Executive Director

Executive Director

About The Deschutes Public Library

The 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. Known for its creativity and responsiveness to community interests, the Library offers a wide range of programs and services, from early literacy initiatives and youth maker programs to hands‑on workshops, cultural programming, and lifelong learning opportunities. Residents regularly participate in experiences that go far beyond traditional library services, including outdoor skills workshops, writing programs, technology classes, and community learning events. Whether through storytimes, digital literacy training, maker spaces, or community forums, the Library continually explores new ways to inspire curiosity, creativity, and connection. Grounded in the values of equity, inclusion, and access, the Library works to ensure that all community members, regardless of background or circumstance, have the tools and resources they need to thrive. Through strong partnerships with local schools, nonprofits, and civic organizations, the Library plays a central role in fostering connection and opportunity throughout the region. A defining characteristic of Deschutes Public Library is its culture of experimentation. Staff are encouraged to pilot new ideas, respond directly to community interests, and continually reimagine how libraries can serve their communities. As a result, the Library has become known for programming that is both innovative and deeply rooted in the needs and curiosity of local residents.

The Library's Mission

The Deschutes Public Library enriches the community through equitable, open access to books, services, and resources that inspire people to reach for their dreams.

The Library's Vision

People learn, thrive, and connect to one another and the world.

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

Responsibilities

Serving as chief strategist and primary spokesperson, the Executive Director partners with the Library Board to advance the mission, vision, and long‑term priorities of Deschutes Public Library. The Director provides overall leadership of the library system, overseeing administration, operations, budgeting, policy development, and staff supervision. The role requires balancing strategic vision with operational excellence, ensuring strong financial stewardship while cultivating a culture of collaboration, innovation, and service across the organization. As the Library’s primary ambassador, the Executive Director builds relationships with local government, community partners, educational institutions, donors, and civic organizations, advocating for literacy, lifelong learning, digital access, community engagement, and the importance of libraries in today’s society.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate is a visionary and community‑centered leader who believes deeply in the power of public libraries to strengthen communities, spark curiosity, and expand opportunity. They are a strategic thinker who can translate bold ideas into meaningful action, guiding a talented staff while continuing the Library’s long‑standing tradition of creativity and innovation. This leader brings emotional intelligence, strong communication skills, and the ability to navigate complex relationships both inside and outside the organization. They build high‑performing, collaborative teams and foster a culture of accountability, stability, growth, and inclusion. They are a confident public ambassador and someone who can represent the Library’s role in civic life, build strong partnerships, and ensure the Library remains an essential voice in shaping the future of the community. Financial stewardship, strategic planning, and risk management are central to this role, with experience in budget oversight, grants, and public funding initiatives. Above all, the successful candidate will bring energy, curiosity, and vision, building on the Library’s strong foundation while helping the organization imagine what comes next.

About Deschutes County

Deschutes County is a dynamic and highly desirable place to live, work, and explore, anchored by spectacular natural beauty and a thriving, diversified economy. Located between the Cascade Mountains and Oregon’s high desert, the region offers remarkable access to outdoor recreation. Residents enjoy year‑round activities including skiing at Mount Bachelor, rock climbing at Smith Rock State Park, kayaking on the Deschutes River, and miles of hiking and mountain‑biking trails. Bend, the region’s largest city, has become one of the most desirable communities in the Pacific Northwest, known for its vibrant downtown, thriving arts and culinary scene, locally owned shops and breweries, and strong sense of community. This blend of physical beauty, cultural vitality, and economic opportunity makes Deschutes County attractive to residents, entrepreneurs, and employers alike.

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