Ohio is home to some of the nation’s best libraries. Here is your chance to lead one. The trustees of the Ritter Public Library in Vermilion, Ohio are seeking an exceptional leader as its next Director. This highly visible, mission-oriented leadership position will plan, implement, and administer all aspects of the operation of the Ritter Public Library. In addition, the new Director will provide strategic direction and possess a strong orientation towards customer service, intellectual freedom, innovation, and community collaboration to meet the current needs and new challenges of the Library’s customers and the larger community.
About Ritter Public Library
The Library’s mission is to enrich, empower, and entertain. As a community center for the Vermilion area, it provides patrons with a variety of books, movies, music, and digital resources; creative [makers] and meeting spaces; computers, printers, and access to the Internet; educational and entertaining programs and classes; and a variety of other materials and services. The Ritter Public Library is in the middle of the town’s central historical district and is architecturally noteworthy for being the first Ohio library to earn the LEED Gold Award for leadership in energy and environmental design. Built in the 1950s, the Library’s building has gone through several major renovations with the most recent in 2010. Other recent enhancements include a seed library, free food pantry/fridge, and newly renovated youth and teen area.
About Vermillion, Ohio
Vermilion is a lakeside community in Northeast Ohio located between Toledo and Cleveland. Situated on Lake Erie and the Vermilion River, it has a vacation resort feel, with cottages, marinas, shops, and ongoing festivals and arts and cultural events. It is also notable for having the highest-rated Zagat restaurant in Ohio, Chez Francois Restaurant, offering fine dining with French cuisine.
Position Requirements and Compensation:
- A Master’s degree in Library and Information Science.
- Experience with all or most aspects of public library administration and operations including: strategic planning, policy making, fiscal management, supervision, advocacy, collection development, Board/Friends/ Endowment Foundation/Community Relations, and customer service.
- Advanced knowledge of public library organization, employment practices, integrated library systems, electronic resources, and community resources.
- Experience with strategic planning and leading organizational growth.
- Experience building strong, collaborative work groups focused on attaining superior results.
- Ability to implement policies and uphold the principles of intellectual freedom to ensure free, equitable, and confidential access to information for all people of the community.
- Knowledge of Ohio public library funding is preferred.
- Experience managing in a union environment is preferred.
A generous compensation package includes competitive base pay with a pay range minimum of $85,000; healthcare benefits include time-off, medical, dental, vision, pension plan, and more.
To apply:
To be considered for this position, please submit your resume and a cover letter [including salary requirements] to: ryansheehan@oahumanresources.com. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.