The Opportunity

The Michigan Library Association [MLA] is seeking an accomplished leader to serve as their next Executive Director. This dynamic position reports to a diverse Board of Trustees, leads a dedicated staff of six, and is responsible for the overall operations and oversight of this impactful 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. As the chief administrator of the MLA, this person will be responsible for four functional areas:  

• Management and administration
• Membership retention and recruitment
• Advocacy, publicity, and communications
• Financial oversight and fiduciary responsibilities

In addition to planning, directing, overseeing, evaluating, and enhancing operations, the next Executive Director will prioritize these established strategic goals:

• Advocate for libraries by creating two-way dialogues with policy makers and other stakeholders
• Elevate library staff professional growth opportunities by providing new trainings and continuing education opportunities
• Optimize communications to MLA’s members and assist public libraries with their communications to the communities they serve
• Enhance organizational excellence

This is a remote position, but the selected candidate must reside within, or be willing to relocate to, the state of Michigan.

About the Organization

Based in Lansing, Michigan, the MLA is Michigan's oldest and largest library association. Guided by the belief that libraries are the cornerstone of a free society, MLA has advocated for libraries on behalf of the state's residents for more than 130 years. MLA defends the right to read, advocates for adequate library funding, clarifies library governance issues, promotes professional library-staff education, and works for free access of information to all residents. MLA's membership is comprised of more than 2,500 library professionals, institutions, trustees, students, and library supporters who come from urban, suburban, and rural areas throughout Michigan. Although some services are exclusive to members, MLA’s oversight of professional development, education, and advocacy services assist all who are invested in building healthy and dynamic communities in all eighty-three Michigan counties.

The Michigan Library Association leads the advancement of Michigan libraries through advocacy, professional development, and engagement. The vision statement for MLA is: Strong libraries, Strong communities, Stronger Michigan. To learn more, visit: milibraries.org

Position Qualifications

Required Skills, Knowledge, Abilities, and Experience include:

• Seven or more years of applicable career experience, with at least five years of supervisory experience
• Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline
• Knowledge of the work and value of an association, as demonstrated by previous association management employment, or via other professional experience and involvement
• Subject matter expertise in public librarianship or the aptitude to develop deep industry knowledge and awareness in this field quickly.
• Demonstrated skill in people, program, organizational development and management
• Ability to advocate for organizational goals, values, and resources through effective public relations, community outreach, lobbying, and other strategic communication initiatives.
• Ability to promote membership growth and engagement through effective recruitment and retention efforts
• Experience in providing strategic financial oversight and managing budgets in alignment with organizational goals
• Experience in managing a distributed, remote workforce or team

Preferred Qualifications include:

• Knowledge of the purposes and functions of libraries
• Experience in conference planning and management
• Experience in leading continuing education or professional development efforts
• Experience in interacting with donors, grantors, senior level executives, government officials, community stakeholders, and other high-profile individuals
• CAE [Certified Association Executive] designation
• Master’s degree in Public Administration [MPA] or Library and Information Science [MLIS]

About Michigan Library Association

Based in Lansing, Michigan, the MLA is Michigan's oldest and largest library association. Guided by the belief that libraries are the cornerstone of a free society, MLA has advocated for libraries on behalf of the state's residents for more than 130 years. MLA defends the right to read, advocates for adequate library funding, clarifies library governance issues, promotes professional library-staff education, and works for free access of information to all residents. MLA's membership is comprised of more than 2,500 library professionals, institutions, trustees, students, and library supporters who come from urban, suburban, and rural areas throughout Michigan. Although some services are exclusive to members, MLA’s oversight of professional development, education, and advocacy services assist all who are invested in building healthy and dynamic communities in all eighty-three Michigan counties. The Michigan Library Association leads the advancement of Michigan libraries through advocacy, professional development, and engagement. The vision statement for MLA is: Strong libraries, Strong communities, Stronger Michigan. To learn more, visit: milibraries.org

Connections working at Michigan Library Association