Delaware Library Association
Overview
Wilmington Public Library Executive Director The award-winning Wilmington Institute Free Library (also known as the Wilmington Public Library) is looking for its next Executive Director. Established in 1754, Wilmington Public Library is recognized for its community centered approach to programs, services, and partnerships. The library is a nationally recognized, award-winning system with a strong focus on education, economic opportunity, and social well-being for more than 71,000+ residents. As Wilmington embarks on an exciting period of growth and development, the Executive Director will partner with a talented, growing staff and a network of contractors to serve the community. A supportive managing board and library foundation board will collaborate with the Executive Director and key staff to ensure the libraryv viability and sustainability. The director will work in concert with the City of Wilmington, New Castle County, and the State of Delaware on fiscal, policy, and compliance matters. A broad coalition of community organizations is ready to lend their time, talent, and treasure to the library’s ongoing efforts. Responsibilities
Provide effective leadership and strategic direction for the library, balancing big-picture thinking with day-to-day operations. Communicate clearly across diverse stakeholder groups and cultivate partnerships with local government, funders, and community groups. Tell a compelling, data-informed, outcomes-based story of the library’s accomplishments and impact. Foster agency and accountability among library staff and cultivate a culture of integrity, ethics, and public trust. Ensure fiscal responsibility, optimize operational efficiency, and manage resources to support services and programs. Collaborate with the City, County, and State on policy, compliance, and strategic initiatives. Work with the library board and foundation to advance growth, fundraising, and community engagement. Qualifications
Minimum of five (5) years of leadership and management experience in libraries (public libraries preferred) or adjacent fields, with responsibilities including financial management, operations, facilities management, vendor/contractor management, staff and organizational development, public programming, service design/implementation, evaluation, fundraising, community engagement, and partnership development. Master’s degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS) from an ALA-accredited program (completed or in progress). Compensation and How to Apply
Salary range: $110,000–$120,000. To be considered for this position, please email a resume/CV, cover letter, and 3 references to ED.Search@lib.de.us by 11:59 p.m., Friday, September 30, 2025. Additional Information
Learn more about the City of Wilmington and the Brandywine Valley as part of the recruitment materials and organization partners.
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Wilmington Public Library Executive Director The award-winning Wilmington Institute Free Library (also known as the Wilmington Public Library) is looking for its next Executive Director. Established in 1754, Wilmington Public Library is recognized for its community centered approach to programs, services, and partnerships. The library is a nationally recognized, award-winning system with a strong focus on education, economic opportunity, and social well-being for more than 71,000+ residents. As Wilmington embarks on an exciting period of growth and development, the Executive Director will partner with a talented, growing staff and a network of contractors to serve the community. A supportive managing board and library foundation board will collaborate with the Executive Director and key staff to ensure the libraryv viability and sustainability. The director will work in concert with the City of Wilmington, New Castle County, and the State of Delaware on fiscal, policy, and compliance matters. A broad coalition of community organizations is ready to lend their time, talent, and treasure to the library’s ongoing efforts. Responsibilities
Provide effective leadership and strategic direction for the library, balancing big-picture thinking with day-to-day operations. Communicate clearly across diverse stakeholder groups and cultivate partnerships with local government, funders, and community groups. Tell a compelling, data-informed, outcomes-based story of the library’s accomplishments and impact. Foster agency and accountability among library staff and cultivate a culture of integrity, ethics, and public trust. Ensure fiscal responsibility, optimize operational efficiency, and manage resources to support services and programs. Collaborate with the City, County, and State on policy, compliance, and strategic initiatives. Work with the library board and foundation to advance growth, fundraising, and community engagement. Qualifications
Minimum of five (5) years of leadership and management experience in libraries (public libraries preferred) or adjacent fields, with responsibilities including financial management, operations, facilities management, vendor/contractor management, staff and organizational development, public programming, service design/implementation, evaluation, fundraising, community engagement, and partnership development. Master’s degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS) from an ALA-accredited program (completed or in progress). Compensation and How to Apply
Salary range: $110,000–$120,000. To be considered for this position, please email a resume/CV, cover letter, and 3 references to ED.Search@lib.de.us by 11:59 p.m., Friday, September 30, 2025. Additional Information
Learn more about the City of Wilmington and the Brandywine Valley as part of the recruitment materials and organization partners.
#J-18808-Ljbffr