Executive Director – Community Library Sedona (AZ)

Library Jobline; Sedona (AZ); On-site; USD 120,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Fringe benefits package

Job summary

Community Library Sedona seeks an Executive Director to guide its next growth chapter, steward finances, and lead fundraising and capital campaigns across Sedona and the Verde Valley. As chief ambassador, the Director will build partnerships, advance the library’s strategic vision with the Board, and foster a collaborative, healthy workplace culture that empowers staff.

The position offers leadership in philanthropy, donor cultivation, and ensuring sustainable operations for two locations amid

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS) from an ALA-accredited institution is required.
• Five+ years of senior executive leadership experience in a public library or library-support organization.
• Experience in nonprofit leadership, capital projects, and working with governing boards.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic vision with the Board of Directors and advance financial sustainability.
• Oversee fundraising efforts including major donor cultivation and capital campaigns.
• Act as the library's chief ambassador, forging partnerships across the Verde Valley.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Fundraising expertise

Capital campaigns experience

Board governance experience

Financial forecasting

Relationship-building

Community engagement

Education

MLIS from an ALA-accredited institution

Job description

The Board of Directors of Community Library Sedona (AZ) seeks a thoughtful, collaborative, and visionary Executive Director to guide this independent nonprofit public library through its next chapter of growth, innovation, and community connection. Serving Sedona and the Verde Valley, the library operates two locations, including a 26,000-square-foot main library, with 15.35 FTE staff and an FY27 operating budget of approximately $2.2 million. Supported by public funding and private philanthropy, the recently rebranded library embraces an imaginative Explorer culture, offering innovative programs such as community sound baths and wellness experiences, and hosting signature events like its inaugural Get Loud celebration, which welcomed more than 1,000 residents. Building on this momentum, the library is undertaking a three-phase, $7.2 million capital campaign to revitalize its spaces and expand its role as a regional gathering place, with more than $2.15 million raised toward its $2.3 million Phase One goal. The next Executive Director will advance the campaign, strengthen donor relationships and financial sustainability, activate revitalized spaces, and establish a clear vision for the library's future. Equally important will be providing steady, attentive leadership that values staff expertise, builds trust, supports a healthy organizational culture, and brings the library's ambitious vision to life.

Sedona and the Verde Valley, nestled among the spectacular red-rock formations of north-central Arizona, offer an extraordinary combination of natural beauty, artistic expression, outdoor adventure, and engaged community life. Sedona's intimate small-town atmosphere is enriched by a nationally recognized arts and wellness culture, with destinations such as the Sedona Arts Center, Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village, and the Mary D. Fisher Theatre, along with the celebrated Sedona International Film Festival and Sedona Plein Air Festival. The surrounding landscape invites year-round exploration, from hiking Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock to discover Oak Creek Canyon, Red Rock State Park, and hundreds of miles of trails winding through Coconino National Forest. Beyond Sedona, the Verde Valley encompasses distinctive communities including Cottonwood, Clarkdale, Jerome, Camp Verde, and the Village of Oak Creek, each contributing to its own history, arts, recreation, and community traditions. Flagstaff, with its university community and mountain recreation, is approximately 30 miles north, while the Phoenix metropolitan area, roughly two hours south, offers major-city amenities and air travel connections.

Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be a strategic, relationship-centered leader who brings strong financial acumen, fundraising expertise, and a commitment to organizational excellence. The Executive Director will work closely with the Board of Directors to advance the library's strategic vision, strengthen financial sustainability, and lead philanthropic efforts, including major donor cultivation and capital campaign initiatives. As the library's chief ambassador, the Director will build meaningful partnerships throughout the Verde Valley, advocate for the library's mission, and inspire community support. Internally, the Director will foster a collaborative, supportive workplace culture, empower staff leadership, and establish clear priorities and measurable goals. Through thoughtful leadership, innovation, and sound organizational stewardship, the Executive Director will guide Community Library Sedona into its next chapter of growth and community impact.

Qualifications

A master's degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS) from an ALA-accredited institution, five or more years of senior executive leadership experience in a public library or library-support organization, superior relationship-building and community engagement skills, and strong financial management and forecasting experience are required. Experience leading nonprofit or mission-driven organizations, managing organizational growth or capital projects, conducting capital campaigns or major gift fundraising, and working with governing boards is desired.

Compensation

The hiring salary range is $120,000 – $140,000 (with placement negotiable depending on experience and qualifications) and an excellent fringe benefits package.

Visit the BMA website (https://bradburymiller.com/open-positions/) to access the latest version of this announcement in full, along with all related links.

Additional Info & Requirements

Qualifications: A master's degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS) from an ALA-accredited institution, five or more years of senior executive leadership experience in a public library or library-support organization, superior relationship-building and community engagement skills, and strong financial management and forecasting experience are required. Experience leading nonprofit or mission-driven organizations, managing organizational growth or capital projects, conducting capital campaigns or major gift fundraising, and working with governing boards is desired.

The Community

Sedona and the Verde Valley, nestled among the spectacular red-rock formations of north-central Arizona, offer an extraordinary combination of natural beauty, artistic expression, outdoor adventure, and engaged community life. Sedona's intimate small-town atmosphere is enriched by a nationally recognized arts and wellness culture, with destinations such as the Sedona Arts Center, Tlaquepaque Arts & Shopping Village, and the Mary D. Fisher Theatre, along with the celebrated Sedona International Film Festival and Sedona Plein Air Festival. The surrounding landscape invites year-round exploration, from hiking Cathedral Rock and Bell Rock to discover Oak Creek Canyon, Red Rock State Park, and hundreds of miles of trails winding through Coconino National Forest. Beyond Sedona, the Verde Valley encompasses distinctive communities including Cottonwood, Clarkdale, Jerome, Camp Verde, and the Village of Oak Creek, each contributing to its own history, arts, recreation, and community traditions. Flagstaff, with its university community and mountain recreation, is approximately 30 miles north, while the Phoenix metropolitan area, roughly two hours south, offers major-city amenities and air travel connections.

This position closes on Sunday, November 29, 2026.