Forwarding on behalf of Lisa Rives-Collens, President of PaILS Board of
Directors.
THE PENNSYLVANIA INTEGRATED LIBRARY SYSTEM - EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
The Pennsylvania Integrated Library System (PaILS) seeks a dynamic Executive
Director with strong leadership and communication skills, strategic vision, and
a track record of building strong customer relationships and delivering
customer-centric solutions. The Executive Director is the chief operating
officer of PaILS, a non-profit corporation, and is charged with implementing
the organization’s policies and programs, exercising administrative oversight
of all the affairs and finances of the consortium, overseeing the technical
operation of the Pennsylvania library open-source software consortium, known as
SPARK, and developing and implementing long-term organizational and strategic
goals. Currently, PaILS has two FTEs and is supported through a combination of
member fees and Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funds provided by
PA’s Office of Commonwealth Libraries (OCL).
SPARK is a comprehensive, remotely hosted, “one-price” solution for over 140
libraries in Pennsylvania. The software includes circulation, cataloging,
serials, and acquisitions functionality. The online library catalog for library
end-users offers the enhanced functionality found in the most expensive
commercial discovery layers. SPARK utilizes the Evergreen open source
integrated library system (ILS). Evergreen is currently available in over 1,000
libraries, both in the US and internationally, and has an active and growing
community of developers and users.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
The Executive Director provides overall leadership for PaILS and reports to a
nine-member volunteer board of directors. The successful candidate will plan
and manage the operations of the SPARK system to ensure system reliability and
high-quality functioning for member libraries and other stakeholders. The
Executive Director is also responsible for building relationships, and
developing and implementing strategies for collaboration with the various PaILS
stakeholders to ensure the effective operation of SPARK for Pennsylvania
libraries. Key stakeholders include SPARK member libraries, the larger
Evergreen open source community, key technology partners, and other library
partner organizations within the Commonwealth. The new Executive Director will
lead system staff in fostering an environment of collaboration, trust, and
transparency that propels continual development of the SPARK system. Day-to-day
administrative oversight of PaILS operations and grant writing are also key
responsibilities.
QUALIFICATIONS:
While the ideal candidate may not possess all of the qualities listed below,
s/he will possess many of the following professional and personal abilities,
attributes, and experiences:
* Master’s Degree in Library Science (MLS) from an ALA-accredited
institution (preferred) or equal experience and advanced education;
* Experience in business administration or a strong foundational
knowledge of the principles of business administration, financial planning, and
organizational management, with a minimum of five years of experience as a
proven leader and administrator including a demonstration of:
* excellent written and verbal communication skills;
* ability to collaborate with a board of directors to achieve an
organizational mission and implementation of successful development practices;
* ability to work with diverse stakeholders to achieve the
organizational mission and goals, including proactive community relations,
outreach, and advocacy;
* administrative and supervisory experience, along with
experience in the management and leadership of member committees and
cross-functional teams; and
* federal grant-writing experience.
* Strong knowledge of and technology management experience ideally with
integrated library systems or technology systems designed for information
management and consortial collaboration;
* Experience in building relationships with customers such as libraries,
library organizations and consortia, state and local government officials and
legislators;
* Experience in managing RFI and RFQ processes, product evaluations, and
developing service level agreements and negotiating costs with vendor partners;
* Experience in conducting presentations and exhibits at conferences;
* Residence in Pennsylvania or willingness to become Pennsylvania
resident.
* Willingness and ability to travel extensively throughout Pennsylvania.
SALARY: Minimum salary of $75,000 annually and a generous benefit’s package.
HOW TO APPLY:
Interested individuals who meet these criteria should submit a single email
containing a resume, a cover letter, and three professional references in PDF
format to [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]> no later than
01/21/19. Further details about specific job responsibilities or questions may
also be sent to the same email address. Review of applications and interviews
will begin immediately and will be ongoing until the position is filled.
Posted by the PaILS Board of Directors
Lisa Rives Collens, PaILS President
--
Lisa Rives Collens
Head of Patron Services
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