Overview
Stonington Public Library (SPL) seeks an experienced community organizer to serve as its next director. The director oversees the day-to-day management of the library and its resources, programming, and services. Through community outreach and engagement, the director tailors the library’s offerings to meet a diverse and dynamic patron base. The director reports to the board of trustees.
Stonington Public Library is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization serving a patron base of 1,100 in the Town of Stonington and opening its doors to all, including seasonal residents, visitors, and residents of nearby towns on Deer Isle and around the Blue Hill Peninsula. The library is run by a full-time library director and a part-time library assistant. With an annual budget around $110,000, SPL is funded through a voter-approved town appropriation, donations, earned revenue, and grants. SPL is a cultural and educational center on the island that brings people together around books, art, nature, and more. SPL is guided by its mission “to inspire, enlighten and enrich all members of its community by providing excellent services and facilities that connect them to books, information and ideas needed for work, recreation and education.”
Stonington, located at the southern end of Deer Isle, has a working waterfront and is Maine’s number one lobster port. It boasts unrivaled access to outdoor adventure on land and on the water. SPL is located in a historic building in the heart of downtown Stonington and looks out over the harbor. The next director is positioned to be a key player in the economic well-being, cultural vitality, and social development of the community.
Responsibilities
Operational and Program Management
- Maintain and develop the library’s physical and digital collections, including acquisitions, deacquisitions, and maintenance.
- Deliver friendly front desk services encompassing circulation, reference, reader advisory, and more.
- Plan and execute the delivery of quality library services and programs, including reference and resource navigation services, technology access, and educational and recreational programs for all ages.
- Foster a warm and welcoming library space for all who visit.
- Manage library facilities, grounds, and equipment, including routine maintenance and occasional capital improvement projects.
- Track data—visitors, circulation, program attendance, etc.—as required for reporting to Maine State Library (MSL), the board of trustees, the Town of Stonington, and other stakeholders.
Finances and Development
- Develop and manage the library’s operating budget, restricted grant project budgets, and capital projects budgets.
- Work closely with the board to ensure the library’s long-term financial security by increasing donations, grant funding, and earned revenue to meet the library’s operational needs.
- Cultivate and maintain relationships with donors, sponsors, and funding organizations through fundraising events and appeals, and ongoing communications.
- Track all income and spending with the assistance of the treasurer and accountant and issue letters of acknowledgment for incoming donations.
Staff Management
- Oversee recruitment, training, supervision, and annual evaluation of a library assistant.
- Define roles and responsibilities, assign duties, and administer compensation.
- Foster a supportive work environment and support professional development.
- Pursue professional development through library associations, MSL, etc.
Community Engagement and Partnerships
- Advocate for and promote the library’s services and mission to funders, community members, donors, municipal leaders, and other stakeholders.
- Provide regular reports on library operations and finances to the board.
- Develop and nurture the library’s community partnerships.
- Foster the use of and engagement with the library by other nonprofits or community organizations as appropriate.
- Promote the library and its offerings through the various available channels, including but not limited to social media, Substack newsletter, library website, and local media.
Board, Planning, and Policy Development
- Ensure effective policies and procedures are in place for library operations and safety, staff management, and fiscal oversight.
- Support board operations, including quarterly meeting coordination, committee facilitation, and new board member orientation.
The position will also include other duties requested by the board of trustees or that are essential to ensuring that the library provides the best possible service to the community. The director will be evaluated by the board annually.
Qualifications
Required qualifications
- Minimum five years experience in a library, school, nonprofit or other community organization with demonstrated leadership skills
- Proven ability and desire to collaborate and build community partnerships and foster a diverse, inclusive patron base.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Technically proficient with proven ability to quickly adapt to new software and systems.
- Demonstrated ability in budget development and basic financial management.
Preferred qualifications
- Experience using Polaris or similar integrated library system, including cataloging standards and best practices.
- Collection development experience and proven ability to acquire diverse resources across all ages groups, formats, and interests.
- Fundraising experience and familiarity with Little Green Light.
- Grant writing experience.
Work Environment & Physical Demands
This position involves extended periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer and may require occasionally lifting up to 30 pounds. Reasonable accommodations will be provided as required by law. Stonington Public Library is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to creating an inclusive, diverse, and accessible workplace.
This is a full-time position with weekend hours and, as needed, some evenings. The position is based onsite in Stonington, Maine. The position includes hours outside the library’s hours of operation, which can accommodate some offsite hours as permitted.
Compensation & Benefits
Compensation for the position will be based on qualifications and range from $50,000-60,000. The position’s benefits package includes paid holidays, paid time off, paid family and medical leave (starting May 2026), and health insurance and retirement stipends.
Apply
To apply, please submit the following to the search committee at splhiringcommittee@gmail.com:
- A detailed resume
- A cover letter
- Three professional references with contact information
We will start reviewing applications on November 15, 2025, and will keep the process open until the right candidate finds us.