Executive Director, Partners Library Action Network, Inc. (PLAN)

Job Description

The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors and is responsible for driving the organization’s mission and maintaining its financial health and sustainability.  

Recruitment Brochure

Minimum Requirements:   MLS from ALA-accredited University or equivalent degree

Five (5) – ten (10) years of combined library management and/or nonprofit management experience

                                                 Demonstrated competence in use of technology

Leadership and Strategic Vision Responsibilities:

• Convey the Board of Directors’ vision of exemplary services which benefit member libraries.
• Effectively communicate operational needs and goals to member libraries, Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers through committees and through timely and informative reports and meetings.
• Communicate the mission of PLAN, Inc. effectively and in a variety of circumstances.
• Use initiative and independent judgment to apply standards of professional nonprofit management. 
• Communicate consistently the membership value equation.
• Assist and advise the Board and committees in all areas.
• Promote a cooperative spirit/shared vision to all stakeholders, including member libraries, Board of Directors, staff, and volunteers.
• Enhance professional knowledge through participation in professional organizations.
• Promote PLAN through involvement in local, state, and national library and nonprofit professional organizations.
• Build relationships with local and statewide officials.  
• Implement policies and procedures that conform to state and federal law as well as grant guidelines. 

Board Relations Responsibilities:

• Keep Board of Directors fully informed of the conditions of the organization including all important factors influencing PLAN and member libraries.
• Inform Board of Directors of potential impact of developing events and legislation.
• Serve as an ex-officio member of the Board of Directors. 
• Provide leadership in developing programs, organizational, and financial plans with the Board of Directors and member libraries and carry out plans authorized by the Board.  
• Work with the accountant and Treasurer to prepare and implement annual budgets for the Board of Directors.
• Work with the Board of Directors to prepare and implement long-range strategies that achieve the mission.

Organizational Development and Supervision Responsibilities:

• Maintain a climate which attracts, retains, and motivates a diverse staff of top quality-individuals.
• Empower a well-trained, customer service-oriented staff which contributes to high quality services for member libraries.
• Supervise and evaluate staff (currently 2 FTE).  
• Ensure that staff receive appropriate training so that they are knowledgeable of professional trends, best practices in librarianship, and ever-changing technology developments.
• Update job descriptions and ensure fair compensation for staff, subject to approval by the Board of Directors.
• Mentor staff, member librarians, and volunteers by listening effectively and encouraging others to offer suggestions and ideas.
• Work with the Board of Directors to ensure that all committees are effectively utilized and valued.
• Ensure that the offerings serve the needs of member libraries.
• Develop priorities in concert with the Board of Directors and committees by evaluating service and program activities to meet diverse needs of member libraries. 
• Oversee marketing and public relations efforts.
• Prepare or oversee grant proposals for programs, materials, or services that directly benefit member libraries.
• Coordinate communication with other agencies, such as Texas Library Association and Texas State Library and Archives Commission.
• Work with the Board of Directors to review, revise and maintain policies and procedures for financial controls, personnel, and administration to ensure a smoothly functioning organization.
• Establish annual goals for each employee, and evaluate achievement of the prior year’s goals in regular performance reviews.
• Maintain appropriate records for state mandated records retention.

Planning, Budgeting, and Fiscal Responsibilities:

• Work with the Board of Directors to develop and maintain sound financial practices through fiscal planning, budget management, strategic prioritization, and negotiating for shared services and resources, conduct official correspondence of the organization, and execute legal documents using best practices in association management.
• Maintain appropriate, accurate, and auditable financial and programmatic records.
• Work with the Board of Directors to develop and implement strategies to deal with long-term growth and change.
• Prepare, develop, and administer an annual budget to meet priorities established by the Board of Directors.  
• Identify and respond to new technology and ideas to increase effectiveness of  services.
• Conduct, analyze and report results of regular surveys regarding the effectiveness of services.

To apply for this position, please email your résumé, cover letter, and a list of three (3) references to planboard2025@libaction.net
Please include your name and Executive Director Search in the subject line of your email.

Initial review of applications will begin June 30.