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Director - Job Opportunity at North Suburban Library District

Loves Park, US
Full-time
Executive
Posted: May 26, 2025
On-site
USD 125,000 per year

Benefits

Comprehensive 401(k) retirement matching program providing immediate tax benefits and long-term wealth building opportunities
Full dental insurance coverage ensuring oral health maintenance without out-of-pocket expenses
Employee assistance program offering confidential counseling and support services for personal and professional challenges
Flexible spending account allowing pre-tax allocation for healthcare and dependent care expenses
Complete health insurance package providing medical coverage and financial protection against healthcare costs
Generous paid time off policy supporting work-life balance and personal rejuvenation
Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund participation offering additional pension security beyond 401(k)
Vision insurance coverage ensuring comprehensive eye care and corrective lens benefits

Key Responsibilities

Lead strategic organizational transformation by gathering input from diverse stakeholders including Board, staff, and patrons to build consensus around the Library's long-term vision and operational needs
Drive operational excellence across dual-facility operations ensuring consistent high-quality service delivery while leveraging unique strengths of each location to maximize community impact
Spearhead major capital improvement projects in both Loves Park and Roscoe buildings while simultaneously updating the Library's strategic plan to align with evolving community demographics
Champion community engagement initiatives by serving as the primary public face of the Library and building strategic partnerships with community organizations and local leaders
Execute talent management strategies including recruiting, developing, and retaining diverse staff that reflects the growing Latino and Eastern European populations in the service area
Manage a substantial $5.3 million budget with fiscal responsibility while supporting 50 staff members and serving over 69,000 residents across three distinct communities
Innovate service delivery models including oversight of the highly successful 24/7 holds locker system and expansion of offsite programming to reach underserved populations

Requirements

Education

Master's Degree in Library Science from an ALA-accredited program

Experience

5 years of related work and 3 years of supervisory experience

Required Skills

discipline to manage competing priorities emotional intelligence to support the team ability to build and maintain relationships with community organizations and their leaders top-notch communication skills
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Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

Public libraries are experiencing a digital transformation renaissance, with institutions increasingly serving as community hubs offering technology access, digital literacy programs, and hybrid physical-digital services. This shift requires directors to balance traditional library services with innovative programming that meets evolving patron needs in an increasingly connected world. Demographic diversification in suburban communities is driving libraries to reimagine their programming and staffing strategies. Libraries are becoming cultural bridges, requiring multilingual services, culturally responsive programming, and staff diversity initiatives to effectively serve growing immigrant populations. The holds locker trend represents a broader movement toward 24/7 access models in public services. Libraries nationwide are implementing contactless pickup systems, extended hours through automated services, and community partnership programs that extend library reach beyond traditional building constraints.

Salary Evaluation

The $125,000 starting salary is competitive for suburban Illinois library director positions, falling within the typical range of $115,000-$140,000 for districts of this size. Given the substantial budget responsibility ($5.3M) and multi-facility oversight, this represents strong compensation that should attract experienced candidates while leaving room for growth based on performance and tenure.

Role Significance

Direct oversight of 50 staff members across two facilities, likely including department heads, librarians, support staff, and part-time employees. The management structure probably includes 3-5 direct reports at the department head level, with responsibility for establishing organizational culture, performance standards, and professional development across the entire team.
This executive-level position represents the pinnacle of library administration, with full operational authority over a multi-million dollar organization serving nearly 70,000 residents. The director functions as both CEO and chief community advocate, with Board reporting responsibilities and ultimate accountability for all library operations, strategic direction, and community impact.

Key Projects

Strategic plan development and implementation requiring comprehensive community needs assessment, stakeholder engagement, and long-term vision creation Capital improvement project management involving facility upgrades, technology infrastructure enhancement, and space optimization across both locations Community demographic transition planning including bilingual service development, cultural programming expansion, and inclusive hiring initiatives

Success Factors

Exceptional stakeholder management capabilities will be crucial given the need to balance Board expectations, staff needs, and diverse community demands while navigating political dynamics inherent in public sector leadership roles. Cultural competency and inclusive leadership skills are essential for effectively serving the growing Latino and Eastern European populations while ensuring all community segments feel welcomed and represented in library programming and services. Change management expertise will be vital for successfully implementing facility improvements, strategic plan updates, and service model innovations while maintaining operational continuity and staff morale during transition periods. Financial acumen and budget management skills are critical for optimizing the $5.3 million budget allocation while demonstrating fiscal responsibility to elected trustees and maximizing community impact through strategic resource deployment.

Market Demand

High demand exists for library directors with multi-facility experience and community engagement expertise. The combination of capital projects, strategic planning requirements, and demographic transitions creates a complex leadership challenge that requires seasoned professionals, making qualified candidates relatively scarce in the current market.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Community engagement and stakeholder management skills are absolutely essential given the multi-jurisdictional service area, diverse patron demographics, and need to build consensus among Board members, staff, and community groups with potentially competing interests and priorities. Financial management and budget oversight capabilities are crucial for responsible stewardship of the $5.3 million annual budget while maximizing community impact and maintaining operational efficiency across two facilities with different needs and usage patterns. Change leadership and strategic planning expertise are vital for successfully navigating facility improvements, demographic transitions, and service model evolution while maintaining staff morale and community confidence during periods of organizational transformation.

Beneficial Skills

Bilingual communication abilities, particularly Spanish fluency, would significantly enhance community outreach effectiveness and cultural competency given the growing Latino population in the service area. Grant writing and fundraising experience could provide additional revenue opportunities for special projects, technology upgrades, and community programming expansion beyond the municipal budget allocation. Digital services and technology integration knowledge would support continued innovation in service delivery models, particularly building upon the successful holds locker system and exploring additional 24/7 access opportunities.

Unique Aspects

The tri-community service model creates unique challenges and opportunities, requiring the director to navigate different municipal relationships, demographic needs, and geographic considerations while maintaining unified library identity and service standards.
The 24/7 holds locker system represents innovative service delivery that positions this library as a technology leader among suburban systems, requiring ongoing investment in digital infrastructure and patron education while managing high-demand logistics.
The growing Latino and Eastern European populations present both opportunity and responsibility for cultural programming expansion, multilingual service development, and inclusive hiring practices that could serve as a model for other suburban library systems.
The combination of immediate capital projects and strategic planning requirements creates a dual focus on short-term facility improvements and long-term organizational vision, requiring exceptional project management and strategic thinking capabilities.

Career Growth

Typical progression to larger systems or specialized roles occurs within 5-7 years, depending on performance outcomes, professional development activities, and strategic accomplishments in current role. Success in major projects and community impact initiatives can accelerate advancement opportunities.

Potential Next Roles

Regional library system director overseeing multiple library districts Large urban library system director managing significantly larger budgets and staff Library consulting roles specializing in strategic planning and organizational development Academic library dean positions in higher education institutions

Company Overview

North Suburban Library District

North Suburban Library District operates as a municipal library system serving three distinct Illinois communities with a combined population exceeding 69,000 residents. The organization manages a substantial $5.3 million annual budget while maintaining two physical locations and employing 50 staff members, positioning it as a mid-sized library system with significant community impact and operational complexity.

The district represents a well-established suburban library system with strong community support, evidenced by dedicated elected trustees and popular services like the 24/7 holds locker system. The organization's ability to maintain dual facilities and robust programming while serving diverse demographics indicates financial stability and community investment in library services.
Strategically positioned in the Rockford metropolitan area with proximity to Wisconsin border communities, the district serves as a regional connector between urban and rural library services. The location provides access to broader library networks while maintaining intimate community connections across three distinct municipalities.
The organization fosters a service-oriented culture with strong community ties, as evidenced by staff dedication and patron appreciation. The collaborative governance model with elected trustees and emphasis on consensus-building suggests a collegial environment that values input from multiple perspectives while maintaining professional standards and community accountability.
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