Executive Director

Friends of the Miami-Dade Public Library

About the Friends

The Friends of the Miami-Dade Public Library advocates and fundraises for the Miami-Dade Public Library System while championing the use of its programs, services, and resources. We strengthen one of the county’s most trusted pieces of civic infrastructure by supporting high-impact priorities including expanded access to programs and resources, promotion of library services, capital improvements, and staff recognition and professional development.

The Friends has recently adopted an ambitious strategic plan to grow fundraising, deepen community engagement, and build durable advocacy capacity. As part of this next phase, the organization is hiring its first Executive Director.

For many years the Friends has been powered by a strong and committed volunteer corps, including an active Board of Directors and engaged community supporters. As the organization continues to grow, we are now at an important moment where adding professional leadership will help translate that volunteer energy into even greater impact. The Executive Director will work alongside this strong volunteer foundation to expand the organization’s reach, effectiveness, and sustainability.

The Opportunity

The Executive Director will be the organization’s first full-time staff leader and will play a central role in translating the Friends’ strategic priorities into consistent execution.

This is an opportunity for a builder and operator who enjoys working in partnership with an active board and volunteer network. The Executive Director will help bring structure, coordination, and momentum to the Friends’ activities while strengthening the organization’s fundraising capacity and public presence.

The Executive Director reports to the Board of Directors and works closely with board leadership and the Miami-Dade Public Library System.

Key Priorities for the First 12–18 Months

• Establish operational systems and routines that support consistent execution across the Friends’ programs and committees

• Coordinate and support the work of board committees and volunteers

• Strengthen fundraising efforts including donor cultivation, sponsorships, grants, and events

• Support advocacy and community engagement that builds public support for the Library

• Increase the visibility and credibility of the Friends as a trusted civic partner

• Represent the organization publicly through community events, conferences, and speaking opportunities that raise the profile of the Friends and the Library

Core Responsibilities

1) Organizational Leadership and Execution

• Implement the Friends’ strategic plan through clear workplans and timelines
• Coordinate across board committees to ensure alignment and follow-through
• Support the Board by preparing materials, tracking priorities, and facilitating productive meetings
• Maintain strong organizational discipline including calendars, documentation, reporting, and project management
• Identify operational improvements and build systems that increase efficiency and impact

2) Operations and Administration

• Manage day-to-day operations including vendors, consultants, and administrative processes
• Oversee financial management in partnership with the Board and Finance Committee
• Develop systems for donor management, volunteer coordination, and communications
• Manage consultants and future staff as the organization grows

3) Fundraising and Resource Development

• Expand the Friends’ fundraising strategy including individual giving, corporate sponsorships, grants, and events
• Cultivate relationships with donors and philanthropic partners
• Support the Board in identifying and cultivating major donor prospects
• Coordinate grant proposals and reporting
• Broaden community participation in supporting the Library

4) Advocacy and Community Engagement

• Support advocacy efforts for the Miami-Dade Public Library System
• Build relationships with civic leaders, community partners, and stakeholders
• Communicate the Library’s impact and public value
• Represent the Friends in community forums, professional networks, and industry events

Qualifications and Experience

The Friends welcomes candidates from a range of nonprofit, civic, and philanthropic backgrounds. Strong candidates will bring many of the following:

• Experience in nonprofit management, fundraising, community engagement, or related leadership roles
• Experience working closely with a board of directors and volunteer leadership
• Demonstrated ability to organize complex work and ensure follow-through
• Strong relationship-building and communication skills
• Experience supporting or leading fundraising initiatives
• Comfort working in a small and growing organization
• Familiarity with Miami-Dade’s civic landscape is helpful but not required

Personal Attributes

• Mission-driven and community-oriented
• Highly organized and action-oriented
• Comfortable operating in a hands-on environment where responsibilities may range from strategic planning to event logistics
• Collaborative and able to work effectively with board members, volunteers, and partners
• A thoughtful communicator who represents the Friends and the Library with credibility and professionalism

Compensation and Benefits

Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. The expected salary range for the position is approximately $115,000–$125,000 total compensation including benefits.

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