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Now Hiring: New Mexico State Librarian

NM State LibraryThe State of New Mexico, Department of Cultural Affairs, seeks an enthusiastic and advocacy-oriented individual to fill the position of State Librarian and Director of the New Mexico State Library (NMSL) Division. The New Mexico Department of Cultural Affairs (DCA) is one of the largest and most respected cultural affairs agencies in the nation. DCA and NMSL are located in beautiful, historic Santa Fe – New Mexico’s heart of governmental, artistic, and cultural activities. The State Librarian will have expansive partnering opportunities with other divisions within DCA including museumand historic sites’ education programs and collections, and preservation, arts, and archaeological programs.

The New Mexico State Library has a staff of 47 full time employees and an annual budget of $5.7 million.  The successful candidate will administer relevant and valued services to over 100 public and tribal libraries in New Mexico and will generally promote an effective statewide library system. The State Librarian will advocate for and oversee the provision of services directly to New Mexico’s culturally diverse and special populations; and will foster positive and cooperative working relationships with other educational services and state and national library agencies. Understanding the roles of contemporary libraries in today’s societies, the State Librarian will move progressively toward a future with innovative programs and services while continuously evaluating and supporting those of value that currently exist. The State Librarian will be responsible for administering grants-in-aid, library extension, development services, and the state documents depository program. The State Librarian will perform other duties as provided by the law and assure that NMSL meets all statutory requirements of the State of New Mexico.

The successful candidate will have a strong and positive record in policy administration and strategic planning, budget planning and execution, leadership, and personnel management. The candidate will also possess the desire and ability to construct effective coalitions and work successfully with legislative, governmental, and other policy-making bodies.  Knowledge and understanding of current library technologies are valuable assets an ideal candidate will bring to the position. A demonstrated ability to communicate effectively to a wide variety of audiences will be essential to the candidate’s success as the State Librarian. Support of New Mexico public and tribal libraries is central to the mission of the State Library; accordingly, some public and/or tribal library experience is preferred.

REQUIREMENTS

  • A Master’s Degree in Library or Information Science from an ALA-accredited library program, eight (8) years of progressively responsible experience in libraries that includes at least five (5) years of experience in library management and/or administration.
  • Record of successful experience in management, policy administration, budgeting, and planning for a similar entity to the State Library.
  • Demonstrated ability to direct a complex organization, evaluate program performance, and implement effective solutions to ensure ongoing program refinement and enhancement for improvement.

Salary compensation:  $75,000 – $85,000 per year.

Candidates should provide a letter of interest including a statement responding to the requirements outlined in the position announcement (no more than three pages), a comprehensive resume, unofficial transcripts reflecting award of required graduate degree, and names and contact information for three to five professional references. Deadline for submission is October 31, 2014.

Send application packet to the attention of Lori Smith Thornton (on behalf of the NM State Librarian Search Committee) at:

New Mexico State Library
Department of Cultural Affairs
1209 Camino Carlos Rey
Santa Fe, NM 87507

Email:  Lori.Thornton@state.nm.us

Offer contingent upon verification of eligibility for employment in the United States. The State of New Mexico is an EEO/Affirmative Action Employer. All offers of employment, oral and written, are contingent on the employer’s verification of credentials and other information required by federal law, state law, and other applicable policies/procedures.