Description

The Opportunity

The University City Public Library is seeking a dynamic, community-focused leader to serve as their next Library Director. This mission-critical position reports to a nine-member Board of Trustees, guides a dedicated staff of 48, oversees a $3.4 million operating budget, and is responsible for the overall daily operation and oversight of the library’s departments, collections, services, programs, and facility. 

The Library Director is tasked with nurturing positive and meaningful professional relationships with University City Public Library’s Board, staff, and patrons. Also, as the chief representative and face of the library, the Library Director represents the library in the profession and community and seeks opportunities to enhance the Library’s strong reputation as a vital community partner and resource.

In addition to organizing, directing, and evaluating all library functions, operations, and activities, the Library Director will honor the library’s established strengths, community identity, and positive work culture while advancing new service models, technology, responsiveness to evolving community needs, and ongoing organizational improvement.

About the Library and Community

University City Public Library was established in 1939. After outgrowing its original building, the library moved to its current location at 6701 Delmar in 1969. In 2023, the facility underwent a complete renovation to better serve its increasingly diverse community and the evolving needs of its approximately 35,000-person service area. Today, UCPL offers a large collection, technology access, youth programming, senior outreach, literacy resources, meeting spaces, and community art exhibits. To learn more and take a virtual tour, visit: ucitylibrary.org

Located in the heart of the St. Louis metropolitan area, University City is a vibrant, diverse, and historic community known for its distinctive architecture, rich arts and culture, and strong civic identity. The city offers an appealing blend of urban energy and residential character, with established neighborhoods, architecturally significant homes and buildings, local businesses, parks, schools, and community institutions that reflect a deep sense of pride and community. University City is perhaps best known for the Delmar Loop, an eclectic dining, shopping, arts, and entertainment district near Washington University that features restaurants, galleries, specialty shops, music venues, public art, the St. Louis Walk of Fame, and other regional attractions. The community’s creative spirit is reflected in its cultural events, historic character, diverse population, and long-standing support for arts, education, and public engagement. The community’s walkability, affordability, and proximity to St. Louis and Forest Park make it a uniquely appealing place to live, work, and build long-term roots and connections.

Requirements

Position Qualifications and Compensation

• Five or more years of high-level public library leadership experience is required.
• Skill in all areas of library administration and operations management, including:
  • Staff Management – hires, supervises, evaluates, retains, develops, and mentors staff, and has the ability to maintain workplace morale and enhance staff relations.
  • Fiscal Operations – leads all fiscal planning and analysis, and provides accurate, sound budgetary management.
  • Community Relations – guides and oversees community engagement, collaboration, and advocacy activities. Works and partners effectively with civic/community partners, local businesses, government officials, and other key stakeholders.
  • Facilities and Collections Management – ensures that the building is properly maintained and updated as needed, that the collection and programming are current and reflect present community needs and interests, and that information about new services and offerings is effectively communicated to the public. Analyzes usage and circulation statistics and uses data to improve library operations and patron satisfaction.
• Experience reporting to a Board and/or working as part of a senior management team is required.
• High professional awareness, including thorough knowledge of current trends and best practices for library service, as well as active involvement within professional library associations is required.
• Ability to serve as a thoughtful and effective advocate for public libraries, intellectual freedom, and access to information while exercising sound judgment, diplomacy, and political awareness, is required.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage diverse internal and external audiences, are required.
• A Master’s degree in Library and Information Science [MLIS] is required.

A generous compensation package includes a starting pay range of $110,000 to $130,000 and a competitive and comprehensive benefits package. 

To Apply

To be considered for this position, please submit your resume and a cover letter [including salary requirements] to: [email protected]. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.