Library Director

State; Hopkinton, Northern (MA, KY); Hybrid; USD 94,000 - 132,000; Full time

Job summary

Hopkinton Public Library in Hopkinton, MA is seeking a Library Services Director to provide strategic leadership, oversee nine full-time employees and a robust part-time staff, and guide the library’s five-year plan. This is an on-site, full-time role reporting to the Library Board of Trustees and supporting community access to services and resources.

The ideal candidate holds an MLS from an ALA‑accredited program, MA Librarian certification, and 7+ years in library administration with 3+ years

Qualifications

• Master's Degree in Library Science from an ALA-accredited program.
• Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners State Certification of Librarianship.
• Seven or more years of progressively responsible experience in library administration including personnel and fiscal management, program development, and facilities oversight.
• Three or more years of supervisory experience with leadership and mentoring staff.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and guide long-range planning for the library.
• Lead, mentor, and develop library staff while fostering an effective organizational structure.
• Strengthen the library's role as a welcoming community gathering place and promote equitable access to services.
• Build relationships with residents, community organizations, schools, Town departments, and partners.
• Oversee library operations, collections, technology, programming, service delivery, and facilities.
• Develop and recommend policies with the Board and implement Board-approved procedures.
• Prepare and manage operating and capital budgets with the Board and Town processes.
• Oversee grants, procurement, financial controls, and other fiscal responsibilities.
• Serve as Hopkinton's public library expert, staying current with professional developments.

Education

Master's Degree in Library Science (ALA-accredited)

Massachusetts State Certification of Librarianship

Job description

Library Director, HOPKINTON PUBLIC LIBRARY (Hopkinton)

The Town of Hopkinton is seeking an experienced, collaborative, and forward-thinking library professional to serve as our next Library Services Director.

The Town of Hopkinton is committed to equal opportunity, and we encourage diversity and inclusion in our workforce. We believe a culture of inclusion strengthens our organization and contributes to making Hopkinton a great place to live and work. We welcome all qualified candidates to apply.

Hopkinton is a vibrant community of approximately 20,000 residents, located 26.2 miles west of Boston and perhaps best known as the starting point of the Boston Marathon. At the heart of the community is the Hopkinton Public Library, a welcoming and well-used community resource with a strong tradition of service, programming, and connection.

The Library serves more than 110,000 visitors annually and offers nearly 1,000 programs and events each year. Its historic building, thoughtfully renovated and expanded in 2017, combines the character of the original Library with modern, flexible spaces, including a dedicated CreatorSpace for hands‑on learning, creativity, and exploration.

And there is important work ahead.

The Library is developing its next five‑year strategic plan, which will help establish priorities and direction for the years ahead. Depending on the timing of the recruitment, the next Director will have an opportunity to contribute to the planning process and will play a key leadership role in bringing the plan to life through its implementation and ongoing evaluation.

About the Role

Appointed by and under the direction of the Library Board of Trustees, the Library Services Director provides strategic leadership and directs the administration and operation of the Hopkinton Public Library. The Director leads a team of nine full‑time employees and a robust part‑time staff providing approximately 160 hours of service each week, supported by additional substitute staff. The Director is responsible for creating an effective organizational and supervisory structure that supports staff development, accountability, collaboration, and excellent public service.

This is a highly visible leadership position requiring someone who can balance the many dimensions of modern public library leadership: supporting and developing staff, engaging with the community, managing resources responsibly, thinking strategically about services and facilities, and building strong working relationships with an engaged Board of Trustees, Town administration, other municipal departments, and community partners.

The Director will:

Provide strategic leadership and guide long‑range planning, including development and implementation of the Library's five‑year strategic plan.

Lead, mentor, and develop Library staff while fostering an effective organizational and supervisory structure.

Strengthen the Library's role as a welcoming community gathering place and promote equitable access to Library services and resources.

Build relationships with residents, community organizations, schools, Town departments, and other partners.

Oversee Library operations, collections, technology, programming, service delivery, and facilities.

Develop and recommend policies in collaboration with the Board and implement Board‑approved policies and procedures.

Prepare and manage operating and capital budgets in collaboration with the Board and within established Town processes.

Oversee grants, procurement, financial controls, and other fiscal responsibilities.

Serve as Hopkinton's public library expert, remaining current with developments in the profession and applicable local, state, and federal requirements.

What We're Looking For

The successful candidate will bring both strong professional library experience and demonstrated leadership ability. We are seeking someone who can think strategically while remaining connected to staff, patrons, and the everyday work of the Library; who values collaboration and clear communication; and who is comfortable leading within both a municipal organization and a Board‑governed environment.

This is a full‑time, exempt, on‑site position based at the Hopkinton Public Library. Occasional evening and weekend work is required for Board meetings, community events, programs, and professional activities, with occasional travel for meetings, conferences, training, and outreach.

Qualifications

Required qualifications include:

Master's Degree in Library Science from an ALA‑accredited program.

State Certification of Librarianship from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners.

Seven or more years of progressively responsible experience in library administration, including personnel management, fiscal management, program development, and oversight of library facilities.

Three or more years of supervisory experience, including demonstrated leadership and experience mentoring staff.

Demonstrated knowledge of public library administration, including operations, budgeting, community engagement, personnel management, staff development, and long‑range planning.

Compensation & Schedule

Anticipated Hiring Range: $94,016 - $112,819.20 annually, depending on qualifications
Full Position Range: $94,016 - $131,622.40 annually

Full/Part Time

Full Time

Education

MLS/Masters

Salary Range

$94,016.00- $112,819.20/year

Closing Date

4:00 PM, Thursday, September 24th.