Director

Nelib; Atkinson (NH); On-site; USD 82,000 - 92,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Pension: NH Retirement System

Short-term disability

Job summary

Kimball Library in Atkinson, NH seeks an experienced public library leader to become Director. The role oversees all facets of operations, staff, collections, budget, and community programs, reporting to the Library Board of Trustees.

Ideal candidate has MLS from an ALA-accredited school, 7–10 years in senior management, strong communication, and a growth mindset to keep the library vital for 7,300 residents.

Qualifications

• MLS from an ALA-accredited school is required.
• 7–10 years of progressive senior management in libraries.
• Collaborative leadership with a patron-driven service mindset.
• Experience in budgeting, facilities, and collections management.

Responsibilities

• Direct all library operations and services to provide high-quality, accessible library experiences.
• Lead staff recruitment, training, evaluation, and development.
• Develop and manage the annual municipal budget and reporting.
• Represent the library to Town Department Heads, Trustees, and community groups.
• Oversee collections, facilities, technology, and community engagement initiatives.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Education

MLS / Master’s in Library Science (ALA-accredited)

Job description

Kimball Library Director

Salary: $82,000.00 - $92,000.00 Annually

Application Deadline: Oct 16, 2026

Public Library

Our current director retired recently after a distinguished 35-year career in public libraries. The Kimball Library Board of Trustees is accepting applications for the position of Library Director.

Beautiful, modern, and beloved, the Kimball Library is situated near Dow Common along with other municipal facilities. Atkinson, a scenic community of stone walls, open spaces, and approximately 7,300 residents, is located on the Massachusetts border. Retaining its rural character while embracing modern public services, it is a town that values community, connection, and involvement and boasts convenient access to the Boston area, the coast, and points north.

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced, innovative, and community-oriented leader. The Director manages all phases of library operations, ensuring it continues to thrive as the informational and civic heart of Atkinson. Last year, more than 45,000 people visited the Kimball Library!

The ideal candidate will have earned a master's degree in library science from an ALA accredited school, have 7-10 years of progressive positions in senior management, be a collaborative leader with a patron-driven commitment to outstanding library service and possess excellent communication skills. In addition, a thorough understanding of the operations and functions of public libraries, proven expertise in selection, managing collections, personnel, facilities, and developing budgets are required. The successful candidate will be a creative, energetic individual with a growth mindset and clear vision of the current and future value of the public library in our community.

Compensation and Benefits

Status: Full time

Salary: Based on commensurate experience up to $92,000 annually with competitive benefits based on qualifications and experience

Insurance: Health, life, and short-term disability

Pension: New Hampshire Retirement System

• Cover letter: Please share your vision for the future of public libraries and how you would work to realize that vision.


• Resum


• Three professional references to be contacted only with prior notice.

In addition to the director, there are currently 3 full-time staff, 8 part-time staff, and volunteers. The Library, open 55 hours a week over 6 days, is governed by an elected board of trustees, and benefits from an active Friends group.

Position Title: Director

Accountability: Reports to the Library Board of Trustees

Status: Full-Time; Exempt

Position Overview

The Library Director is the chief executive of the Kimball Library. The role combines leadership, management, and vision to ensure the Library provides outstanding service to the community. The Director oversees daily operations, manages staff and resources, coordinates the development and maintenance of all collections, and ensures that the library remains responsive to the evolving needs of the community. The Director reports to the Board of Trustees.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Administration

• Directs all aspects of library operations to deliver high-quality, efficient service.


• Regularly evaluates library policies, services, and programs in light of trends in librarianship and community needs.


• Develops, presents and manages the annual municipal budget.


• Maintains current knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations affecting public libraries.


• Monitors relevant national, regional, and local trends, including technology, affecting the library and update the staff and the Board as


• Prepares all statistical and narrative reports as required, including the annual town, state and federal reports, and a monthly report for the Library Board of Trustees.

Community Engagement

• Builds strong partnerships with the Friends of the Library, schools, local government, cultural organizations, and community


• Acts as the public face of the Library, advocating for its role as a center for learning, enjoyment, creativity, and civic


• Represents the Library at meetings of Town Department Heads, Selectboard, Budget Committee, and others when necessary or invited.

Staff & Human Resources

• Fosters a collaborative, communicative, and positive


• Recruit, hire, train, and evaluate staff, recommending new hires to the Board for approval.


• Delegates, assigns and adjusts duties to ensure effective


• Invests in professional growth through ongoing training and development


• Advocates for competitive wages and benefits.