Library Director

State; Merrimack (NH); On-site; USD 83,000 - 114,000; Full time

Job summary

The Merrimack Public Library in Merrimack, NH seeks an experienced Library Director to lead our growing library and staff. This 40-hour, exempt role oversees budgeting, planning, personnel, and community outreach, reporting to the Library Board of Trustees.

The Director ensures strong public library service and guides growth aligned with our mission. Ideal candidates hold a BA/BS with at least five years of library management experience, including HR and financial oversight; MLIS/MLS preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; MLIS/MLS preferred per library standards.
• Min. five years of library management, incl. HR and financial oversight.
• Commitment to public library service and community engagement.
• Strong leadership and strategic planning capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Report to the Library Board of Trustees and manage board relations.
• Plan and implement long- and short-range strategic plans for library services.
• Prepare and monitor the annual budget; oversee financial reporting and audits.
• Recruit, develop, and supervise library staff; oversee HR and personnel actions.
• Lead external communications and community outreach to promote library programs and services.
• Oversee facilities, collections, and service delivery to ensure high quality public service.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Public service

Strategic thinking

Education

BA/BS

MLIS/MLS preferred

Job description

Library Director, Merrimack Public Library (Merrimack, NH)

Library Director - Business Management

The Merrimack Public Library Board of Trustees is accepting applications for an experienced and dynamic library leader. Merrimack New Hampshire has a population of about 27,000 and is in the ‘sweet spot’ in between the state’s two largest cities. Merrimack includes a vibrant Parks and Recreation program along with a full calendar community events throughout the year. With a great mix of commercial and residential areas, Merrimack is poised for continued growth and development.

What we bring:

• The Merrimack Public Library’s Mission and Vision statements, along with our five-year strategy were updated in 2025 by incorporating feedback from our community and library supporters.
• An engaged Board of Trustees, Development Fund Committee and Friends of the Merrimack Public Library.
• Passionate library staff and leaders.

What you have:

• Proven library leadership experience and a commitment to public library service.
• Enthusiasm, Innovation and Vision for being an anchor in the community.

If these core principles resonate with you, we’d like to hear from you!

Library Director role: 40 hours per week/Full-Time, Exempt/Salaried, Wage range 39.88 – 55.00 per hour, based on experience. Contract position. Full job description below.

The Library Director acts as Chief Administrative Officer leading our growing and progressive library into the future. The Library Director will be retained by and responsible to the Library Board of Trustees. Per RSA 202-A:15, the Library Director shall be appointed by the Board of Library Trustees (Board) for a term of office agreed to at the time of employment.

MINIMUM Qualifications

• 1. Bachelor’s degree required; preferred Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS/MLS) which is accredited by the American Library Association or equivalent.
• 2. A minimum of five years library management experience including at least three years of human resource/personnel and financial management responsibilities.

Essential Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• 1. Commitment to the mission and philosophy of public library service.
• 2. Excellent leadership skills with proven effectiveness.
• 3. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Proven ability to communicate effectively with library trustees, elected officials, and community groups. Ability to supervise and engage library staff.
• 4. Work effectively in a dynamic library environment, including working with the public.
• 5. Bring Library forward through innovation and visionary strategy, keeping the community needs at the forefront.

Duties

A. Board Relations - The Director Shall:

• 1. Report to the Board, which has legal responsibility for governing the library and hiring the library’s director.
• 2. Organize, plan, and distribute board meeting agendas with supporting materials including guidance for the Board in compliance with RSAs. Board meeting materials are to be distributed to the Board seven days prior to meetings.
• 3. Attend all library board and required committee meetings unless officially excused by the chair.
• 4. Publish and post minutes of the Board meetings in accordance with New Hampshire state law Right-To-Know information and Federal Freedom of Information Act.
• 5. Monitor public perceptions of the library and its services.
• 6. Report to the Board on town Department Head meetings.
• 7. Perform other duties as assigned by the Board.

B. Planning - The Director Shall:

• 1. Continually evaluate the effectiveness of the library services in relation to changing needs of the community and develop plans to meet those needs.
• 2. Anticipate and define future needs for the library services and resources to meet those needs.
• 3. Prepare long and short-range plans for presentation to the Board.
• 4. Exercise collaborative leadership with the Board in developing specific strategies and programs to realize significant technical and cultural trends creating new opportunities for our community.
• 5. Support fundraising efforts from external sources through grants and fundraising as allowed by law.

C. Finance - The Director Shall:

• 1. Prepare a draft annual budget for the Board consideration and adoption. Present the draft budget to the Town Council.
• 2. Authorize and supervise expenditures of library appropriated funds. Keep the Board informed of all monetary issues.
• 3. Assure bills are prepared for on time approval and subsequent payment.
• 4. Prepare monthly and yearly financial reports on budget accounts, prepare for audit.
• 5. Prepare and send the required annual reports to the State.
• 6. Ensure implementation of proper accounting principles and safeguards.
• 7. Expend budget according to the Trustee Guidelines for Lib Funds document, adjust expenditure patterns with the Board as necessary, and authorize bills for payment.

D. Personnel - The Director Shall:

• 1. Classify staff positions, salary/wage schedule and periodically update job descriptions.
• 2. Recruit and interview candidates for open positions. Make recommendations to the Board on employee hiring, firing, promotions, and disciplinary actions.
• 3. Oversee and support work operations to promote teamwork.
• 4. Maintain Personnel/Staff manual as coordinated effort with Town of Merrimack.
• 5. Provide for training and professional development of employees. Promote employee engagement/satisfaction and wellness.
• 6. Prepare annual evaluations, including goals for direct reports.

E. Public and Patron Relations - The Director Shall:

• 1. Advocate for, represent, and promote the library. Work with employees, library board, volunteers and library users as well as educational, civic and literacy organizations. Maintain foundation of community connections, responding to any unique needs.
• 2. Oversee effective communications through news releases, e‑mail, newsletters, blogs, web sites, social media, etc.
• 3. Effectively address patron complaints and public criticism of the library following established policies.
• 4. Participate in the town department meetings with other town leadership. Participate with regional and state Library leadership groups.

F. Additional Responsibilities:

• 1. Supervise library collection maintenance and review. Implement new collection options as trends evolve.
• 2. Oversee general operation of facilities and grounds. Coordinate with town and the Board regarding maintenance or concerns.
• 3. Maintain membership in state and national library organizations. Network with regional libraries.
• 4. Perform other duties as required.

G. Physical Demands - The Director Shall:

• 1. Regularly required to bend and stoop, to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, and to reach with hands and arms.
• 2. Regularly required to sit, stand, and go up and down stairs, and walk on a frequent basis.
• 3. Frequently required to lift and/or move objects up to 10 pounds.
• 4. Occasionally required to lift and/or move objects up to 50 pounds.

SCHEDULE / Location

This position is exempt. The schedule requires a 40-hour work week and includes some weekend and evening hours, and special events as directed by the Board. Work is to be completed onsite at the library with allowances for time when representing Merrimack Public Library offsite.

Qualifications

Full/Part Time

Full Time

Education

BA/BS

Salary Range

$82,950.00- $114,400.00/year

Salary Notes

Based on experience