Executive Director

Executive Director

Deschutes Public Library is one of the most innovative and community-driven public library systems in the Pacific Northwest, serving residents across Deschutes County through six library locations. The Library provides welcoming, dynamic spaces where people of all ages connect, learn, and explore, offering a wide range of programs and services including early literacy initiatives, youth maker programs, hands‑on workshops, cultural programming, and lifelong learning opportunities.

The Library's Core Values

• Accessibility – We eliminate barriers and create experiences accessible to all.
• Community – We foster connections and work together to build a thriving, resilient community.
• Equity, Diversity, Inclusion – We celebrate differences and provide free and equitable access to library resources and safe spaces without judgment or bias.
• Lifelong Learning – We find innovative ways to inspire and support lifelong learning in a diverse and changing social landscape.
• Service Excellence – We bring respect, compassion, integrity, and expertise to every interaction to make a positive impact in the lives of others.

The Opportunity

The new Executive Director will lead Deschutes Public Library, shaping the future of library services, expanding community engagement, advancing innovative programming, and ensuring the Library continues to evolve alongside one of the fastest-growing regions in Oregon. This role is a chief strategist and primary spokesperson, partnering with the Library Board to advance the mission, vision, and long‑term priorities of the Library. The Executive Director will oversee administration, operations, budgeting, policy development, and staff supervision, balancing strategic vision with operational excellence, ensuring strong financial stewardship while cultivating a culture of collaboration, innovation, and service across the organization.

Responsibilities

• Partner with the Library Board and community stakeholders to advance the mission, vision, and long‑term priorities of the Library.
• Provide overall leadership of the library system, overseeing administration, operations, budgeting, policy development, and staff supervision.
• Act as the Library’s primary ambassador, building relationships with local government, community partners, educational institutions, donors, and civic organizations.
• Cultivate a culture of collaboration, innovation, and service, fostering high‑performing, inclusive teams.
• Ensure strong financial stewardship, strategic planning, and risk management, including oversight of budget, grants, and public funding initiatives.

Qualifications

• Visionary and community‑centered leader with a deep belief in the power of public libraries to strengthen communities.
• Strategic thinker capable of translating bold ideas into meaningful action.
• Strong communication skills, emotional intelligence, and the ability to navigate complex relationships.
• Experience in budget oversight, grants, public funding initiatives, and risk management.
• Demonstrated ability to build high‑performing, collaborative teams and foster a culture of accountability, stability, growth, and inclusion.

Consistent with Equal Opportunity

Deschutes Public Library offers reasonable accommodation to individuals living with disabilities. If you need assistance in the application process, please contact

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