Executive Director – Cooperative Computer Services
Download the position brochure.
Are you ready to lead a library technology organization into the future? Cooperative Computer Services is seeking an Executive Director who can build upon and improve the CCS’s current balance of stability of services and innovation for the future.
Are you an excellent communicator? Do you understand libraries? Do you love the excitement of bringing new technology to life? Are you knowledgeable about the power, potentials – and the pitfalls — of the Integrated Library System? Do you enjoy working with exceptional libraries to serve communities? Then this position is for you! We are looking for a dynamic leader who is ready to take on the challenge to transform CCS into a nimble, technologically advanced organization that meets and exceeds the needs of our library members.
About CCS
Cooperative Computer Services (CCS) provides an integrated automation system for 24 libraries located in the north and northwest suburbs of Chicago, Illinois. All are public libraries and members of the Reaching Across Illinois Library System (RAILS).
CCS has a reputation for excellence, striking a balance as a reliable ILS service provider with an eye on opportunities presented by changes in the ILS landscape and emerging technologies.
CCS is a membership organization, structured for active participation by all member libraries that provide and support shared library automation that is progressive, reliable, and cost-effective.
Core to CCS is providing centralized ILS services serve all phases of library operations to minimize costs, enhance resource sharing, improve services, and streamline library procedures.
CCS is currently running Sirsi-Dynix’s Symphony software, with a contract to expire in 2018. We recently transitioned from BiblioCommons to Enterprise as our public catalog.
For more about CCS and its members, please visit: http://ccslib.org/
POSITION DESCRIPTION: CCS Executive Director
DEFINITION: Under the direction of the CCS Governing Board and the supervision of the Executive Committee, an administrative and leadership position involving responsibility for the total operation of the CCS facilities staff and services. Acts as Chief Operating Officer. An exempt position under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
SALARY RANGE: $91,465-137,198
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- ALA Accredited MLS preferred
- Five years library automation experience
- Two years library automation consortium or cooperative experience
- Five years of increasingly responsible supervisory, project and staff management and leadership experience
- Public library experience
- Course work or certification in IT and library automation highly desirable
- Available to work evenings and weekends
- Access to vehicle and valid driver’s license
DUTIES/ RESPONSIBILITIES: (Illustrative, not exhaustive)
- Provide uniformly consistent, respectful, and friendly services to CCS members and fellow staff
- Develop and implement an overall comprehensive program of cooperative computerized services to member libraries
- Responsible for personnel recruitment, selection, scheduling, training and evaluation of CCS staff
- Responsible for an ongoing program of training for member library staff on data entry and use of CCS system
- Coordinate the activities of the membership to insure uniform application of CCS goals, standards and practices
- Act as liaison for the cooperative and individual libraries to vendors
- Provide consulting services to member libraries on CCS-related hardware and software matters
- Negotiate contracts with vendors
- Prepare and recommend an annual budget working with Budget and Finance Committee
- Prepare and recommend an annual long range plan working with the Long Range Planning Committee
- Recommend policies for board action; carry out policies as adopted by CCS Governing Board
- Attend all regular meetings and committee meetings of the CCS Governing Board
- Prepare special reports on a variety of consortium concerns and problems for the CCS Governing Board
- Prepare appropriate fiscal and statistical reports for the CCS Governing Board and Executive Committee
- Responsible for the all CCS records including personnel, meeting minutes, statistics, financial statements and other operational documents
- Serve as liaison between the CCS Governing Board and professional advisors and cooperating agencies
- Represent CCS in relevant professional activities, serving as advocate as appropriate
- Ensure all CCS staff remains current and knowledgeable in library-related technologies
- Attend meetings, workshops, and conferences
- Perform other duties as assigned
NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES:
- Considerable ability to work with people of all ages in a friendly, approachable, and tactful manner
- A strong command of the English language and effective oral and written
communication skills
- Considerable knowledge of current public library practices, procedures and technology
- Considerable knowledge of current library automation and database development
- Knowledge of budgeting and strategic planning
- Considerable ability to exercise leadership, effectively implement and manage change
- Ability to facilitate group process in a harmonious and productive manner
- Considerable ability to analyze and synthesize data to produce new or revised
processes and procedure
- Considerable ability to exercise professional judgment in analyzing and solving problem
- Ability to set priorities, make independent decisions, and exercise discretion
- Ability to manage multiple tasks
- Considerable ability to remain composed under difficult circumstances and mediate conflict
- Knowledge of and ability to use and troubleshoot PCs and a variety of hardware/software applications
- Ability to use a variety of office equipment
PHYSICAL DEMANDS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand, sit and walk intermittently. The position requires the ability to talk and hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close and far vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The position requires the ability to use hands to finger, handle and/or feel equipment, objects and controls, and to reach with hands and arms. Frequent bending and stooping and occasional climbing are required.
The employee must occasionally lift up to 40 pounds and push or pull up to 150 pounds. This job is performed in a typical office environment. The work environment involves minimal exposure to physical risks, such as operating dangerous equipment or working with chemicals.
This job description should not be interpreted as all-inclusive or as an employment agreement between the employer and employee. Any essential functions of this position will evaluated as necessary should an incumbent/applicant be unable to perform the function or requirement due to a disability as defined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Reasonable accommodation for the specific disability will be made for the incumbent/applicant when possible.
How to Apply
First consideration will be given to applications received by January 18, 2015. The position will remain open until filled.
If you are interested in this position, please submit a resume, cover letter, and contact information for a minimum of three references to:
Carson Block
Library Technology Consultant
Additional submission information: It is anticipated that some preliminary interviews will be performed at ALA Midwinter in Chicago sometime between the dates of 1/30/2015 – 2/3/2015. If you are selected as a semi-finalist and are not attending ALA, a virtual interview option will be provided. Please indicate your potential availability (either in-person at the ALA Midwinter meeting or remotely) in your cover letter.