• Develop and implement strategic plans and budgets to achieve MCL’s revenue goals, secure town appropriations, and ensure long-term financial health.
• Be an effective spokesperson for MCL and its mission across diverse constituencies, including patrons and community members, civic and business leaders, partners and funders.
• Serve as the organization’s chief fundraiser by cultivating and stewarding donors, attending fundraising events, and soliciting major gifts for the organization’s current and future needs.
• Guide and implement a Marketing and Communications strategy that supports advancement goals and builds recognition and visibility of the library.
• In collaboration with staff and the Board of Trustees, identify pathways for serving, growing, and diversifying programs and services in partnership with local nonprofits and schools.
• Foster community collaborations and partnerships that enhance MCL’s reach and impact, serving as an effective leader and ambassador.
• Bring a forward looking, entrepreneurial approach to the evolving local and national library ecosystem, identifying 21st Century Library trends and key opportunities that will ensure MCL’s ongoing success and relevance.
• Ensure that resources are ethically, efficiently, and responsibly deployed to serve MCL’s mission in the near and long term.

• A passionate advocate for public libraries who brings a deep understanding of the nature and ethics of the work, as well as the essential role public libraries play in healthy communities and a flourishing democracy.
• An accomplished strategic thinker who can articulate a clear, compelling, and unifying vision for MCL that centers patron experience, community service, and education in a rapidly evolving digital age.

• A compelling communicator who effectively conveys MCL’s work, mission, and vision as a spokesperson and public representative across a broad range of constituencies.
• An authentic presence and strong listener with low ego and high emotional intelligence, demonstrating the ability to form meaningful, trust-based relationships.
• A Strategic Leader with Operational & Financial Acumen
• A dynamic, mission-focused executive with strong business acuity and a track record of successfully managing teams, budgets, and long-term strategy.
• A skilled administrator and problem solver who can effectively balance \“big picture\” strategic guidance with the ability to execute and operationalize plans.
• An astute financial thinker with demonstrated experience in resource development, budget and P&L management, including expertise in building sustainable revenue models.

• An experienced leader who genuinely enjoys fundraising and has the demonstrated skillset to cultivate new and existing donors and to inspire transformational gifts from individuals and foundations.
• An enterprising professional who can help drive, diversify, and optimize revenues and investment across the organization through effective Marketing and Communications, including expanding membership, events, philanthropy, and corporate sponsorship.
• A genuine and infectious commitment to the role, with a passion for the people, culture and natural resources of Manchester and surrounding towns.

• A transparent communicator who actively informs staff and engages internal and external constituents in the mission, vision, and future of the organization.
• A leader who recruits, hires, and retains outstanding talent and is dedicated to creating pathways that encourage continuous learning and professional development among staff.
• A collaborative, trusting and accessible leader who listens actively, solicits ideas and feedback from others, and fosters a culture of innovation.
• A leader who inspires the team to achieve excellence, celebrates accomplishments, and ensures an equitable and inclusive workplace for all.

• Master of Library and Information Science, or Library Professional Certificate
• 10+ years nonprofit or library leadership, with similar or greater size staff/budget
• Digital literacy and confidence navigating hybrid work, online tools and platforms, information technology, library software, databases, and storage
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including nights and weekends as needed
• Ability to commute/relocate to Manchester, VT; ideally within 1 hour of the library

The Town of Springfield, VT is seeking a full-time Library Director for our Town Library. This is an exciting leadership opportunity for someone passionate about libraries and community engagement. This position includes a broad scope of responsibilities, ranging from strategic planning and financial management to overseeing facilities and fostering community relations.

The Library Director is the chief administrator of the Springfield Town Library, responsible for overseeing all library operations. This includes ensuring the library remains a key community partner through its services, programs, collections, and outreach. The Director works closely with the Town Manager, Library Board of Trustees, and other community organizations to maintain a high standard of service and relevance.

Key responsibilities include strategic planning, financial management, collection management, information technology oversight, facilities management, and grant monitoring. The Director will also support library staff, supervise volunteers, and ensure compliance with policies and ethical guidelines. Candidates must have a Master’s degree in Library Science (or equivalent) and relevant public library experience. Vermont Certificate of Public Librarianship desired (can complete within 3 years of hire). The position offers a salary range of $31.74 – $34.69 per hour with excellent benefits.

To apply, please visit the Human Resources Office at 96 Main Street or contact us at (802) 885-2104 or toshr@vermontel.net. A complete job description and application form are available at https://springfieldvt.govoffice2.com/jobs. The Town of Springfield is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.

– Posted 2/23/25

Manchester Community Library (www.mclvt.org)
Manchester, Vermont
Executive Director
On or before July 1, 2025

OVERVIEW

The Manchester Community Library (MCL), the modern offspring of the town’s Mark Skinner Library, founded in 1897, seeks a creative and inspiring Executive Director to lead the organization to the next level in its never-ending quest to simultaneously be a 21st century library and a community hub for residents of Manchester, Vermont, and surrounding towns in Bennington County.

Reporting to the 13-member Board of Trustees, the new Executive Director will lead a staff of 10 augmented by a corps of volunteers that will provide patrons with a broad mix of services and programs within its 18,500 square foot building that opened in 2014. In the last fiscal year, MCL attracted over 58,000 visitors and conducted over 1,000 programs.

Key responsibilities include the administration and operations of the Library, staff and Board management, oversight of all fundraising, marketing and public relations, and advocacy for the Library and general outreach to residents, patrons and town office holders.

The operating budget for the Library is roughly $1 million, with revenue streams provided by an appropriation from the town of Manchester approved each year by its taxpayers (26.1% of revenues), endowment income (17.2%), and philanthropic support from individuals, corporations, and other sources (56.7%).

The Library’s tagline – “Meet you at The Library” – speaks to the essence of small-town character. MCL’s chief ambition is to connect residents with one another by providing a welcoming and comfortable place that also provides access to tools and information and presents compelling programs for kids and adults of all ages.

MISSION: The Manchester Community Library is open to all as an inspiring gathering place for the community, providing resources for personal enrichment and growth.

VISION: The Manchester Community Library will be a hub of the community through our role as a trusted resource providing unique, essential, and innovative services; and by creating a welcoming and stimulating environment for learning and social connection. 

MANCHESTER, VERMONT

Ideally located in southwestern Vermont, Manchester is easily accessible to the rest of the Northeast but tucked into the Green Mountains in the picturesque Battenkill River Valley.

Manchester has a year-round population of slightly less than 5,000 and boasts excellent schools, an array of recreation facilities, superb restaurants, top notch cultural institutions, and four-season outdoor activities. To learn more about Manchester and the surrounding area, click HERE.

THE OPPORTUNITY

The Executive Director is responsible for management oversight of the organization including design and implementation of all fundraising and development activities, supervising all staff, and working collaboratively with the Board of Trustees to ensure the financial integrity and accountability of the organization. Reporting to the Board of Trustees, the Executive Director must possess the following attributes and experiences:

Inspiring Community Ambassador and Leader

Someone who can:

• devote him or herself to the patron experience;
• model integrity, transparency and empathy;
• lead by personal example;
• hold him or herself personally accountable;
• establish and maintain positive relationships with the Town of Manchester, its manager and Selectboard, and other regional community organizations and libraries.

Operational Experience and Expertise

Someone who can:

• hire, manage, mentor and evaluate staff and is a proponent of professional development;
• create and oversee administrative policies and procedures;
• create, implement and manage the operating budget;
• coordinate support and implement Board priorities;
• oversee the maintenance and enhancement of Library facilities;
• cultivate and integrate volunteers;
• ensure stewardship of the endowment

Excellent Interpersonal Skills

Someone who:

• is committed to collaboration and a team culture;
• is supportive and affirms relationships;
• has a positive perspective;
• is proactive, with a great deal of initiative and a can-do attitude;
• can work productively and positively with a wide range of diverse constituents.

Fundraising Acumen

Someone who:

• has the ability to tell constituents where the library is headed, and why;
• possesses the ability to build strong relationships with current donors, and cultivate new ones;
• enjoys telling stories that resonate with donors;
• has the knowledge of the basics of fundraising, including identifying, cultivating, soliciting and stewarding donors and prospects;
• possesses the ability and courage to ask for money in a compelling and thoughtful manner.