Are you a professional leader with a passion for innovation? Dimmick Memorial Library is hiring a Director to manage our two-branch system, spearhead fundraising, and oversee our transition into a high-tech, high-touch community engine

Library Director Position Description: Dimmick & Penn-Kidder Libraries

Nature of Work:

Under the direction of the Board of Directors, the Library Director performs professional and supervisory work in planning, implementing, and managing a comprehensive program of services across a two-branch system. The Director serves as the "Architect of the Next Chapter," balancing traditional library science with modern tech-forward programming and community advocacy.

Our Heritage & Community:

A Storied Legacy: Founded and supported by the Dimmick Trust, our 135-year-old landmark library has served as the cultural heart of the region since its inception.

Our Service Area: We proudly serve the lovely communities of Jim Thorpe, Lansford, Albrightsville and Kidder Twp. Our two branches—the historic Dimmick Memorial and the modern Penn Kidder—provide a unique opportunity to manage both a cherished historical institution and a growing community hub.

Community Support: We are a library backed by a dedicated Board, an active Friends group, and a community that treats the library as an essential local resource

Leadership Profile:

The ideal candidate for our Director role will be a leader who is:

• Fair but Firm: Able to manage personnel and policy with consistency and integrity, ensuring a professional and accountable environment for staff and volunteers alike.
• Process Focused: A builder of systems who values efficiency and clarity, ensuring that our operations across two branches are organized, documented, and sustainable.
• Passionate & Empathetic: A community-minded advocate who leads with heart. You should have a genuine passion for the library’s mission and an empathetic approach to serving our diverse patrons and supporting our dedicated team.

Experience & Training:

• Certification: Requires as a minimum a Provisional Librarian Certificate (Bachelor’s degree from a 4-year Middle States accredited college with at least 12 credits in Library Science) or ability to quickly attain above certification
• Clearances: Must pass and maintain PA Child Abuse History, PA State Police Criminal Record, and FBI Fingerprinting. Completion of Mandatory Reporter training is required. The Director must also ensure all Employees, Volunteers, Board members, and Trustees pass, and maintain clearances as required by the state: PA Child Abuse History Clearance and PA State Police Criminal Record Check, FBI, and mandatory reporter training as required
• Logistics: A valid PA Driver’s License and reliable vehicle are required for travel between the two branches.

Primary Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Leadership & Innovation

• Lead the library through growth phases, recommending policy changes or service additions to keep the library competitive and modern.
• Participate with Board in short and long range planning
• Ensure Friends group is active, connected, and growing 
• Implement the “Curiosity Lab” vision by integrating STEAM initiatives, creative writing, and art programs into regular service.
• Manage and advocate for the library’s tech infrastructure, including new computer systems and networks.

2. Operational & Personnel Management

• Supervise, schedule, and evaluate a multi-site staff and volunteer pool across the Dimmick and Penn-Kidder locations. Note each location has substantially qualified Librarians in place.

• Attend and participate in monthly Board of Trustees meetings, monthly LCLC librarians’ meetings (on line), and any additional library-related meetings.
• Perform regular, documented performance reviews and resolve personnel issues.

• Coordinate an effective Volunteer Program with clear training and evaluation tools.
• Oversee all aspects of the physical plant at both locations to ensure they remain safe, attractive, and functional.

3. Financial Stewardship & Fundraising

• Serve as Finance Director: Prepare and monitor the annual budget, provide monthly budget analysis reports for Board review, and oversee all state/federal reporting.
• Grant Management: Actively research, apply for, and manage grant funding with Board support.
• Fundraising Leadership: Coordinate and lead community fundraising initiatives; act as a primary advocate for the library’s mission to inspire philanthropic support and secure major gifts.
• Development: Pursue donations and Acknowledge all promptly and work with the Board to cultivate community and business sponsorships.
• Purchasing: Manage all acquisitions (materials/supplies) within budget; seek Board approval for items over $500.

4. Collection & Community Engagement

• Manage "Collection Development," including ordering, processing, and weeding materials for both locations.
• Act as the "Face of the Library" in the community, representing the system at District meetings and local government events.
• Oversee all marketing: maintain the website, bi-monthly newsletter, and social media (Facebook/Instagram) to ensure high visibility for programs.
• Liaise with the Friends of the Library group to ensure they are informed and effectively led.

Professional & Physical Requirements:

• Continuing Education: Attend 10+ hours of annual continuing education to meet System requirements.
• Digital Proficiency: Must demonstrate excellent computer skills and familiarity with library management software and modern networking.
• Physical Demands: Ability to stand for up to 7 hours per day (4 hours at a time); ability to carry/lift 15 lbs; ability to navigate steep or narrow stairs.

Salary, Hours, & Benefits:

• Status: Full-time.
• Schedule: Includes regularly scheduled evening and Saturday hours.
• Compensation: Pay rate is determined by the Board of Trustees based on educational background and quality of service. Anticipated range up to $46.000 per year
• Benefits:  Paid Time Off (PTO) 2 weeks after first full year, 3 weeks after 4th full year. .
• Evaluation: The Board of Trustees will complete a formal annual performance evaluation

How to Apply:

If you are a visionary leader who embodies these qualities and is ready to guide our 135-year-old legacy into its next chapter, we want to hear from you.

Please submit a formal letter of interest and your professional resume directly to:

dimmickdirectorsearch@gmail.com

Applications will be reviewed by the Personnel Committee on a rolling basis. Dimmick Memorial and Penn-Kidder Libraries are equal opportunity employers.