Bethel Library Director

State; Maine; On-site; USD 35,000 - 43,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid personal leave

Healthcare stipend

Job summary

The Bethel Library Association in Bethel, ME seeks an outgoing Library Director to serve as the public face of the library, with a focus on community outreach and excellent customer service. This 30-hour-per-week role oversees operations, staff, budgeting, fundraising, and engagement with trustees and the community.

The successful candidate will have MLS or a related BA/BS with public library experience, strong communication skills, and a proven leadership background to enhance services for

Qualifications

• MLS preferred or college degree with three years of public library experience
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and writing skills
• Demonstrated collaborative leadership and management experience (budgeting, organization, personnel, PR)
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and sustainability
• Ability to develop the library's collection and manage materials
• Proficiency with library technology and software, and social media
• Ability to multi-task with a focus on customer service

Responsibilities

• Plan and promote programs and events for the community
• Assist treasurer in drafting the annual budget for Board approval
• Oversee all library operations and approve budget-aligned expenditures
• Supervise staff and stay current on professional developments
• Work with trustees on fundraising and grant funding
• Assist patrons with library technology (Wi-Fi, computers, cloudLibrary, printing)
• Attend Board and committee meetings and report on operations
• Prepare reports for the Maine State Library and local towns

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Writing skills

Team leadership

Customer service

Education

MLS preferred

BA/BS

Tools

Library technology

Social media

Job description

Bethel Library Director, The Bethel Library Association (Bethel, ME)

Position Description

The Bethel Library is seeking an outgoing and energetic individual to fill the position of Library Director. Bethel is located in western Maine in the foothills of the White Mountains. The Bethel Library Association is a private 501(c) 3 organization founded in 1879. It is overseen by a Board of Trustees and serves a combined population of about 4,000 people from the towns and townships of Bethel, Albany, Gilead, Greenwood, Mason, and Newry, as well as all students in the local school district.

The Library Director serves as the public face of the Bethel Library, both in the library, during programs, and at professional meetings and events. This position requires a commitment to community outreach and dedication to providing exemplary customer-centered services to the community.

This is a 30-hour a week position.

Essential Functions

• Plan and promote programs and events that appeal to a wide range of community members.
• Recommend policies, including those related to staffing, and assist the treasurer in drafting the annual budget for the Board of Trustees approval.
• Oversee all aspects of the library collection and operations, and approve expenditures as aligned with the budget.
• Supervise the staff and remain current on professional developments, including attending statewide library meetings and events.
• Work with the trustees on fundraising, and expanding funding from grants, in support of library operations.
• Assist the public with knowledge and use of the library’s technology, including Wi-Fi, computers, cloudLibrary, and printing.
• Attend all Board of Trustees meetings as a non-voting member and Board committee meetings as necessary. Keep the Board informed of proposed changes in library operations, such as staffing or library hours.
• Prepare reports for the Maine State Library, the local towns served by the library, and the Board of Trustees.

Qualifications

Requirements

• An MLS is preferred, or a college degree in a related field with three-years experience in a public library.
• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and writing skills.
• Demonstrated collaborative team-oriented leadership and management experience, to include budgeting, organization, personnel, and public relations.
• The Bethel Library is deeply committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and sustainability, and the library director will play a central role in ensuring that the library remains a welcoming and accessible resource for everyone who live in and visit our community.
• The ability to develop the library's collection, including the selection and withdrawal of books, periodicals, audio‑visual, and electronic materials.
• A strong proficiency with computer and library technology and software, and social media.
• The ability to multi‑task with a focus on customer service.

Full/Part Time

Part Time

Education

BA/BS

Salary

$39,000.00/year

Salary Notes

The position includes 20 days of paid personal leave and a $100 per month stipend to be used toward the cost of healthcare.

Closing Date

Open until filled