Executive Director | Quincy Public Library
Reports to: Quincy Public Library Board of Directors
Position Status: Full-time, Exempt
Compensation: $90,000 – $100,000
Position Summary
Quincy Public Library (QPL) in Quincy, Illinois is searching for a new Executive Director to lead our 138‑year‑old library as we navigate a potential transition to a district library model, integrate our new mobile library into our services, and continue serving our community by providing access to books, materials, programming, and a range of offerings that support lifelong learning, cultural enrichment, and recreational needs.
Organizational Leadership
- Develop and steward a culture that centers community members and library patrons.
- Build alignment across the organization to further strategic goals.
- Make effective, evidence‑based, timely decisions and communicate decisions clearly.
- Anticipate change and be ready to make necessary adaptations.
Board Relations
- Report regularly to the nine‑member Board of Directors (BOD) on QPL’s finances, operations, collections, challenges, and administrative matters.
- Advise the BOD on policies, procedures, and all facets of the library’s operations.
- Work with the BOD on establishing and implementing a long‑range strategic plan.
- Attend all board and committee meetings in an ex officio capacity.
- Prepare meeting agendas with the board president and committee chairs.
- Facilitate education of board members (e.g., confidentiality of records, open meetings law, FLSA).
- Seek and accept ideas, suggestions, and feedback from the BOD.
- Provide orientation to new board members.
- Understand the roles of the Executive Director and the BOD in creating and implementing policy.
- Fulfill executive and administrative responsibilities for the Quincy Public Library Foundation (QPL’s 501(c)(3)) and the Townships of Quincy Area Public Library District.
Library Services
- Create a vision that positions QPL as innovative and forward‑thinking in collections, services, and programming.
- Oversee collections, circulation, reference, and programming functions.
- Implement policies adopted by the BOD.
- Develop and implement plans for extending library services.
- Oversee selection, purchasing, processing, maintenance, and deselection of all library materials in accordance with approved policy.
- Stay current on new materials and understand community needs through professional literature and patron engagement.
- Direct recruitment, selection, and supervision of staff.
- Coordinate training and annual evaluations.
- Develop staff growth and retention initiatives and ensure adequate budgetary support.
- Work closely with department leads, delegating responsibilities appropriately.
- Inspire staff and foster a motivated workplace culture.
- Periodically analyze staffing with the goal of adjusting or creating positions as needed.
- Ensure thorough onboarding, including mission, goals, policies, services, and job responsibilities.
- Assign job duties and schedule staff hours and vacation.
- Address performance issues promptly, directly, and fairly.
Reports & Statistics
- Prepare regular reports summarizing progress, statistics, challenges, and future needs.
- Submit monthly reports to the Library Board and additional reports as required by agencies.
- Oversee all financial operations including budgeting, cash flow, reporting, audits, and internal controls.
- Ensure funds are spent appropriately and in the interest of the library and its patrons.
- Provide the BOD with accurate, clear monthly financial statements.
- Make well‑supported budget recommendations.
Facilities Management
- Oversee care, maintenance, appearance, and security of the building and property.
- Keep the BOD updated on facility needs and special projects.
Communications & Public Relations
- Implement an active public relations program that advocates for QPL.
- Serve as the public face of the library to patrons, officials, and media.
- Build relationships with the City of Quincy, City Council, residents, media, and community organizations.
- Communicate and coordinate with Friends of the Library.
- Communicate the value of QPL to the community, highlighting educational, cultural, and economic contributions.
- Encourage and promote staff involvement in community activities.
Qualifications
- Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS) from an ALA‑accredited program, or equivalent knowledge and experience.
- Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible professional library work, including supervisory or administrative duties.
- Demonstrated leadership, sound judgment, and excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Experience in budget preparation, staff management, and public service.
- Leadership or familiarity with labor unions.
- Knowledge of home rule and district library models.
- Proficiency in current technologies and awareness of emerging library trends.
- Employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background check.
- Health, dental, vision, and life insurance
- Flexible spending account
- Paid time off (vacation, sick leave, holidays)
- Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) participation
Living in Quincy offers a comfortable, small‑town lifestyle with big‑city perks. The cost of living is below the national average, making housing and daily expenses affordable. Residents enjoy a strong sense of community, historic charm, beautiful parks, abundant arts opportunities, and easy access to the Mississippi River.
How to Apply
Submit a cover letter and resume to:
Applications accepted until March 1, 2026, at 5:00 PM.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Quincy Public Library is committed to equal employment opportunity and complies with all applicable state and federal regulations. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, creed, sex, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.
Please notify us of any accommodations needed during the application process or at any time during employment.
Department
Administration
Location
526 Jersey
Quincy, IL , IL 62301
United States