Library Director

Librarylinknj; Mountainside (NJ); On-site; USD 90,000 - 102,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

22 vacation days (pro-rated)

15 sick days (pro-rated)

15 holidays

Health benefits including dental & eye

Job summary

Mountainside Public Library in Mountainside, NJ, seeks an experienced Library Director to lead a growing community with a 15-member staff and a $1M budget. The role requires strategic vision, strong communication, and effective staff development to deliver service excellence.

The successful candidate will manage programs, secure funding, and guide a major renovation. Availability begins January 4, 2027, with full-time exempt status and generous benefits.

Qualifications

• MLS/MLIS from an ALA accredited program and NJ certification.
• 5+ years library experience with 3+ in management.
• Proven community engagement and partnership success.
• Experience in budget preparation and management.
• Proficiency with library technology and systems.

Responsibilities

• Oversee administration of the library and services.
• Develop strategic growth initiatives.
• Promote the library through marketing and public engagements.
• Pursue grants and funding opportunities.
• Communicate with Board, officials, and stakeholders.
• Prepare reports and lead staff meetings.
• Recruit, hire, train, and evaluate staff.
• Stay current with trends and laws.
• Oversee a $300k renovation project.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Strategic planning

Budget management

Staff supervision

Education

MLS/MLIS (ALA accredited)

NJ State Certification

Tools

Library automation systems

Budget software

Job description

The Board of Trustees for the Mountainside Public Library in New Jersey is seeking a dedicated, innovative, and committed professional librarian to serve as Library Director for our unique and growing community. The library serves approximately 7000 citizens, supports a staff of approximately 15 individuals and maintains a budget of nearly $1M annually.

The ideal candidate will possess excellent communication skills, be solution oriented, maintain an agile and flexible attitude, be committed to the staff and our supportive community, respond creatively to critique, and nurture a respectful environment with others, including staff, patrons, board members and municipal officials. The candidate will take initiative, work independently and manage time, responsibilities and pressure effectively. Strong management skills and a long-term vision for success are cornerstones of the position.

The position will be available January 4, 2027.

Responsibilities
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Administration of the Mountainside Public Library, as delegated by the Board of Trustees, which includes the management of public and technical services, programming, annual operating budget preparation and review, staff scheduling and performance evaluations, physical plant maintenance review, and general library systems.
• Develop strategic initiatives for growth and development of library services to the community.
• Oversee the promotion of the library through effective marketing initiatives including, but not limited to, community newspapers, public appearances, social media exposure and web pages.
• Seek additional funding through various sources including federal and local grant writing, interfacing with local fundraising groups and any other community organizations.
• Establish and maintain effective communication with the Board of Trustees, elected officials, the Friends of the Library, community organizations, schools, and other stakeholders, to enhance the service and experiences of the general public.
• Prepare for and attend Library Board meetings. Prepare monthly narrative and statistical reports for board review. Plan and conduct monthly staff meetings.
• Recruit, hire, supervise, train and evaluate library staff.
• Remain current with professional developments, certifications, trends, and laws.
• Ensure compliance with local, state and federal laws and library standards including state reporting, certification and audits.
• Guide the library through a $300k renovation project that may include breakout rooms, new flooring, a reimagined children’s section, an updated program room, outdoor enrichment spaces, and a redesigned staff workspace.

Qualifications

• An ALA accredited MLS or MLIS and New Jersey State Certification are required.
• Five years of progressively responsible library experience, including at least 3 years in a supervisory or management role.
• Three to five years’ experience as a professional librarian with supervisory or management level experience preferred.
• Proven success in community engagement, partnership development and outcome delivery with quantifiable results.
• Experience with budget preparation and management.
• Proficiency with technology and automated library systems.
• Candidate must be willing to submit to and successfully pass a background investigation.
• Candidates may be required to provide references upon request.

Compensation

• Salary commensurate with experience ranging from $90k-102k.
• Library Director is a full-time 35 hour/week exempt position with a generous benefit package including 22 vacation days (pro-rated for first year), 15 days of sick leave (pro-rated to one day per month for first year) and 15 paid holidays.

Mountainside Public Library participates in NJ Public Employees Retirement System in which participation is mandatory and State Health Benefits Plan. Full-time employees who opt for health benefits also receive a dental and eye care allowance. Optional Flexible Spending Account for Healthcare and Dependent Care available.

“Good Faith” Salary, Range, or Rate of Pay