Executive Director

 Search for the
Executive Director

American Library
Association

Chicago,
Illinois

 

The American Library Association (ALA) seeks a dynamic,
innovative, and experienced leader to serve as its Executive
Director.

 

Libraries are an iconic feature of American life and a crucial
infrastructure of society. They introduce users to the joy of
learning and the magic of books; offer a safe and productive haven
for study, research, and reflection; and transform users’ lives
through educational programs, services, and community resources.
Not only have America’s libraries changed the lives of many of
their users, they themselves have transformed as societal needs,
technology, and other forces in the economy have dramatically
reshaped their role and nature. In the wake of recent attacks on
libraries and free speech, ALA undertakes this search at a time of
urgency and relevancy unmatched in recent history. A complex
organization with deep reach across libraries of all types, ALA
seeks a strategic, visionary, operational leader and team builder
who, at this moment post-pandemic, will embrace the unique
opportunity to realign ALA as the premier association for the
library field and community.

 

Founded in 1876 and soon to enter its 150th year, ALA is the
world’s oldest and largest library association. The member-driven
Association promotes the work of libraries and the value of
professional library and information science education and
advocates for issues and values important to the field and a free
and open information society. The Association achieves these goals
through its programs, publications, conferences, professional
development, and outreach work. ALA supports libraries, protects
the freedom to read, advocates for a free and open information
society, accredits professional library degree programs, and serves
as a major hub of resources for library workers and professionals
in adjacent fields, such as archivists, curators, and historians.
The Association, headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, with a public
policy and advocacy office in Washington, DC, represents
approximately 50,000 individual members who take great pride in
their profession. It has a staff of 200 and an annual budget of $50
million.

 

The Executive Director is appointed by and reports to the
Executive Board, executes policies and directives of the Board, and
oversees ALA’s staff, its programs, and operations over four
locations in IL, DC, CT, and PA. As the chief executive officer of
the organization, the Executive Director collaborates with
volunteer leaders and professional staff to develop and implement
strategic and operational goals to realize the organization’s
mission “to provide leadership for the development, promotion, and
improvement of library and information services and the profession
of librarianship in order to enhance learning and ensure access to
information for all”. ALA must continue to innovate, grow, and
develop membership engagement, working with members and staff to
achieve critical goals. The Executive Director will prioritize
financial and operational strength, internal and external
collaborations, and the valuable work of ALA members and staff that
move the Association forward. The Executive Director works closely
with the Executive Board to shape the strategic direction and
initiatives of the ALA; retains and expands the member base; grows
the influence of the Association; solidifies and expands earned,
contributed, and in- kind income; and launches plans to augment and
reimagine the programmatic offerings and member benefits of
ALA.

 

The successful candidate must possess the skills and experience
to lead the ALA, an established organization with high visibility
and historic continuity, into its next chapter. In collaboration
with the Executive Board and members, the new Executive Director
will develop and communicate a strategic vision for the
organization, and explore and identify innovative revenue models
that support ALA’s next era. The Executive Director will partner
with the ALA President and the Board to represent the organization,
enthusiastically and persuasively forge meaningful partnerships,
and advocate for ALA among the library community, policymakers,
industry groups, and funding organizations.

 

ALA offers a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and the
chance to make a meaningful impact on the future of libraries and
society. If you’re ready to lead with vision and passion, we invite
you to apply.

 

The salary range for this position begins at $325,000,
commensurate with relevant experience.

 

ALA has engaged Isaacson, Miller, a national executive search
firm, to assist with this important search. Evaluation of
prospective candidates will begin immediately. Confidential
inquiries, nominations, and applications can be submitted
electronically to:

 

Pamela Pezzoli, Partner

Mia Carpiniello, Senior
Associate

Isaacson, Miller

https://www.imsearch.com/open-searches/american-library-association/executive-director

 

For best consideration, please submit application materials by
June 1, 2024.

 

The American Library Association
is an equal opportunity employer:

Minority/Female/Disability/Veteran