Executive Director

Begin the next chapter in your library career at Garfield County Libraries! Garfield County Public Library District in Western Colorado is seeking a well-rounded Executive Director to lead an experienced and adept team as we represent, serve, and advance the goals of our community. If you have an MLIS, at least 10 years of library experience, and a passion for intellectual freedom and building community, this may be the job you've been looking for! See the brochure on our website for more information about GCPLD and the Executive Director position: https://gcpld.org/about-us/careers/

Who We Are:

The Garfield County Public Library District is a great place to work! Whether you're a paid full-time employee or volunteer, we seek individuals who share our commitment to providing outstanding customer service to all of our patrons in each of our six branches.

Mission: To connect our communities to a world of possibilities.

Vision: To be a trusted and valued resource to everyone in our communities.

Core Values: Community, Inclusivity, Trustworthiness, Accountability, and Service

Become a Part of a Community

In Garfield County, Colorado you'll enjoy both rugged alpine vistas and high desert Rocky Mountains. It is home to the world's largest mineral hot springs pool, vast wilderness, and famous hiking trails like Hanging Lake, a designated National Natural Landmark. You're only about an hour's drive from world-class skiing at Aspen and Vail, and most of the District's towns are located on I-70 with easy access to larger population centers.

We're Looking for Someone Who:

• is a high-caliber individual who can lead with emotional intelligence (EQ). It's critical that the successful candidate can empathize with others and manage conflict with clarity and compassion.
• empowers and trusts staff to carry out important tasks.
• can communicate clearly and concisely, especially in preparing presentations, reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other written materials, using a variety of computer systems and software applications.
• has the ability to develop and implement strategic goals and objectives.
• is collaborative, takes initiative, actively seeks and responds to feedback from all levels, and fosters a culture that encourages innovation and professional development.
• can conduct complex research projects, evaluate alternatives, and make sound recommendations.
• can maintain a personal commitment to providing exceptional public service.

Key Areas of Responsibility

• Provides executive leadership and administration of the Library District, directly or through empowering and directing leaders at all levels; plans, organizes, coordinates, and evaluates District operations in alignment with applicable laws, regulations, adopted policies, and strategic objectives of the Board of Trustees, ensuring accurate and timely completion of work.
• Leads strategic planning and organizational alignment, fostering communication and collaboration across divisions and departments, and the Board of Trustees, to advance District goals, programs, services, and policies; develops and implements administrative policies, procedures, and work standards to ensure effective, efficient, and economical service delivery.
• Cultivates a positive, inclusive, and high-performing organizational culture, promoting community representation, staff engagement, professional development, morale, and recognition; partners with District leaders and Human Resources to position the District as an employer of choice.
• Oversees all human resources–related functions at the executive level, including leadership appointments, performance evaluation, employee relations, policy guidance, workforce planning, and the full employee lifecycle, while maintaining accountability and close coordination with Human Resources.
• Directs the District's financial stewardship, including preparation and oversight of the annual budget and adjustments; authorizes expenditures and transfers; evaluates financial condition and needs; explores revenue opportunities; collaborates with the Library Foundation on fundraising; pursues grant funding; and presents financial information to the Board of Trustees.
• Ensures continuous improvement and operational effectiveness, developing and standardizing methods to assess program performance, workload, service delivery, internal systems, and reporting relationships; identifies best practices and opportunities for improvement.
• Maintains transparent, timely, and trust-based communication with the Board of Trustees, staff, and stakeholders; keeps the Board informed of District operations, finances, risks, and emerging legal, political, social, and economic issues; participates in Board meetings and provides regular reports, updates, and policy recommendations.
• Oversees District infrastructure and technology, including the administration, safety, security, maintenance, and use of buildings, grounds, equipment, and information technology systems, in collaboration with staff.
• Represents and advocates for the District externally, serving as the primary liaison to the Board of County Commissioners, and working collaboratively and diplomatically with elected officials, community organizations, partners, and professional groups to advance District priorities.
• Provides strategic oversight of public relations, marketing, communications, and community outreach; leads advocacy efforts, networking, and public presentations; and fosters meaningful public engagement and participation in District affairs.
• Directs and prepares official correspondence, reports, and required filings, including reports to the Library Board, State Library of Colorado, and other governmental entities; monitors regulatory, technological, and industry trends and implements changes as needed.
• Responds to escalated issues and complaints, demonstrating professionalism, respect, empathy, and sound judgment in interactions with staff, patrons, and the public; responds to Open Records requests and is the District's custodian of records.
• Upholds and advances the District's Mission, Vision, and Values, and performs other related duties as assigned.

Compensation, Benefits, and Perks

Our commitment to your success is enhanced by our competitive compensation and benefits package.

Salary range: Hiring salary range: $151,087 - $166,573; full salary range: $151,087 – $192,830; actual placement dependent on experience and qualifications.

Benefits: Your salary is complemented by an attractive benefits package which includes 100% paid employee medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage; life insurance, up to 6% retirement match, short- and long-term disability, wellness reimbursement, employee assistance plan, paid holidays, and paid time off. For more details, please see our Executive Director Brochure on our website.

Education and Experience

The following experience and education are required:

• Master of Library Science degree (MLS) or Master of Library and Information Science degree (MLIS) from an American Library Association-accredited program;
• Minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible library experience, of which at least four (4) years should be in a lead, supervisory, or management capacity.

Additionally, the following is preferred:

• Experience leading funding ballot measures

We're accepting applications through March 20, 2026, and we will schedule initial interviews after the job closes.