Library Director

Description

Opportunity Description:
The Wythe-Grayson Regional Library (WGRL) seeks a dynamic individual who is an excellent communicator and library champion to serve as our next Regional Library Director. The regional system serves two counties with a main library in each county and 3 smaller branch libraries with a fourth planned for opening later this year. Also outreach service to both counties. Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the Director is responsible for the management of a one million dollar budget, 27 employees, and the operations of the main and branch locations. The 2022/2023 system total circulation volume was 106,320.
The regional library system is located in rural southwest Virginia, in the heart of the Blue Ridge Mountains. WGRL presently serves 5 small communities in portions of both Wythe and Grayson counties. Our libraries are located in Wytheville, Independence, Fries, Rural Retreat and Whitetip Virginia. Library highlights include strong local support, active friends groups, a well-resourced collection, and an innovative staff that seeks continuous improvement for the services offered to the communities. The area offers a bonanza of activities for outdoor enthusiasts including hiking, biking,
horse trails, canoe and kayaking on the New River and close proximity to the Appalachian trail, New River Trail State Park, and Grayson Highlands State Park. Music enthusiasts can enjoy living and playing music in the birth area of Appalachian mountain music.

About the position:
As the Director you will analyze and manage library work systems and operations to meet public library needs; review operational and performance data; observe and evaluate community use of the library; develop and assign responsibilities for library operations; plan and direct the work of professional, paraprofessional and administrative support staff.

Additionally you will:
Perform administrative and professional library work in developing, planning, and directing all policies, programs, operations and activities of the library.
Develop an effective and collaborative leadership team within the library.
Develop technology assessments and plans based on professional trends and the needs of the library, patrons, and staff.
Work with the library leadership team regarding long range planning strategies, operations and problem solving.
Work with the Board of trustees in preparing the annual library operational and capital budget.
Direct the development and maintenance of the library collection; analyzing new trends and formats, and library usage patterns.
Serve as liaison to the Friends of the Libraries to further the mission and services of the Library.
Provide leadership that produces positive relationships with the public, the library’s partners in the community, other county agencies, and the staff.

Requirements:
Candidate shall be a graduate of an American Library Association accredited college or university with a Master of Library and Information Science degree with a minimum of five years progressively responsible librarian and managerial experience.
Typical work schedule is Mon-Fri 8:30-5pm with flexibility to meet the needs of the job. Some travel to other branches within the system is required. A pre-employment DMV check, as well as background check that includes criminal history and higher education verification is required.

Salary and benefits:
Starting salary is negotiable based on a candidate’s qualification and experience. We offer excellent benefits including comprehensive medical coverage options, paid holidays, paid time off, Virginia Retirement System pension program, 457 and 401a defined contribution plans. Other benefits include access to training and career development opportunities and membership in the Virginia Library Association.

To apply you may request an online application at wythegrayson.lib.va.us, and attach a letter of interest and your CV to the attention of swright@wgrlib.org. All submissions are confidential. The position will remain open and applications will be reviewed promptly until the position has been filled.