The Opportunity

The Dayton Metro Library is seeking an accomplished, community-focused leader to serve as its next Executive Director. This dynamic position reports to a seven-member Board of Trustees, guides a dedicated staff of 362, and is responsible for the overall operations and management of the Main Library, Operations Center, Mobile Services, and 16 branch locations and their services, programs, and collections. As the chief administrator of the library, the Executive Director is also tasked with fostering proactive communication and building positive working relationships with the library’s staff, executive leadership team members, trustees, and affiliated groups. Also serving as the chief public representative and face of the library, the Executive Director represents the library in the profession and community and seeks opportunities to enhance the library’s strong reputation as a vital community partner and resource for its large, diverse service area.

In addition to organizing, directing, and evaluating all library functions, operations, and activities, the Executive Director is charged with developing and implementing short- and long-term strategic priorities; expanding civic engagement; overseeing budgeting, resource management, and funding; improving employee relations and workplace culture; and championing literacy, empowerment, inclusion, and positive change.

About the Library and Community

Founded in 1888, Dayton Metro Library has a long tradition of adapting to meet the changing needs of its diverse community. Today, the library includes 18 locations serving communities throughout Montgomery County. The library recently completed a transformative, systemwide facilities improvement initiative that renovated, expanded, or replaced locations with modern, welcoming spaces designed for learning, collaboration, creativity, and community connection. Dayton Metro Library offers extensive print and digital collections, early literacy and educational programming, workforce and small-business resources, technology access and training, local history resources, arts and cultural experiences, and services for patrons of all ages and stages of life. To learn more, visit DaytonMetroLibrary.org.

Located in southwestern Ohio, Dayton and the surrounding Montgomery County area offer an appealing combination of metropolitan amenities, distinctive neighborhoods, suburban communities, affordability, and Midwestern hospitality. The region is known for its diversity, resilience, and “big-city/small-town” feel. Known as the “Birthplace of Aviation,” Dayton has a proud history of innovation associated with the Wright brothers and is home to the National Museum of the United States Air Force, Carillon Historical Park, and the Dayton Aviation Heritage National Historical Park. It also features a vibrant arts and cultural scene, including the Dayton Art Institute, Dayton Ballet, Dayton Contemporary Dance Company, Dayton Opera, Dayton Philharmonic Orchestra, and numerous theaters, galleries, festivals, and historic districts.

Residents also enjoy an extensive network of parks, rivers, trails, and outdoor recreation, as well as colleges and universities, major healthcare institutions, and a diverse economy shaped by aerospace, defense, education, healthcare, manufacturing, and technology. Situated at the intersection of Interstates 70 and 75 and within easy reach of Cincinnati and Columbus, the Dayton area is a welcoming and well-connected place to live, work, and build lasting community ties. To learn more, visit Destination Dayton.

Position Qualifications and Compensation

• A Master’s degree is required; a Master’s degree in Library and Information Science [MLIS] is preferred.
• Ten or more years of relevant career experience with at least seven years of supervisory experience is required.
• Experience managing multiple work locations and a distributed workforce is required.
• Experience leading new projects and diverse teams to enhance collections, programs, services, facilities, and staff is required.
• Experience providing financial oversight and managing budgets in alignment with organizational goals is required. Experience with levy campaigns is highly preferred.
• Experience in effective community engagement, collaboration, and advocacy [i.e., working and partnering closely with civic/community partners, local businesses, government officials, and other key stakeholders] is required.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, including the ability to engage, build consensus, and engender trust with internal and external audiences, are required.
• Ability to strengthen organizational stability and to focus the library’s strategic direction is required.
• Proven change management skills are required.
• Successful completion of a criminal background check, professional reference checks, education verification, and other pre-employment checks is required.

A generous compensation package includes a starting pay range of $163,000 to $217,000 and a competitive, comprehensive benefits package.

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.