Interim Executive Director

The Timberland Regional Library (TRL) is seeking an experienced, high-energy Interim Executive Director to lead the district through a transition in leadership and a possible levy lid lift. Under direct supervision of the TRL Board of Trustees, the Interim Executive Director acts as the dynamic face of the Library. This is intended to be a temporary position to provide leadership, support and guidance during the transition period until a regular Executive Director is appointed.

Throughout their tenure, they are responsible for fostering strong connections with our diverse communities, promoting and supporting TRL’s programs and projects, and overseeing the implementation of TRL’s strategic direction. In collaboration with the Leadership team, the Interim Executive Director communicates big picture ideas, models and upholds TRL’s values and advocates for the effective utilization of TRL resources.

This limited-term position (six to twelve months) will require the successful applicant to work on-site in Tumwater, WA, with travel to libraries throughout the five-county district.

Salary Range: $13,333 - $17,500 per month (dependent upon qualification), with benefits.
Duration of Tenure: six (6) – twelve (12) months
Requirements for the consideration of your application:

• Resume
• Letter of Interest
Written response to the following supplemental question, “How would you prepare TRL for their next regular Executive Director?”.

Examples of Duties & Responsibilities

Class specifications are intended to provide a descriptive list illustrative of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.

• Develops and directs strategies to meet library goals and objectives; demonstrates a strong commitment to the delivery of quality library services.
• Promotes library programming within the community, delivers high-quality presentations to relevant groups, and garners public support and feedback on library services.
• Ensures that TRL continues to meet the needs of our diverse and sizable library service area by regularly communicating with key community groups, public service organizations, and public officials.
• Oversees the preparation of board packets including information on the expenditure of resources, budget and funds, operational updates, and general updates on current library services and programs.
• As TRL’s lead visionary, works with the Board as well as the leadership team to evaluate the organization to foster continuous improvement of programs, services, projects, and initiatives.
• Delegates operational and administrative-level tasks to the appropriate department.
• Reviews and approves new procedures or changes to current procedures. Initiates the review/development of new policies in collaboration with the Board of Trustees.
Reviews and approves grant applications and staffing levels for the district.

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal staff, outside organizations, and the general public.
• Positively reflect TRL’s mission, vision, and values to the staff and public.
• Effective organizational and time management skills, including the ability to multitask, manage multiple projects at the same time, and adapt to changing priorities to meet the demands of the department.
• Communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
• Demonstrate quality customer service.
• Exhibit reliability and dependability. Demonstrate punctuality and regular and consistent attendance.
• Demonstrate a positive attitude and flexibility.
• Work well with others, show respect, and contribute to the team.

• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain positive relationships with managers, employees, patrons, Friends groups and the public.
• Ability to review, analyze, and interpret reports, business correspondence, governmental regulations, and procedural manuals
• Excellent communication skills, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to establish priorities and organize workload, strong delegation skills.
• Strategic short-range and long-range planning.

Education & Experience

Experience:
Desired but not required for this Interim position**, the ideal candidate will have successful experience:

• Managing a community library or other government or school entity of similar size and budget operations in various library environments (including medium and large libraries); and/or
• Operating a wide-ranging multi-million-dollar organization in rural areas; and/or
• Working successfully with public-sector unions and collective bargaining agreements; and/or
• Organizing a public levy vote, especially a library district’s levy lid lift; OR an
Equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science; or
• Master’s Degree in Public Administration; or
• Master’s Degree in Business Administration; and/or
• CPA or other financial/accounting experience/certification.

• A state Librarian Certification (for Washington or another state) is desired but not required for this position**.
• Must pass and maintain a criminal background check and credit check.
• Must have a valid Washington State driver's license and an acceptable driving record.

• Strong computer skills in a Windows-based environment.
• Library technology, resources, databases, and software.
• Microsoft Office Suite skills (e.g., Outlook, Word, SharePoint, Teams) to satisfactorily complete job responsibilities

• Work is performed in a busy, service-oriented office with frequent interruptions and under the stress of continual pressure to meet deadlines and handle competing priorities.
• Travel is required to attend meetings at other sites and locations, or to participate in work-related assignments.