Executive Director

HR Partners; Newton (KS); On-site; USD 65,000 - 79,000; Full time

Job summary

Newton Public Library in Newton, Kansas seeks an Executive Director to lead library operations, strategy, and services in alignment with the Board's direction.

The role requires 3–5 years of library experience (including supervision), a Master of Library Science, and a valid driver’s license. This is a full-time, on-site position with responsibilities spanning administration, public relations, budgeting, and HR, with relocation considerations as needed.

Qualifications

• Master of Library Science degree required.
• 3–5 years of library experience required, including at least one year of supervisory experience.
• Valid driver’s license required.
• Must live within a 50-mile radius of Newton Public Library.

Responsibilities

• Acts as executive, financial and chief vision officer of the library, developing strategic goals, objectives and priorities.
• Establishes policies and reviews procedures for the library with final policy approval resting with the Board of Trustees.
• Handles all library legal matters in consultation with the Board and attorney.
• Prepares payroll and accounts payable invoices; submits annual reports and audits.
• Develops events, projects, and services to enhance library services in consultation with staff and Board.
• Maintains relationships with City of Newton and boards; fundraising and advocacy coordination.
• Oversees capital improvement projects and insurance coordination.

Skills

Leadership

Strategic planning

Budgeting

Communication

Policy development

Education

Master of Library Science

Tools

Integrated Library System

Database management

Word processing

Job description

Company: Newton Public Library, Position: Executive Director, Classification: Exempt, Salary: Starting at $72,000/annual, and then as based on experience, Reports to: Library Board of Trustees, Location: Onsite, Newton Public Library

This position will remain open until: September 14, 2026

Summary/Objective: The Director develops, sustains, and implements the mission of the library under the general direction of the Board of Trustees of the Newton Public Library. The Director oversees library services with vision, responsibility and authority.

Essential Functions:

Administration & Policy Making

• Acts as executive, financial and chief vision officer of the library, developing strategic goals, objectives and priorities to ensure long-term responsiveness and viability of library services
• Establishes all policies and reviews procedures for the library, including emergency and safety policies, with final policy approval resting with the Board of Trustees
• Handles all library legal matters in consultation with the Board of Trustees and the library’s attorney
• Completes yearly state survey, annual report, and other statistical reports as needed
• Develops events, projects, and services to enhance library services, in consultation with staff, Board, and Foundation Board
• Actively participates in professional associations, meetings, conferences, and continuing education opportunities
• Manages the development of capital improvement projects and oversees contractor work for major projects
• Manages insurance coverage on all facilities, fixed assets, and inventory in coordination with the City of Newton and the library’s insurance provider

Stakeholder & Public Relations

• Acts as primary spokesperson and representative for the library
• Responds to inquiries involving library-related matters; negotiates and resolves complex, sensitive, and/or controversial issues and complaints
• Acts as administrative officer and secretary of the Library Board, preparing monthly board reports, and advising the Board on financial planning, budgeting, policy development, and long-term planning
• Develops and maintains a relationship with the City of Newton to ensure cooperation and sustainable library funding, and serves as liaison to City financial, facilities, and human resource departments.
• Serves as board member and secretary for the Newton Public Library Foundation Board, and guides NPLF’s fundraising and advocacy efforts to support the library in partnership with the Central Kansas Community Foundation
• Provides information to and attends meetings of the Florence Bessmer Foundation Board, and works to maintain an effective and communicative relationship with the Bessmer Board
• Networks with external agencies and partners, and/or directs appropriate staff to serve as contacts, to ensure collaboration and cooperation among community stakeholders

Financial

• Prepares & manages the yearly library budget for approval by the Board of Trustees
• Assigns spending limits to library departments as appropriate
• Oversees administration of all funds for the Florence Bessmer Foundation, Newton Public Library Foundation, state funds, or other special grant fund allocations.
• Handles yearly audit with City-selected firm
• Submits payroll and accounts payable invoices to the accountant for processing
• When applicable, applies for grant funding to supplement other established revenue streams.

Staffing & Human Resources:

• Hires and terminates library employees
• Serves as human resources contact for staff, handling issues such as benefits coverage, ADA accommodations, and personnel policies
• Manages personnel files and documentation
• Works with Assistant Director to develop yearly goals for staff members and provide evaluation of those goals on a regular basis
• Proposes pay scales and compensation development for consideration by the Board of Trustees

Continuing Education:

• Participates in professional organizations, meetings, and conferences, and keeps informed of professional development opportunities
• Encourages staff, Board, and Foundation Board to take part in continued learning opportunities through meetings, workshops, seminars/webinars, and conferences.

Education and Experience:

• Master of Library Science degree required.
• 3-5 years of library experience required, including at least one year of supervisory experience.
• Valid driver’s license required.

Knowledge, Skill and Ability:

• Ability to effectively lead a team and demonstrate respect for all persons, including patrons and co-workers
• Ability to problem solve effectively in a timely manner and manage conflict swiftly
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively with tact and courtesy in dealing with staff and public
• Ability to work independently and decisively to manage a variety of tasks and situations, taking charge when needed to deal effectively with crises
• Ability to concentrate on fine details with multiple interruptions
• Must have excellent oral and written communication skills
• Must be computer literate; must have thorough knowledge of computers and some knowledge of software programs including integrated library system, database management and word processing software
• Must have ability to utilize audio-visual equipment and assist patrons with its usage, including microphones, projectors, screens, etc.

Required Licenses or Certification:

Must possess or have ability to obtain a valid Kansas Driver’s License. Successful completion of pre-employment screening tests including Drug and Alcohol, Physical Examination and Criminal Background Check.

Required Residency

Must live within a 50-mile radius of Newton Public Library.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. Physical requirements include the ability to stoop, bend and stretch to retrieve and shelve materials. Must be able to stand for extended periods of time. Ability to lift and carry up to twenty-five pounds and push a cart of books is required. Ability to set up and take down tables, chairs, and meeting room furnishings is required. Travel to workshops, conferences and meetings may be necessary.

Work Environment:

This position operates mainly in an office setting and routinely uses standard office equipment. There will be some travel required and some work outdoors at programs and events. This is a fully on-site position.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work:

This is a full-time, exempt, benefited position. Must be flexible and able to work varied hours and respond to “on call” situations as needed for library operations, events, etc.

Other Duties:

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time without notice and may include other duties as assigned.

The Newton Public Library provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.