The Director of the Lafayette Public Library serves as the CEO of the public library in what has often been called the Happiest City in the United States. The Lafayette Public Library Board of Control (LA) seeks an exceptional leader and executive who demonstrates commitment to the Library’s mission. The successful candidate will have the skills and experience to efficiently administer the Lafayette Public Library (LPL) in accordance with policies and plans adopted by the Library Board of Control and to effectively interpret those policies to the staff and the public. Political acumen, an understanding and proficiency in library technologies, a proven record of successful staff leadership, and in-depth knowledge of library funding streams are critical skill sets. Boasting a dedicated staff of 143 and a nearly $12 million annual operating budget, the Library serves the 249,400 parish residents through a 9 branch system (with a new branch recently approved) and a bookmobile; a refurbished main library, four recently constructed regional libraries, and four branches, circulating 1,800,000+ items annually.

Lafayette, located at the intersection of Interstates 10 and 49, serves as an economic center of Louisiana. The region’s joie de vivre and Cajun and Creole cultures are known around the globe, creating a unique environment for work and play. Lafayette is also home to a world-class workforce, an integrated transportation network, a diversified business base, preeminent high-tech infrastructure, and a metropolitan appeal. The city is the center of a multi-cultural and multi-industrial region that’s surrounded by a publicly-owned fiber-optic loop. Today, Lafayette has diversified by positioning itself as a medical, transportation, entertainment, education, and retail hub, and its economic resilience is a result of strategic growth, an entrepreneurial spirit, and a skilled workforce steeped in southern values. The home of the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, a Ph.D. granting and R1 level research institution, as well as South Louisiana Community College, Lafayette draws from a metropolitan population of nearly 500,000, and as the retail, medical, and cultural heart of Acadiana, is known as the Hub City. For additional information on the Lafayette region, visit Lafayette.

Responsibilities. The Director reports to a seven-member Library Board of Control with the overall responsibility for fulfilling the mission of the library within the framework of the Board’s plan, policies, and budget. The Director creates all proposed budgets; directs personnel, branches, outreach services; supervises development and maintenance of library collections in accordance with Louisiana law and community standards; oversees facilities maintenance; executes the strategic plans of the Board; serves as the spokesperson for internal and external communications; and attends all relevant Lafayette Government Council meetings. As an ex-officio Library Foundation Board member, the Director is expected to actively participate in the civic life of Lafayette.

Qualifications. Minimum qualifications are a relevant Master’s Degree, a minimum of five years of progressively responsible administrative and managerial experience in public libraries with three years of management or executive-level experience, and certification by the Louisiana Board of Library Examiners.  (Candidates who do not have this certification must be able to attain it within the first year of employment.) Vital attributes include superior oral and written communication skills, thorough knowledge of financial and personnel management, political skills, and the ability to work in a collaborative team environment. Success working closely with a governing board as a Director or Assistant Director in a multi-branch, urban environment is crucially important.

Compensation. The salary for this position is negotiable, with placement within the range of $100,000-$130,000 (dependent on experience and qualifications) with an excellent benefits package.

Job Description. Lafayette Public Library Director Job Description For a complete listing of responsibilities, refer to the Louisiana Directors’ Handbook. https://www.state.lib.la.us/images/stories/Publications/Louisiana_Directors_Handbook.pdf

For more information, contact lplboard@lafayettepubliclibrary.org. Please apply for this position via email with a professional cover letter and resume as Word or pdf attachments to Stephanie Armbruster, Search Committee Chair.

The closing date for receiving your cover letter and resume for this position is May 31, 2024.