Colorado Alliance of Research Libraries Executive Director Position Announcement

Colorado Alliance of Research Libraries

Executive Director

Exempt Status:  Exempt                                              Reports To:      Board of Directors
Date:                  February 1, 2012                                         

Summary:

The Executive Director oversees and coordinates operations of the Colorado Alliance of Research Libraries (The Alliance), a non-profit consortium of academic and public libraries dedicated to improving and expanding the resources and services member libraries provide to the students, faculty and general public they serve. The Executive Director reports to the Board and sets the overall direction to ensure the Alliance fulfills its mission and goals.  The Executive Director provides leadership and management in implementing programs and resources in conjunction with the Board, Member Council of Deans and Directors, and Alliance staff.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain a strategic plan for the Alliance in order to effectively respond to changing environmental conditions of member libraries.
• Work collaboratively with the Board with respect to setting policy and priorities, budget development and fiscal considerations.
• Identify emerging trends in libraries, publishing, technology, and higher education and evaluate their applicability for, and impact on, the Alliance’s programs and services.
• Advise the Board regarding changing trends, conditions, and issues within the Alliance and the marketplace that impact the Alliance’s services and operating environment.
• Develop and maintain a collaborative relationship with the Member Council to ensure on-going communication and clarity of goals and needs of member libraries.
• Oversee and manage all financial and accounting matters to ensure on-going financial viability and growth of the Alliance.
• Oversee Alliance operations including providing leadership and management to Alliance staff in support of continued resource development and service delivery for all Alliance members.
• Negotiate with vendors and resource providers to secure favorable pricing and contract terms for member libraries.
• Consult with member libraries regarding ways to achieve their goals and objectives including enhanced patron services and access to collections.
• Recruit additional Alliance members and affiliates.
• Support the work of Alliance committees, task forces, conferences and roundtables.
• Create a workplace culture of information exchange and cross-cultural communication.

 Supervisory Duties

• Directly supervise Alliance office staff of 7–9 employees.
• Encourage professional development of Alliance staff.
• Oversee all day-to-day office operations in accordance with organization policies and applicable laws.
• Manage overall staffing levels and work assignments to achieve organizational goals.

Job Qualifications

Preferred

• Demonstrated successful managerial experience in a library, scholarly publishing or related field including leading and supervising employees in a multi-faceted organization.
• Demonstrated leadership in national and/or international professional organizations, boards, or consortia.
• Demonstrated ability to develop effective working relationships and credibility with various stakeholder groups.
• Expert knowledge of budget development and fiscal management with an understanding of the business implications of decisions.
• Proven contract negotiation skills to achieve best prices, terms and conditions.
• Advanced degree in library/information science or a closely related discipline.

Required 

• Advanced degree from an accredited institution.
• A minimum of five years of increasingly responsible leadership experience in a library or information-related organization with a multi-million dollar budget.
• Demonstrated knowledge of current and emerging trends and issues in libraries and related fields including publishing, technology, and higher education.
• Experience working in a consortial environment.

Work Environment

• General office environment, but with frequent travel to consortium libraries in service area with some overnight travel required.

Applicants should submit a cover letter, resume, and the names and contact information for three professional references. Applications must be submitted via email directly to: director_search@coalliance.org. Screening of applications will begin February 20 and continue until the position is filled. Nominations and questions should be directed to Helen Reed, Chair, Alliance Executive Director Search Committee (helen.reed@unco.edu) (970) 351-2601. The Colorado Alliance of Research Libraries is an equal opportunity employer that values diversity and inclusiveness in its workforce.