Head Librarian, New York Society Library (NY)

Head Librarian

The New York Society Library seeks a Head Librarian for a position opening in July 2015. Founded in 1754, the Library is one of New York’s oldest and most distinguished cultural institutions. Located in a landmark building in Manhattan's Upper East Side, it has a collection of approximately 300,000 books, a highly regarded rare book collection, institutional archives that date back to the 18th century, several reading and reference rooms, a children’s library, and study rooms for members and writers. The Library also sponsors frequent lectures, exhibits, author readings, writers’ events, discussion groups, and events and activities for children. The Library currently has a subscription membership of 3,000 and a staff of 17 full-time and 17 part-time employees. Its membership includes families, students, and a wide variety of purposeful readers of diverse backgrounds, many notable writers and scholars among them. The Library is also open to the general public for reading and reference. More information about the Library is available on the Library’s website www.nysoclib.org.

The Head Librarian is responsible for administering and managing the Library, supervising the staff and carrying out employment policies, overseeing development of the collections, developing and managing technological systems and resources, setting and implementing annual budgets, and overseeing programs and publications. The Librarian also works closely with the Library’s Development Director, Development Committee, and Board of Trustees to increase and broaden the Library’s funding base and is actively involved in fundraising and writing grant proposals. The Librarian reports directly to the Board of Trustees and advises on and participates in important planning issues. The Librarian interacts regularly with members and helps create awareness of the Library's resources and reference services.

Qualifications:

• a record of significant achievement with at least 5 years of senior-level supervisory experience at a library;
• an appreciation of the Library’s place among distinguished cultural institutions and the vision and creativity to maintain and enhance that position;
• strong and proven communication, interpersonal, leadership, and organizational skills;
• interest and ability in maintaining and strengthening the Library’s diverse collections;
• in-depth understanding of technological and other developments affecting libraries and their members;
• effectiveness in personnel management and ability to maintain a collegial workplace;
• experience in developing and implementing operating budgets;
• proven experience in partnering with a not-for-profit institution development team, and board of trustees, to implement and enhance the institution’s fundraising efforts;
• a strong member and public service orientation;
• a master's degree in Library Science from an ALA-accredited institution.

Though not necessarily required, other desirable qualifications include an additional advanced degree in the humanities or organization management; a record of scholarship; and experience with facilities and renovation issues.

The Library offers a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental and retirement plans.

Applicants should submit a cover letter, a professional résumé, and three references to:
The New York Society Library
Attention: Daniel M. Rossner, Chair, Search Committee
53 East 79th Street
New York, NY 10075
or
employment@nysoclib.org