Description
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR – LAKE FOREST LIBRARY
Lake Forest Library invites applications for the position of Executive Director, a unique leadership opportunity in one of the most engaged, welleducated, and librarysupportive communities in the Chicago region. The Library seeks an experienced, visionary, and relationshipdriven leader to guide a historic institution through an exciting period of growth, facility planning, and service innovation.
About the Opportunity
The Executive Director serves as the Library’s chief executive and strategic leader, responsible for advancing its mission, strengthening organizational culture, and ensuring exceptional service to the Lake Forest community. Working in partnership with the Board of Trustees, the Executive Director oversees all library operations—including administration, finance, facilities, capital projects, fundraising, public engagement, and service innovation—while fostering a collaborative, professional, and patronfocused environment.
This role requires a decisive, communicative, and forwardthinking leader who can balance tradition with innovation, guide the Library through facility development, and represent the institution with confidence and integrity in the community.
Key Responsibilities
The Executive Director will:
- Provide strategic leadership aligned with the Library’s mission, values, and longterm priorities.
- Maintain strong communication with staff, the Board of Trustees, and community stakeholders.
- Oversee administration, personnel management, and organizational development, fostering a culture of trust, collaboration, and open communication.
- Ensure compliance with all applicable laws and policies and serve as one of the Library’s FOIA Officers.
- Lead financial planning, budgeting, and investment oversight in partnership with the City of Lake Forest.
- Direct fundraising initiatives, including majorgift cultivation and collaboration with the Library Foundation and Friends groups.
- Guide longterm facilities planning and oversee all phases of capital and renovation projects.
- Serve as a visible ambassador and advocate for the Library at community events, civic meetings, and public forums.
- Evaluate and enhance library services, programs, and technologies to meet evolving community needs.
- Support professional development for staff and maintain active engagement in regional and national library networks.
Leadership Profile
The ideal candidate:
- Leads with empathy, integrity, openness, and a commitment to teamwork.
- Demonstrates strong decisionmaking, accountability, and followthrough.
- Excels in collaborative problemsolving and project management.
- Communicates effectively with diverse audiences and represents the Library with professionalism and confidence.
- Brings deep knowledge of public library principles, Illinois library law, and the ALA Freedom to Read values.
- Understands finance, HR, municipal processes, and historic building stewardship.
- Has experience in multiple public library environments, ideally with familiarity with North Shore communities or similar demographics.
Additional Information
Compensation includes an excellent benefits package and discretionary bonus opportunity.
Information about Lake Forest, Illinois
Lake Forest Library Strategic Plan
Lake Forest Library FY27 Budget
Requirements
Qualifications
- Master of Library Science degree from an ALAaccredited program.
- Demonstrated record of progressive leadership in public libraries, including substantial supervisory and operational management experience.
- Experience in budgeting, personnel management, facilities oversight, and strategic planning.
- Proven success leading major capital or construction projects.
- Demonstrated fundraising experience, including majorgift solicitation.
- Valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle.
- Commitment to historic preservation and understanding of Lake Forest’s community expectations.
- Residency within approximately 30–45 minutes of the Library (relocation assistance available).
How to Apply
- Submit your resume, contact information, and a cover letter outlining your qualifications.
- Candidates will be reviewed as their information is received.
- Applications must be submitted by July 1st, 2026 for consideration.
- References required upon request.
- All applications will be kept strictly confidential.
