Open Position: Executive Director – Syracuse Turkey Creek Township Public Library

Syracuse-Turkey Creek Township Public Library seeks a new Executive Director. The library serves a population of 8,500 residents in Turkey Creek Township and the Town of Syracuse, a popular vacation destination. The friendly, relaxed atmosphere and proximity to larger towns and cities make Syracuse an attractive community.

The 10,000-square-foot Carnegie library is in the historic part of town, just a few blocks away from the lake, community center, and local historical museum. Since the library opened in 1921, it has grown into a vital resource for the community, offering diverse physical and digital collections, and providing opportunities for education and community engagement through effective programs and services.

A supportive Board of Trustees and an energetic, enthusiastic, and innovative staff help to create a welcoming environment that fosters community engagement and belonging. The library is well-supported by a generous property tax base. The next director will have the opportunity to build on this foundation, ensuring the library remains an essential asset for future generations.
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The Board of Trustees have embarked on a building project to construct a new library near its current location, on land donated by the Town of Syracuse. The initial work — architectural design, ecological studies, surveys, and land assessments — are complete and construction is estimated to begin in the Spring of 2026.

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Desired Skills and Attributes

​The executive director is responsible for steering the course of the library. Necessary skills include intentional communication, thoughtful planning, collaborative action, and constructive problem-solving. Kindness, wisdom, empathy, patience, forbearance, and a sense of humor are essential personal attributes for this position.

Priorities

​Key priorities include maintaining the library’s rich history while advancing modern library services, cultivating a positive workplace culture, maintaining financial solvency and growth, and increasing the educational, cultural, and recreational benefits library services bring to the community. As the leader of our library team, this position requires full-time, in-person work to support staff, engage with the community, and oversee daily operations.

Essential Job Functions

Board of Trustees

• Provide information and guidance concerning all matters relating to the library.
• Interpret monthly financial, statistical, and departmental reports.
• Recommend and implement board policies.
• Collaborate with library board and staff to develop and implement strategic plans.

Personnel/Professional

• Recruit, train, evaluate, and mentor library staff.
• Cultivate a positive, inclusive, work environment that stimulates innovation and collaboration.
• Foster professional development and certification.
• Ensure adherence to workplace policies and best practices.
• Participate in professional organizations.

Financial

• Prepare and administer budgets.
• Manage state, federal, and private funds and ensure compliance with SBOA & DLGF requirements.
• Identify and secure grants, partnerships, and donations to enhance library materials and services.

Facility and Operations

• Oversee the maintenance of library facilities to ensure safety, accessibility, optimal use.
• Ensure efficient resource allocation and financial stewardship in daily operations.
• Initiate, recommend, and facilitate projects that enhance library services.
• Provide guidance to the library board concerning project goals and progress.

Community

• Establish and strengthen relationships with local organizations and schools.
• Promote library services and expand outreach.

Qualifications and Requirements

• ALA accredited master’s degree in library science
• 3-5 years of supervisory experience in a public library
• At minimum, a level 3 Indiana Public Library Certification
• The ability to travel for professional development, outreach, and meetings
• The availability to work some evenings and weekends

Benefits and Compensation

This is a salary position commensurate with qualifications and experience, with a starting range of $65,000 to $75,000, based upon a 40-hour work week.
Benefits include health insurance, life insurance, PTO, and employer retirement contributions. 

Contact

Interested applicants should send a resume, letter of interest, and three references to [email protected]  by July 18, 2025.

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