The Board of Trustees of the Batavia Public Library District in Batavia, Illinois, seeks a leader with innovative ideas and an enthusiasm for library service to serve as Executive Director. This opportunity is open due to the upcoming retirement of the current Executive Director.
Located in the Fox River Valley region of west suburban Chicago, the city of Batavia is a lively, thriving community that respects and celebrates its historical roots. Residents enjoy a high quality of life with excellent schools, a vibrant downtown, an active art scene, and abundant recreational and entertainment options, both locally and throughout the greater Chicago area.
This is an outstanding opportunity to lead a forward-moving library that embraces the community it serves. The library is known for its friendly staff, supportive library board, and engaged community.
About the Opportunity
The successful candidate will possess both visionary leadership and practical skills that will help ensure that BPLD continues serving the needs of the community while also proactively looking to the future. This individual should be passionate about the role libraries play in their communities and committed to building upon the library's long history of achievements.
The new Executive Director should be a consensus builder, adept at inspiring and working with key stakeholders in the library community, including the Board, staff, community leaders, Friends group, and the public.
Qualifications and Requirements
- A resourceful, confident leader who possesses excellent interpersonal skills and a commitment to fostering a work environment that embraces collaboration, creative problem-solving, and shared decision-making
- Ability to build and strengthen relationships between the library and the community
- An understanding of current and emerging trends in library operations, including customer service, technology, and programming
- Willingness to nurture an inclusive culture that celebrates the voices and viewpoints of all community members
- High-level public library managerial and leadership experience including financial and planning responsibilities
- Experience in library building or renovation projects is a plus
- Master of Library Science degree from an ALA accredited institution
To apply for this opportunity, please submit a cover letter, current resume, and three professional references using the contact information below. Please include your last name in the title of any attached files and "Batavia" in the subject line of your email.
Salary $89,000 to $148,000/year, negotiable based on experience and qualifications. The library participates in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF).
Questions? We welcome and encourage inquiries. Interviews will be ongoing until the position is filled. The current Executive Director will retire June 1, 2023.
John Keister & Associates
Executive Search for Libraries
batavia@johnkeister.com
847-955-0541
linkedin.com/in/johnkeister/
We are committed to Equal Employment Opportunities, and will not discriminate against any candidate because of race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, disability, veteran status, or sexual orientation.
Photos courtesy of Batavia Public Library District