The Board of Directors of the Rutherford County Library System (RCLS) are searching for their next great leader. RCLS is a governmental non-profit agency funded by Rutherford County and the cities of Eagleville, Murfreesboro, and Smyrna, Tennessee. Though connected to the county and to those cities, the Library is governed by its own Board of Directors. The Board consists of 11 members: 4 appointed by the Rutherford County Commission, 4 by the Murfreesboro City Council, 2 by the Smyrna Town Council, and 1 by the Eagleville City Council.
Rutherford County is a vibrant area to the southeast of Nashville. Though the Library System has 6 locations and an active bookmobile, there is room for expansion to meet the needs of this rapidly growing community. The Library’s annual operating budget is $4.2 million and it employs 70 patron-focused staff members with a desire to grow in numbers as well.
The next RCLS Director must be
an effective communicator and a partnership developer who will help the Library connect with the area’s many civic organizations. They want a leader with business acumen and knowledge of capital projects, who also shows empathy and understands the fundamentals of public library service for all. The ideal candidate will be serious about supporting staff members and building on the strengths of a strong management team.
The right person will work side-by-side, for a period of time, with the Interim Director who also serves as Manager of the downtown Linebaugh Public Library while acclimating to the job. They will participate in events outside the building and beyond the regular work week. The Director will build on established partnerships and serve in civic organizations. They will also be responsible for completing goals outlined in the current strategic plan and for helping design the next outline for facilities and programs, and play an instrumental role in seeking new service models.
The Board is looking for
a professional with a Master’s Degree in Library Science from an ALA-accredited program or with the equivalent combination of education and experience, and 5 years of administrative work in the public sector. They want someone who is community-focused with a working knowledge of city and county government. The candidate must have highly developed interpersonal skills and be ready to accept, share, and delegate responsibilities.
They must be aware of municipal budgeting and fiscal matters and have an understanding of facilities management. Strong leadership capabilities and a commitment to transparency are required. They will maintain a healthy environment where staff are valued for their contributions and encouraged to produce their best work. The Director must also set a good example for development through attendance at workshops, conferences, and continuing education opportunities.
The successful candidate must
be aware of municipal budgeting and fiscal matters and have an understanding of facilities management. Strong leadership capabilities and a commitment to transparency are required. They will maintain a healthy environment where staff are valued for their contributions and encouraged to produce their best work. The Director must also set a good example for development through attendance at workshops, conferences, and continuing education opportunities.
Salary, Benefits & How to Apply
This is a full-time, exempt position with a minimum annual salary of $100,000, based on experiences and accomplishments. The Library also offers a generous benefits package including paid vacation and sick days, health insurance with Cigna, and participation in TCRS.
Please apply by sending a thoughtful cover letter, a concise resume, and the contact information of at least 3 references in PDF to rutherfordcounty@deiterstodd.com by Friday, March 28, at 5:00pm. For further information, go to www.deiterstodd.com/rutherfordcounty or contact Jim Deiters at jim@deiterstodd.com.
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