MCLS is looking for a new Executive Director!

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION:
The Executive Director serves as chief executive officer of the Midwest Collaborative for Library Services (MCLS), a member-driven non-profit organization which facilitates resources and collaboration to benefit all types of Indiana and Michigan libraries. MCLS works in partnership with the Indiana State Library, the Library of Michigan, all types of libraries, and the library schools in both states and other collaborative partners, to build better libraries and empower librarians to effect positive change in their community, organization, institution and on campus. The Executive Director provides dynamic, experienced executive leadership in the development and delivery of MCLS’ programs, services and collaborative relationships. MCLS is governed by a Board of Directors that utilizes the Carver Policy Governance model (https://www.carvergovernance.com/). Operating within the parameters of written Board policies and MCLS bylaws, the Executive Director has the autonomy and responsibility to determine which programs and services best meet the needs of MCLS members. The Executive Director is accountable to the Board for fiscal responsibility, operational achievement and ensuring the highest level of professional conduct of MCLS and its staff.

THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR IS RESPONSIBLE FOR:
– Guiding the overall performance of MCLS
– Protecting and enhancing the reputation of the consortium by maintaining integrity, creating and sharing trust, avoiding conflicts of interest/commitment and practicing ethical behavior
– Ensuring that MCLS is innovative, remaining current regarding trends, technologies and initiatives in libraries and information service
– Developing and maintaining strong collaborative relationships with the Indiana State Library, Library of Michigan, library schools, library deans and directors, MCLS members and other partners
– Ensuring the quality, value and successful implementation of all projects, programs and services
– Negotiating contracts that support organizational goals while achieving best prices, terms and conditions
– Managing the hiring, firing, evaluating, promoting and the setting of salary and benefit levels for 21 MCLS employees (including eight librarians)
– Establishing a collaborative work environment, determining staff work assignments and succession planning
– Protecting all member and/or customer information collected during the course of business
– Providing strong and accurate financial planning and oversight in compliance with Board policies regarding financial planning, conditions and activities and asset protection including all financial and accounting matters
– Developing an annual budget, expending funds within budget, approving the timely payment of all invoices and ensuring successful annual audits, managing assets and investments
– Keeping the Board informed and supporting the work of the Board
– Maintaining MCLS building and property to ensure staff, visitors and any tenants are treated fairly and conditions are safe and meet all local, state, and federal landlord/ tenant requirements
– To the extent possible, assisting member libraries in achieving their aspirations and being the best versions of themselves
– Traveling widely within Indiana and Michigan, nationally and internationally to foster collaboration, knowledge sharing and professional development
– Actively communicating with MCLS members and establishing appropriate member expectations for MCLS programs and services

JOB SPECIFICATIONS:

EDUCATION: ALA-accredited Master’s degree, or a Master’s degree in Business Administration, Public Administration, Nonprofit Management, or relevant field, is required. Library and/or consortium experience is preferred, though MCLS is open to applicants with or without a library background who have strong nonprofit leadership skills and a sincere interest in the mission and future of Indiana and Michigan libraries of all types.

EXPERIENCE: Five or more years of successful administrative experience including increasing or progressive management responsibility; demonstrated organizational and leadership skills; supervisory experience; knowledge of nonprofit membership organizations; and understanding of information technologies.

SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS:

The ideal candidate will have:
– Demonstrated management and leadership skills, to include effective use of delegation, a high level of initiative and strong decision-making skills
– Outstanding written and verbal communication skills
– Open, approachable manner that fosters authentic interactions with staff, members and partners
– Demonstrated ability to implement policies and procedures
– Experience leading complex projects with diverse constituencies
– Demonstrated entrepreneurial spirit, and ability to create vision and identify opportunities
– Demonstrated ability to plan and administer an operating and capital budget
– Proven contract negotiation and grant writing experience
– Demonstrated ability to motivate others to attain organizational goals
– In-depth knowledge of the operation and mission of a membership organization
– In-depth knowledge of information technologies and their application in libraries and/or non-profit organizations
– Knowledge and experience working with a Board (including via Policy Governance)

SALARY RANGE: $120,000 – $160,000, commensurate with qualifications and experience

ABOUT LANSING: The capital of Michigan, Lansing boasts an affordable quality of life in a picturesque urban setting surrounded by the suburban and rural beauty of Pure Michigan. Adjacent to East Lansing to form the Greater Lansing Area, you’ll find easy access to arts and cultural attractions, including museums, sporting events, parks, trails, gardens, golf, theaters, restaurants, craft breweries, and all-seasons sports. Lansing Community College and Michigan State University provide academic excellence and even more amenities to the Greater Lansing Area.

The position will be open until filled, with priority review given to applications submitted by November 21, 2018.

Greenwood/Asher & Associates, Inc. is assisting MCLS in this confidential search. Initial screening of applications will begin immediately and will continue until an appointment is made. Individuals who wish to nominate a candidate should submit a letter of nomination including contact information for the nominee. Your application should include the following materials: (1) cover letter summarizing qualifications; (2) current curriculum vitae; and (3) names, addresses, phone numbers, and email addresses of three individuals who may be contacted as references. Submit these items as separate attachments preferably as PDF documents. Applications and letters of nomination should be submitted to:

Jan Greenwood or Betty Asher
Shelley Sullivan Feather
Greenwood/Asher & Associates, Inc.
42 Business Center Drive, Suite 206, Miramar Beach, FL 32550
Phone: 850.650.2277 ? Fax: 850.650.2272
Email: jangreenwood@greenwoodsearch.com
Email: bettyasher@greenwoodsearch.com
Email: shelleyfeather@greenwoodsearch.com

MCLS provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, gender identity, results of genetic testing, or service in the military. Equal employment opportunity applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leave of absence, compensation, and training.

MCLS is committed to creating and maintaining a workplace in which all employees have an opportunity to participate and contribute to the success of the business and are valued for their skills, experience, and unique perspectives. This commitment is embodied in company policy and the way we do business at MCLS and is an important principle of sound business management.