Executive Director

Executive Director - Daniel Boone Regional Library

Location: Columbia Public Library Branch, Columbia, MO

The Daniel Boone Regional Library (DBRL) invites applications for the role of Executive Director. We are seeking a dynamic and visionary leader to join our Leadership Team and guide our library system, which serves the vibrant communities of Columbia, Ashland, Holts Summit, and Fulton, MO. This position will be based at the Columbia Public Library Branch in Columbia, MO.

Key Responsibilities:

Under the general guidance of the Board of Trustees, the Executive Director will:

• Develop and maintain a comprehensive library service program that meets the diverse needs of the communities served by DBRL.
• Lead the library in its mission to provide community-centered services by planning and collaborating with community organizations and staff.
• Foster a People-First workplace culture, building strong relationships with all stakeholders, including staff, the Board of Trustees, patrons, and the communities within DBRL.
• Exemplify excellence in Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, fostering an environment where all individuals feel valued and respected. 
• Oversee and direct the Library’s operations.
• Ensure the delivery of high quality library programs and services throughout the regional system.
• Develop and maintain short and long term goals following the strategic plan framework set by the Board.
• Oversee all personnel to ensure a qualified workforce; maintain positive working conditions.
• Recommend needed policies for board action; implement the policies as adopted by the Board.
• Interpret and explain library policies and procedures to the public and staff.
• Present and implement plans for library services.
• Prepare and present to the board regular written reports on the library’s current progress and future needs.
• Maintain an active program of public relations.
• Work with the DBRL Foundation and the Friends of the Library groups.
• Direct and participate in the development and administration of the annual operating and other assigned budgets; monitor and authorize expenditures according to policy.
• Evaluate, determine, and request additional funds necessary for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies.
• Establish appropriate service levels and allocate resources including staffing accordingly.
• Monitor and evaluate service delivery methods and procedures; identify and implement changes necessary to improve operational efficiency.
• Serve as a representative of the Library with outside agencies, community organizations and other stakeholders and the media.
• Respond to inquiries involving library-related matters; negotiate and resolve complex, sensitive, and/or controversial issues and complaints.
• Serve as technical advisor to the board; attend all board meetings and oversee the preparation of materials for all meetings.
• Maintain membership in state and national professional organizations and attend appropriate meetings and workshops.
• Stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of public library management.
• Monthly (minimum) travel to each branch.

About DBRL:

Established in 1959, DBRL provides public library services to two library districts in Missouri:

• Callaway County Library District (all of Callaway County)
• Columbia and Boone County Library District (all of Boone County outside the 1965 Centralia city limits)

DBRL serves approximately 90,941 cardholders within our service area, which includes Callaway County (834.6 square miles) and Boone County (685.6 square miles) with a 2010 census population of 203,190. DBRL currently employs 186 staff members throughout the region and operates with an annual budget of approximately $14.9 million.

About our area:

Columbia, MO, a city of approximately 128,000 people, offers the perfect blend of small-town friendliness and big-city amenities, ensuring a high quality of life for residents of all ages and interests. Founded on education, Columbia is also an attractive spot for businesses and travelers due to its central location on Interstate 70 and U.S. Highway 63. Just a couple of hours’ drive from St. Louis and Kansas City, Columbia is Boone County’s largest population center and has received numerous national awards and recognitions. Discover why Money magazine, Fortune magazine, U.S. News & World Report, Men’s Journal, MSN.com, and others have named Columbia one of the best places to live in the country.

Fulton, MO is centrally located within Missouri and offers convenient access to Interstate 70 and U.S. Route 54. We’re also the seat for Callaway County, home to the Callaway County Chamber of Commerce, and boast a thriving downtown called the Brick District. Residents can explore the recently-built Legends Rec-Plex for fitness and community events, tee off at the scenic Tanglewood Golf Course, or unwind along the tranquil paths of the Stinson Creek Walking Trail. Other family-friendly activities include the Sam and Daisy Grabb Animal Shelter and the Waterworks Splash Pad during summer months. The population was 12,600 at the 2020 census. The city is home to two universities, Westminster College and William Woods University; the Missouri School for the Deaf; the Fulton State Hospital; and the Fulton Reception and Diagnostic Center state prison. Missouri's only nuclear power plant, the Callaway Plant is located 13 miles southeast of Fulton.

Ashland, MO is located in Southern Boone County. Its population has increased  in the last 30 years from 1,275 persons in 1990 to approximately 3,700 persons in 2010,  and 4,747 in 2020 while still maintaining a quaint, small-town ambiance. This quality, together with Ashland’s convenient location and excellent schools, churches and homes, make the city an attractive place to live. Some of the residents work in Ashland, other commute to Columbia and Jefferson City, both less than 15 minute away on US 63, a four-lane divided highway.

Holts Summit, MO is a small city in Callaway County, Missouri. The population was 4,458 at the time of the 2020 census. Holts Summit is located 7 miles (11 km) northeast of Jefferson City, Missouri's state capital. The City of Holts Summit is home to two beautiful parks; Hibernia Station & Greenway Park, each offering something different to the public.

Join Us:

We are looking for an exceptional leader to continue our mission of making a positive impact through innovative library services and programs. If you are passionate about library services and community engagement and have the vision and skills to lead our organization, we encourage you to apply for this exciting opportunity.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

This position is responsible for the supervision and leadership of employees, which includes making employment-related decisions and/or recommendations, and formally evaluating performance of direct reports.  Directly supervises Associate Directors, CFO, Human Resources Director, Public Relations Director, Development Manager and Executive Assistant.                                                                 

Application Process:

Please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications and vision for the Daniel Boone Regional Library.

Join us in shaping the future of library services in our communities. The Daniel Boone Regional Library is an equal-opportunity employer committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

The following competencies apply to this position based on designated responsibilities:

• Organizational Leadership - leaders help everyone understand the vision of the library and the connection to community needs. Leadership empowers staff and encourages collaboration and learning. The Executive Director should lead the “People-First” workplace culture and promote transparency and collaboration throughout the organization.
• Personnel Management - Staff are the most important resource for achieving the library’s mission and goals. From hiring to training and providing feedback, support for learning and innovation needs to be clearly communicated. Ensure that exceptional customer service to coworkers at every level in the organization is provided.
• Project Management - Effective project management involves managing people, resources and time. Leaders recognize that open communication is essential throughout the project life cycle.
• Strategic Planning - Collaborative and deliberate planning helps ensure that library services are responsive to community needs.
• Interpersonal Skills - Leadership effectiveness is enhanced by empathy, clear communication, the ability to build relationships, ethical behavior and the flexibility to be a leader, team player and lifelong learner.
• Accountability - Successful leadership is measured by taking ownership for work, including following up on commitments and possessing a strong ability to stay focused on both individual and library results. Accountable leaders show others how to take ownership of their decisions and mistakes, which can help everyone work towards a common goal.

Physical, Environmental, and Special Working Conditions:

• Position requires extensive movement throughout the building and travel to outlying facilities.  A significant percentage of time is spent in meetings with staff, members of the public, community leaders and other stakeholders.
• All library employees may be called upon to assist other departments in a declared emergency situation.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
• Travel (Monthly travel to branches and outside organizations as needed)

Minimum Job Requirements:

MLS from an accredited institution; six years professional library experience with at least three years of director or other senior level administrator experience.

Preferred Education or Experience:

Experience working positively in a Union environment. Experience in Collective Bargaining.