How to Apply

Do not apply online. By close of business on September 24, 2021, email a letter of application, resume, and short writing sample to ADM.Secretary@vermont.gov, attention: Melissa Mazza-Paquette. The subject line should state: “State Librarian Application”.

Overview

1. The State Library is under the Vermont Agency of Administration and has a seven-member citizen advisory State Board of Libraries appointed by the Governor. The State Librarian is a commissioner-level position and resides within the Governor’s extended cabinet.
2. The State Library consists of: first, the State Librarian’s Office, which includes an executive administrative staff assistant and the contract & grants coordinator; second, the Division of Library Advancement, which includes the Audio/Braille/Large Print and Electronic Resources Library (ABLE); and third, the Division of Information & Access.
3. The State Library has 18 full-time employees and an overall operating budget of $3.2 million with federal and state funding. The State Librarian serves as a member of the Chief Officers of State Library Agencies (COSLA), as president of the Vermont Public Library Foundation, Inc., and as secretary to the State Board of Libraries.
4. The State Librarian acts as the appointing authority to direct all activities of the State Library by setting, evaluating, and administering policy, program priorities, and the use of resources in consultation with the Secretary of Administration.
5. The State Librarian provides vision and support to public, school, community college, university and special libraries, and State Library staff.
6. Appointed by the Governor and subject to Senate confirmation, the State Librarian represents the Agency of Administration in its work with the Governor’s Office.
7. This position is high profile — working with Vermont constituents to provide support and assistance to local libraries and consortia and to expand programs to improve outcomes for children, families, and communities.
8. The State Librarian/Commissioner of Libraries plays a major role in several regional and national organizations including those involved in legislation, funding, policymaking and library standards.

Description

This exempt position, State Librarian, is open to all State employees and external applicants. The application deadline is September 24, 2021.

Compensation

The statutory base salary for this position is $98,331, which is negotiable based on qualifications and experience.

Minimum Requirements

A master’s degree in Library Science from an ALA-accredited program, and professional librarian experience as a director of a major library system, responsible management experience in a state library agency, library management experience in a state library or a large library, or other similar related professional experience, including:

• Rule and policy development;
• strategic planning;
• budgeting;
• grants and contract management experience;
• program evaluation;
• continuous improvement;
• training & development; and
• departmental goal setting.

The successful candidate will have led and inspired a committed team, promoting excellence in service and demonstrated experience in working with elected and appointed officials; possessing knowledge of library trends, issues, and best practices; managing multiple funding streams, and managing personnel.

Key Preferred Traits

• Strong collaboration skills;
• proven advocacy skills; and
• the ability to communicate eloquently the purpose, goals, outcomes, and benefits provided by libraries to diverse communities, stakeholder groups, and key policymakers.

Working Conditions

Duties are performed in an office or library setting. Job-related travel is required. Private means of transportation may be necessary for required travel. Evening and weekend work may be required for library-related functions. Travel may be necessary in all types of weather.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The State of Vermont celebrates diversity, and is committed to providing an environment of mutual respect and meaningful inclusion that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. The State does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, HIV Status, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, membership in an employee organization, family medical history or genetic information, or family or parental status. The State’s employment decisions are merit-based. Retaliatory adverse employment actions by the State are forbidden.