City of New Haven Home

City Librarian #2303-0912-01

New Haven Free Public Library

Date Opened
Tuesday, March 07, 2023 12:01 AM
Close Date
Sunday, April 02, 2023 11:59 PM
Section
Public Library
Salary
  • Up to $145,000 annualized, subject to approval by the City's Board of Alders
Employment Type
  • Full-Time
Go Back View Benefits

Introduction

Established in 1886, the New Haven Free Public Library has been a popular and forward-thinking institution throughout its history. It was one of the first public libraries in the nation to recognize the importance of open shelves and public browsing as well as establishing a separate Children’s Room in 1895.

Today the Library serves the community with an assortment of collections and services to meet the needs of the City’s diverse population. In recognizing the NHFPL with the 2019 National Medal for Museum and Library Service, the nation’s highest honor given to museums and libraries, U.S. Senator Chris Murphy of Connecticut stated, “This award is a true testament to the innovative work of NHFPL. . . . I nominated them for this award because of their unmatched commitment and service to Connecticut residents, and for going above and beyond to offer 21st century programming to fit the diverse needs of the New Haven community.”

PRIMARY FUNCTIONS

The City Librarian is responsible for the overall administration and operation of all New Haven Free Public Library (NHFPL) functions. The City Librarian provides leadership and vision in the creation and administration of a city library system committed to public service that shares, cooperates and collaborates with other educational, cultural and social agencies in the community.

The City Librarian reports to the Library Board of Directors on policy, strategic planning, advocacy, budgetary, and financial stewardship and to the Chief Administrative Officer of the City of New Haven on administrative, personnel and city budget issues. The City Librarian also leads the NHFPL Foundation (the Library’s fundraising arm).

View the full recruitment brochure, including applicant instructions at

https://www.junegarcia.com/searches/new-haven


TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The NHFPL is currently working with the strategic framework 2018–2023, Growing Together: One City. One Future. The central goals are:
1. Provide community-centric guidance to the library today and in the future;
2. Foster ongoing conversation and collaboration among staff and with the larger community; and
3. Create an ongoing culture of innovation for the New Haven Free Public Library and its users.

The next City Librarian will have the opportunity to shape the direction of the Library’s next, near-on-the-horizon strategic framework.

Looking Ahead
The new City Librarian will be expected to:

  • Advocate for increased funding from public and private sectors to expand service hours, enhance Library collections and technology, and align staff pay with local and state peers
  • Foster a workplace culture that embodies and values equity, diversity, and inclusion, reflective of the City the Library serves
  • Evaluate the Library’s performance through the lens of the Strategic Framework 2018-2023 and implement a Board-approved process to create the Library’s next strategic plan
  • Develop a Facilities Master Plan that addresses infrastructure, maintenance, and security needs
  • Identify key technology needs and develop a plan to meet those needs
  • Create and implement a robust human resources plan that addresses recruitment, education, training,
  • coaching, and retention of talented staff
  • Champion a culture of intellectual freedom, reading, lifelong learning, and 21st century literacies

By the numbers FY 21-22
134,023 Population served
$4,208,202 Annual operating budget

Facilities: One main Library & four Branches
325,455 Volumes owned
490,314 Library visits
1,486 Library programs, including 337 virtual programs
19,677 Program attendance
221,600 Computer use sessions

    KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

    Ideal City Librarian
    To be successful in this position, you will need to be a talented administrator, an effective communicator, an inclusive leader, and a respected community builder.

    A Talented Administrator
    • Demonstrates unquestionable integrity and high ethical standards
    • Has a proven track record of effective fiscal management and budgetary planning.
    • Understands, appreciates, and is committed to working respectfully and collaboratively within a unionized environment
    • Empowers staff with the authority, accountability, and resources to carry out delegated tasks
    • Effectively leads and manages change
    • Makes wise and fair decisions using reliable data
    • Excels in developing, leading, and motivating staff
    • Is accountable for his or her actions and holds staff accountable for theirs
    • Has excellent project management skills
    • Has a proven track record of continuous improvement approaches including alternative service delivery initiatives
    • Is skilled in strategic planning and plan implementation
    • Understands and uses effective measurement and evaluation methods

    An Effective Communicator
    • Provides timely, accurate, and relevant information on critical issues to the Library Board of Directors, elected and appointed City officials, union leadership, Library staff, colleagues, and the public
    • Develops and communicates a shared vision of Library services and motivates community residents and staff to work together to achieve that shared vision
    • Serves as an eloquent, passionate, and visible spokesperson advocating for the Library, the services it provides, and the constituencies it serves
    • Identifies the key concepts and issues to be communicated in complex situations
    • Communicates openly, clearly, logically, and concisely
    • Interacts effectively with the media
    • Demonstrates a sense of humor and joy in their work

    An Inclusive, Equity-Focused Leader
    • Shows genuine commitment to racial and social justice
    • Is customer service-oriented and is committed to removing barriers to service
    • Demonstrates the competencies of emotional intelligence, especially when interacting with others in tense or challenging situations
    • Thinks strategically and makes sound decisions under pressure
    • Maintains an awareness of local, state, and national issues that might have an impact on Library services and funding
    • Considers all parties’ interests in creative problem-solving
    • Strives for the right mix of customization and standardization when developing Library services
    • Creates a culture of continuous learning where excellence and innovation can thrive
    • Exhibits intellectual curiosity and demonstrates a commitment to personal lifelong learning
    • Forward thinking and has a positive track record of implementing appropriate leading-edge technologies
    • Has a knowledge of current trends and best practices in libraries and exhibits a commitment to the core values of the profession

    A Respected Community Builder
    • Works collaboratively and harmoniously with Library Board of Directors, Library staff, unions, elected and appointed officials, and other key stakeholders to achieve the Library’s mission
    • Successfully partners with the New Haven Free Public Library Foundation to build support for the Library, and to raise funds to enhance current services and initiate new ways to meet community needs
    • Demonstrates cultural competence and has a history of responsiveness to community residents, Library patrons, and Library staff
    • Collaborates with educational, cultural, social service, and corporate entities to enhance services to community residents.
    • Acts with a high level of integrity and develops relationships based on dependability and honesty
    • Demonstrates tact and sensitivity when engaged in the private and public arena
    • Is active in professional and civic organizations

    NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

    Elector status in the city of New Haven is required within six (6) months of appointment.

    SALARY, BARGAINING UNIT & TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

    This position covered by the Executive Management & Confidential Employee Policy, available to review HERE.

    Hires into this class shall not be covered by the City pension but shall continue to be covered by Social Security; additionally, employee will contribute 7.5% of base pay into a defined contribution plan.

    In addition, a comprehensive benefits package will be provided including:
      • 20 days of vacation per year after the first year of employment; Accrued at the rate of one and two-thirds days per month for each full month of service in first calendar year of employment
      • 12 paid holidays
      • 2 personal days per year
      • up to 7 sick days per year
      • Medical coverage options, which include prescription, dental, & vision
      • $100,000 Term Life Insurance is provided at no cost to employee
      • Employee Assistance and Wellness Programs

    Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of: (1) a pre-employment background check, (2) a pre-employment physical examination, including pre-employment drug screening, (3) registration in the New Haven COVID Vaccination/Testing portal and providing proof of Vaccination status, as per the Mandatory COVID Vaccination/Testing Policy, and (4) a 90-day probationary period. Instructions and information on this pre-employment process are included in Conditional Offer of Employment.

    Selection Plan

    How to Apply:
    Please electronically forward a compelling letter of interest that positions you as the ideal candidate to inspire and lead the New Haven Free Public Library, plus a resume, and contact information for a minimum of three work-related references to: June@JuneGarcia.com.

    Applications are due by midnight ET on April 2, 2023.

    The Board of Directors has engaged the executive search firm June Garcia, LLC to assist with this recruitment. Sari Feldman will also be working with Ms. Garcia and the Board Directors on this recruitment.

    Initial review and evaluation of candidates will be conducted by the Search Committee, June Garcia, and Sari Feldman upon receipt of completed materials.

    The Semi-final Interviews will be conducted by the Search Committee using Zoom or similar technology. It is
    anticipated that each interview will last 45-50 minutes.

    The final interview process will be conducted onsite. It is anticipated that it will consist of a variety of activities held over two days, which may include tours of library facilities, meet and greet sessions with library staff and community stakeholders, and a formal interview by the Board of Directors.

    It is the intent of the Board of Trustees to keep the names of the applicants confidential as long as possible. However, the names of the finalists will be released a few days prior to the final interviews. A background check will be completed on the preferred finalist. Prior authorization of the finalist will be obtained.

    The following timeline has been established:
    Applications due: April 2, 2023
    Semi-final interviews: April 17-19, 2023
    Final interviews: May 5-6. 2023.


    View the full recruitment brochure at

    https://www.junegarcia.com/searches/new-haven


    Conclusion

    The third largest city in Connecticut, New Haven has a population of 134,871 (2020 US Census). The area is home to a vibrant economy with a focus on education, health care, professional and financial services, and retail trade. New Haven’s population is approximately 31% Latinx, 30% Black, 28% white, and 7% Asian. By age, educational status, race, and ethnicity, the New Haven metropolitan area’s diversity reflects the United States at large more closely than any other metropolitan area in the country. In recent decades, New Haven’s Central American population has significantly increased, and in recent years, New Haven’s Asian population has grown at the highest rate. The city has a vibrant population of resettled refugees, and an array of community members and organizations committed to supporting their wellbeing, as well as other of other important constituent groups – immigrants, artists, minority-owned small businesses, and more.

    Housing options are another advantage of the New Haven community. With beautiful single family homes, apartments and condominiums, and distinctive appealing neighborhoods including a residential downtown, professionals and families have excellent choices when relocating to New Haven. It is a pedestrian and biking-friendly community thanks to the long tradition of planned living and design. It offers proximity to high quality hospitals and varied wellness providers. New Haven is nicknamed “The Elm City,” and is known as one of the first places to have a public tree planning program. It is also famous for being home to some of the country’s oldest and most beloved pizzerias, now joined by an impressive range of restaurants and grocers that make adventurous or specialized eating an everyday option.