Wicomico Public Libraries (MD) – Executive Director
Innovate Educate and Inspire as the Wicomico Public Libraries’ next Executive Director. The Library’s new ED will value communication and collaboration with staff, the Board of Trustees, Library partners, and Wicomico County residents and provide vision and leadership to the Library throughout the County. Governed by an eleven-member Board of Trustees, the Library serves 102,577 people through three locations, a bookmobile and an outreach van. Working with 53 talented library staff and a $2.6 million annual budget, the Library will continue its focus on excellent customer service and broadening outreach services. Key initiatives include charting a clear course for welcoming and inclusive library programs and services; developing a new three-year plan for the Library; and becoming the recognized ‘face’ of the Library within the community while building positive relationships with stakeholders, staff, Board, and public officials. A key component of this position is fostering trust and teamwork.
Wicomico County is in southeast Maryland on the lower Eastern Shore and provides easy access to the Chesapeake Bay and the Atlantic Ocean, in addition to metropolitan areas – Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C. Salisbury, the County seat, is the fastest growing city in Maryland. Major employers in Wicomico County include Salisbury University, the Perdue Farms headquarters and the Tidal Health system. Creeks, streams, inlets and marshes provide visitors with over 1,000 miles of waterways to enjoy fishing, crabbing, clamming, boating, paddling and exploring. The County is rich with history and culture, reflected by the many museums and heritage sites, such as the Salisbury City Park and Zoo, the Charles H Chipman Cultural Center, and the Newtown Historic District. Wicomico County schools provide a quality education and have been recognized as a Best Community for Music Education. The National Council of Traditional Arts selected Salisbury to host the 2018-2020 National Folk Festival due to the Region’s unique cultural assets and strong community spirit. For more information about the Library and the area, visit Wicomico Links.
Responsibilities. The Executive Director, reporting to the Board of Trustees, oversees an award-winning library system and provides overall strategic and operational leadership with full responsibility for, but not limited to, the following areas: personnel and fiscal management; marketing and communications; fundraising and development; emergent technologies; facilities; and external partnership development through engagement with key stakeholder groups. For a complete description of responsibilities, see the full Position Description.
Qualifications. Minimum qualifications are: a master’s degree in Library/Information Science from an ALA-accredited program and five years progressively responsible public library experience, and the ability to obtain Maryland State Department of Education certification as a Public Library Director within six months of hire. Proven experience working in a senior management capacity, including budget and finance, facilities management, and library automation and personnel administration are highly desirable. Reporting to a policy-making board and previous success in a multi-branch system are preferred. Residency in Wicomico County is strongly preferred within one year following acceptance of position.
Compensation. The starting salary range is $85,000– $95,000 commensurate with experience and includes a competitive benefits package. For further information, please visit Bradbury Miller Associates. Apply via email with a meaningful cover letter and resume as Word or PDF attachments to Karen Miller. This position will close April 11, 2021.