Director of Bridges Library System

Strengthening member libraries by fostering collaboration and innovation

Are you ready to lead an innovative and dynamic library system? Join us as the director of Bridges Library System.

One of 15 state-funded regional library systems, Bridges Library System serves 24 unique and autonomous libraries in Waukesha and Jefferson counties, collectively serving more than 500,000 residents. Bridges Library System's mission is to strengthen its member public libraries by fostering collaboration and innovation.

Under the direction of an 11-member board of trustees, the library system director manages and administers the overall service program of the library system. This position acts as the organization's chief executive officer and technical advisor to the board, develops and manages an annual budget of over $7.5 million, hires/supervises a dedicated and talented staff of seven (7) FTE, and develops and evaluates services that benefit member libraries. The director communicates regularly with its fiscal agent, Waukesha County, and works in a leadership capacity related to library services in both counties.

The ideal candidate is a:

• skilled leader who demonstrates outstanding communication and interpersonal skills;
• strategic thinker skilled in planning and tactical implementation;
• communicator who provides timely, accurate, and relevant information on critical issues to library boards, staff, stakeholders, and the public;
• relationship builder who acts with a high level of integrity and honesty to develop relationships based on trust and mutual respect.

Key Responsibilities:

• Spearhead the administration, planning, and evaluation of library system services for member libraries.
• Drive strategic initiatives by developing long-range plans and setting up impactful library programs.
• Lead financial management efforts by preparing budgets, securing grants, and managing service programs.
• Act as a consultant and policy advisor to member libraries, providing support on library management and compliance with state regulations.
• Cultivate strong relationships with member libraries, community officials, and the public to foster a collaborative environment.
• Advocate for library services on the local, regional, and state level.

Essential Qualifications:

• Graduation from an American Library Association accredited college or university with a master's degree in Library Science/Studies.
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible professional library work experience in the development, coordination, and evaluation of library programs and services, one (1) year of which must be in a public library or public library system.
• Certification, or eligibility to receive certification, as a Grade I Librarian in the state of Wisconsin.

Location: Beautiful Waukesha County, WI

Bridges Library System office is located in the city of Waukesha, within Waukesha County, and provides modern work spaces, free parking, and easy access to interstate highway systems. Nestled in the southeast corner of Wisconsin, the region includes a portion of the Kettle Moraine State Forest and provides an abundance of opportunities to enjoy lakes, woods, and trails. The two-county library system spans the area between the Milwaukee metropolitan area, which provides an urban flare for enjoying performing arts, music festivals, and professional sports activities, and Dane County, which is home to Madison, Wisconsin's vibrant state capitol.

2025 Salary Range and Benefits: $99,757 - $143,645 (depending on qualifications) coupled with a comprehensive compensation and benefits package including excellent health/dental/vision, life insurance, generous paid time off (vacation, 10 holidays, 3 floating holidays, ample accrued sick time that rolls over each year), an exceptional pension plan with employer match and lifetime retirement payment plus an optional tax advantaged 457 retirement savings plan. Amongst many other benefits, employees are recognized and valued through a pay-for-performance system. Successful candidates will be eligible for performance-based merit increases and non-base performance awards.

Employee well-being is promoted through a balanced work/life culture and through an exceptional employee wellness program that offers a variety of programs and tools to help promote an employee's wellness and health, including a health & wellness clinic.

Ready to Make an Impact?

Join us in making a difference in the lives of countless individuals. We can't wait to meet you!

Application Deadline: 8 a.m., Monday, Feb. 24, 2025

Responsible for the overall administration, planning, coordination, and evaluation of Bridges Library System services, either directly or through staff. Under the general direction of, and within policies set by the library system board of trustees, the director is responsible for developing and presenting operating plans, budgets, and policies necessary to provide optimal services to its member libraries and the residents of the library system.

1. Plans, develops, administers, and evaluates library system services and programs to member libraries in compliance with all laws, regulations, and existing agreements.
2. Oversees member libraries' compliance with library system membership requirements.
3. Develops, implements, and evaluates strategic plans for the library system and works with member counties to develop county library plans.
4. Prepares the library system budget that aligns with plans and includes member library input; pursues and obtains appropriate grants and gifts; administers programs for library system's member libraries; prepares detailed statistical and budgetary reports on each of the service programs for various federal, state, and local agencies and boards.
5. Develops, recommends to the board, and administers policies for the library system.
6. Serves as a consultant and provides guidance to member libraries in areas of policy formulations, library management, funding personnel, board-related issues, advocacy, facilities, automation, project management, public relations, planning, and interpreting pertinent statutes and regulations for libraries.
7. Communicates regularly with the library system board, staff, libraries, member counties, the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, the public, and other groups/agencies to provide the necessary information related to library system programs and services; acts as the official custodian of records.
8. Procures goods and services for the library system in accordance with related policies and procedures; negotiates pricing and contract language; approves purchases within established guidelines; initiates bid/request for proposal processes, recommends purchases to library system board and reports to boards as needed; monitors effectiveness of agreements.
9. Manages the library system's human resources; recruits, hires, trains, supervises, directs, motivates, coaches, and evaluates library system employees.
10. Directs and reviews work of contract personnel of the library system including automation services, and delivery services.
11. Advocates for legislation and funding that improves the library system's ability to advance its mission and meet its goals.
12. Initiates, develops, oversees, and evaluates memberships, partnerships, and collaborations; seeks new opportunities and ways to strengthen existing relationships to improve the library system's ability to be effective.
13. Establishes and maintains effective public and working relationships with a variety of stakeholders including library system board of trustees, staff, member libraries, member counties, the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, other library systems, legislators, vendors, the press, and the public.
14. Performs other duties as required.

Essential Knowledge and Abilities

1. Comprehensive knowledge of the modern principles and practices of professional library science.
2. Considerable knowledge of the library operations, including administration of a public library.
3. Considerable knowledge of the laws and regulations governing the operation of library systems and public libraries.
4. Considerable knowledge of principles, practices, and administration of a public library system.
5. Considerable knowledge of application of technology in libraries and in office operations.
6. Considerable knowledge of budget preparations and administration.
7. Considerable knowledge of supervisory and managerial principles and practices.
8. Considerable knowledge of advocacy and public relations principles and practices.
9. Working knowledge of computerized department program software, internet access, and database, spreadsheet, and word processing programs.
10. Ability to utilize website, meeting, survey, publishing, newsletter, calendar, email, word processing, database, and spreadsheet software programs.
11. Ability to plan, evaluate, and integrate various library services and programs into a functioning system.
12. Ability to establish and maintain a financial and statistical record keeping system.
13. Ability to analyze and interpret data objectively, organize work effectively, and prepare recommendations.
14. Ability to prioritize carefully and meet deadlines.
15. Ability to resolve conflicts.
16. Ability to maintain confidentiality.
17. Ability to establish and maintain effective public and working relationships with a variety of stakeholders including library system board of trustees, staff, member libraries, member counties, the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, other library systems, legislators, vendors, the press, and the public.
18. Ability to effectively interact with sensitivity with persons from diverse cultural, socioeconomic, educational, racial, ethnic, and professional backgrounds, and persons of all ages and lifestyles.
19. Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
20. Ability to provide effective leadership that inspires stakeholders to work together.

You must meet these minimum Training and Experience requirements:

• Graduation from an American Library Association accredited college or university with a master's degree in Library Science/Studies.

• Five (5) years of progressively responsible professional library work experience in the development, coordination, and evaluation of library programs and services, one (1) year of which must be in a public library or public library system.

• Certification, or eligibility to receive certification, as a Grade I Librarian in the State of Wisconsin.

Waukesha County prides itself on operating in a business-like manner and is recognized as a leader delivering high quality services with competence and skill. With our vision of "Leading the Way," we value teamwork and collaboration, ethics and diversity, communication, efficiency and cost savings, innovation, and the well-being of our staff and the citizens we serve. Employees are provided professional development opportunities and encouraged to learn and practice continuous improvement and LEAN principles as we regularly ask ourselves, "Is there a better way?"

Waukesha County is committed to equal opportunity and nondiscrimination in employment and adheres to all federal, state and county Equal Employment Opportunity laws, policies, plans, rules, regulations and ordinances. The county recognizes and accepts its important leadership role in providing for equal employment/service opportunities for minorities, women, and persons with disabilities. It is the express policy of Waukesha County to promote equal employment opportunity among all who are employed by Waukesha County and who seek employment with Waukesha County.

For further information visit: https://bridgeslibrarysystem.org/

The county does not sponsor applicants for work visas.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis.