to-day managerial and organizational skills. A love of public service, a strong customer service focus, and the desire and skill to teach, coach, and mentor staff is essential. He/she manages public services through a team of direct reports and serves as a member of the Library’s Management Team. This position contributes to short and long-range planning, program development, and evaluation, and provides input into allocation of resources in support of the Library’s strategic initiatives.
The Westport Library is a vibrant and welcoming community hub that reflects Westport’s spirit, creativity and entrepreneurship. Each day, an average of 1,300 patrons of all ages visit the Library to read and research (borrowing nearly 674,000 items last year), attend one of the Library’s 1,600 programs, consult with the Library’s expert reference librarians, use one of the Library’s ten 3-D printers, shop the Library store, meet friends at the Library Café or simply enjoy the camaraderie of being in a dynamic shared space. In 2013, the Library Journal designated the Westport Library as a “Five-Star Library”, a distinction earned by less than 1% of the nation’s libraries and in 2015 the Library was one of five finalists for the IMLS National Medal for Museum and Library Services. The Westport Library was also among the first in the nation to establish a Maker Space, a place for creation, collaboration, innovation and entrepreneurship. The Library is supported by a $4.3 million annual Town appropriation and supplemented by an active development effort, as well as grants, fees and earned income, resulting in a $5.6 million annual operating budget. For more about the Library and the Town, see Westport Links.
Qualifications. The successful candidate will have an ALA accredited Masters’ of Library Science and a minimum of five (5) years professional experience in a public library setting or information-based environment demonstrating progressively responsible management experience. Desired attributes and skills include strong computer and technology skills; a customer service orientation; excellent oral and written communication skills and interpersonal skills; and the ability to work collaboratively. Flexibility and ability to thrive in a complex, changing environment with competing demands and proven success in planning, introducing, and managing change is crucial. The desire and ability to represent the Library throughout the Westport community and be an active community participant is required. This position must be flexible to work evenings and weekends when required.
Compensation. The position offers a hiring salary range of $80,000-100,000 (with placement dependent upon experience and qualifications) and an attractive benefits package.
For information, contact Bradbury Associates/Gossage Sager Associates via email or phone. Apply via email with a meaningful cover letter and your resume as Word or pdf attachments to Dan Bradbury or Jobeth Bradbury. This position closes June 21, 2015.