TCPLS Job Openings

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Library Director

Salaried; Full-Time

Thomas County has a population of approximately 45,000 citizens including about 18,500 who live in the City of Thomasville, the county seat. Thomasville is the second largest city in southwest Georgia after Albany. It is located 34 miles northeast of Tallahassee, Florida, and 43 miles west of Valdosta, Georgia.

Thomasville, the “City of Roses,” is known for its an annual Rose Festival. The city plants and maintains more than 1,000 rosebushes located throughout the city, as do a number of residents who have their own rose gardens. During the last week of April, rose growers from all over the world display their prize roses for a panel of judges. The Thomasville Rose Garden at Cherokee Lake Park is the largest with 85 rose beds maintained by the city, and is host to the annual rose festival.

Thomasville boasts a beautiful and vibrant award-winning downtown and a community rich in history while being on the cutting-edge of innovation. The city is home to several historic and cultural organizations, among them the Thomas County Historical Society and Museum of History, Thomasville Landmarks, the Thomasville Center for the Arts, the Jack Hadley Black History Museum, and Pebble Hill Plantation. The city features plantations open to the public, a historic downtown, a large farmer’s market, and The Big Oak, a landmark live oak tree that is believed to be nearly 350 years old.

The Library System

The Thomas County Public Library System (TCPLS) is a single-county library system with its Headquarters in Thomasville and five branch libraries located in the towns of Boston, Coolidge, Meigs, Ochlocknee, and Pavo.

The Thomas County Public Library System operates under an annual budget of approximately $1.4 million dollars, funded by revenue from a local sales tax. State and federal funds and services supplement the local support.

The Library enjoys strong community support with an active Friends of the Library Organization and a strong “One Book” Program.

This Director position is a great opportunity to lead the library as it continues to embrace its vital role in the life of our friendly and supportive community.

Timeframe

This position is open until filled. Review of applications will begin March 2, 2023.

Salary

Salary will be based on the applicant’s experience as a Librarian. Excellent benefits include paid annual and sick leave along with participation in the Teachers Retirement System of Georgia (TRSGA).

Job Objectives

The Library Director, under the leadership and direction of the Library Board of Trustees, is responsible for planning, organizing, and administering the various operations of the System.

Job Schedule

The Library Director position is a salaried, full-time job.

Essential Job Functions

Administers all policies as adopted by the Board of Trustees governing operation of the System.

Acts as staff liaison and technical advisor to the Board and recommends needed policies, programs, and services.

Stays informed of the library community; evaluates and compares existing library services; and suggests long and short-range plans to improve services, to reduce costs, and to increase productivity.

Prepares the annual proposed budget request for Board approval and submittal to funding agencies; Controls costs and predicts cash flow; Authorizes purchases as prescribed by the approved budget; and Determines expenditure of any unused balances at year-end.

Selects, promotes, transfers, evaluates, trains, and advises employees according to the Personnel Manual. Prepares job descriptions and salary scales for Board approval. Maintains good morale and a high level of productivity.

Supervises the selection, acquisition, processing and maintenance of a quality collection of library materials. Conducts the selection process under advice and guidelines as pertains to Library policies.

Plans, organizes, controls, and evaluates all work functions within the System’s organization to insure efficient and economical use of labor, materials, equipment, and facilities.

Reports to the Board concerning the system’s programs, personnel, and operations. Reports to system Staff regularly concerning system’s operations and plans.

Works with media to promote good will toward the system and advertises specific services and programs.

Identifies and seeks grant funding to benefit the system and to expand Library Services.

Job Standards (minimum qualifications)

Master’s Degree in Library Science (MLIS) from an ALA accredited institution is required. Must have or be eligible for a Professional Librarian’s Certificate from the State of Georgia.

Must possess a working knowledge of budgeting and finance, personnel management, data processing, and statistics.

Extensive work experience (minimum three years) at an administrative level with an understanding of the legal structure, organization, operation, and finances of the Library System and any associated funding agencies is required.

Must be able to maintain good morale, a high level of productivity, exercise good professional judgment, and be able to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the Board of Trustees and Staff members.

Applicant must have the ability to work well with the public in providing quality Library Services and representing the good will of the Library at all times.

Critical Skills/Expertise

Successful applicant must exercise effective managerial, patron service, written, and oral communication skills. Must maintain good morale, a high level of productivity and proficiency, and good professional judgment.

Job Location

Thomas County Public Library Main Branch, 201 North Madison Street, Thomasville, Georgia.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should email a letter of interest, a complete resume and three references in pdf format to: Adrian Burns, adrian@thegp.org