Library Foundation Seeks New Director

JOB DESCRIPTION

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Founded in 1997, the Rogers Public Library Foundation (the Foundation) is the fundraising arm of Rogers Public Library.  The Foundation’s mission is to raise funds and grow an endowment that enhances the Roger Public Library’s ability to provide enriching programs and services.

The executive director of the Rogers Public Library Foundation is the chief executive officer and, along with the President of the Foundation, is a primary representative of the Foundation.  The executive director has fundraising as his/her principal assignment.  Additional duties and responsibilities include visioning and strategic planning, public relations and community engagement, and administrative management of the office of the Foundation.

The executive director operates under limited supervision and is hired by and reports to the Foundation Board.  As needed, this position is directed by the chair of the Foundation and Executive Committee on behalf of the Foundation Board.

The present effort and commitment of the Foundation, and therefore, the immediate priorities of the new executive director are to:

• Increase contributions to the Foundation to support the work of the library
• Build an extensive and profitable donor base of corporate, private and individual supporters
• Increase the visibility of the Foundation, through strategic networking and implementation of marketing plans, as directed and agreed upon by the Foundation Board

FUND DEVELOPMENT (60 percent)

• Develops and implements the Foundation’s comprehensive short and long-term fundraising strategies, including: campaigns and events; corporate and individual sponsorships; donor gift solicitation; special events like Conversations; endowments; planned giving; and naming opportunities [with consent of Rogers Public Library Board of Trustees]
• Cultivates and maintains corporate sponsorship and donor support prospects, including donor interests, support capacity, support history, and preferred communication and contact styles
• Arranges program and activity opportunities to keep donors interested, engaged and involved with the Foundation and Library
• Reports to constituencies the sources, uses and management of donated funds ensuring that the intent of gifts are honored
• Monitors fundraising progress, revenues and expenditures
• Evaluates and reports on all fundraising activities and solicitation programs to the Board or appropriate committee(s)
• Maintains electronic databases and records to support fundraising initiatives
• Fosters continued giving by formally and personally acknowledging funding support and supporters via public announcement, written letter or gift in a timely fashion and in other ways that are meaningful to donors

STRATEGIC PLANNING AND VISIONING (15 percent)

• Assist the Foundation Board in its strategic visioning and planning to develop and meet the short and long-term goals, objective, and mission of the Foundation
• Assists in implementing the strategic plan under the direction of the Board of Directors
• Keeps the Board fully informed on the work and events of the Foundation
• Supports the work of the Board and its committees
• Assists in the recruitment, orientation and development of Board members

FINANCIAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGEMENT (15 percent)

• Ensures the accurate and timely maintenance of legal, financial and insurance records and documents
• Maintains official records, documents and filings to comply with federal, state and local regulations
• Creates and maintains documentation of processes
• Works with the Finance Committee in developing, implementing and monitoring sound financial strategies and budgets
• Works with the Finance Committee to ensure effective asset management
• Ensures management and administration of financial transactions, gifts and grants
• Oversees the funding support and disbursement of grants and gifts to the foundation, including collection and administration of funding proposals for board approval
• Collects board committee reports and distributes for board meetings, sends reminders to facilitate maximum attendance
• Monitors accounts to ensure that sufficient funds are available for the Foundation to carry out its work
• Encourages and promotes professional growth and development of the Foundation staff
• Creates a structured process for maintaining a volunteer program providing orientation, training and specific job descriptions for all volunteer positions
• Administers a procurement program for vendors and contractors who will provide service to the Foundation and on its behalf

PUBLIC RELATIONS and MARKETING (10 percent)

• At the direction and/or agreement of the Board, engages on behalf of the Foundation, with the general public, other public agencies, county and state leaders
• Oversees all communications and updates of print, electronic and web-based sources relating to the Foundation
• Maintains visibility among business, philanthropic and civic organizations to form mutually beneficial partnerships that build support and leadership for the Foundation and the library
• Spokesperson for the Rogers Public Library
• Responds to public comments and requests
• Fosters relationships whereby all organizations working for the benefit of the library are kept appraised of the major initiatives and/or programming each organization has in development or scheduled for implementation
• Implements tasks according to the annual marketing calendar established with the marketing/PR committee of the board
• Creates and distributes a periodic newsletter to foundation stakeholders
• Consistently delivers key messages as determined together with the board

• Self-directed
• Experienced with Microsoft Office Suite and general office machinery and communication equipment
• Willing to learn online/web content management and database applications as required
• Positive attitude, self-assurance, poise
• Excellent communication skills (verbal, non-verbal and written)
• Personable character and ability to connect/relate to others
• Excellent organizational skills
• Superior time management skills
• Comfortable with social media including Facebook, Twitter
• Posses internal motivation

• Demonstrated ability to articulate and sustain the vision and direction of the organization
• Visionary/strategic planning experiences and responsibilities
• Strong leadership skills, ability to delegate
• Experience managing a diversified fundraising program
• Direct fundraising experience
• Event/program sponsor solicitation experience
• Grant writing and/or research/technical writing experience
• Management and budgeting experience for a nonprofit agency
• Public relations, communications or marketing experience
• Demonstrates an understanding of the operations of nonprofit organizations
• Demonstrates an ability to represent an organization to multiple constituencies
• Demonstrates experience working with Boards, volunteers and civic and business leaders in a collaborative manner
• Demonstrates an ability to work with people at all levels of an organization across a diverse ranges of educational and social backgrounds
• Experiences working in/with libraries
• Experience working with Internet and web-based grant and donor databases
• Project management skills and experiences
• Knowledge and understanding of the cultural, political, business and philanthropic history of Benton County and the Rogers metro area, or the capacity to quickly familiarize or acquire this knowledge
• Public speaking experience
• Advocate with an understanding and strong passion for Rogers Public Library and its mission
• Experience with WordPress
• Experience with eTapestry

The compensation package for the Executive Director of the Rogers Public Library Foundation ranges from $30,000 – $35,000.  This is a half-time salaried position.  Communication and computer technologies and support are provided.  Expected start date is immediate but negotiable.

This position requires travel throughout the library system and metro area; transportation ability is required.  Evening, weekend, and holiday work may occur in accordance with Foundation meetings, events and the Library operating and holiday schedule.  Attendance at Foundation meeting and events is required.

The application process is electronic.  Letters of interest along with a resume, four professional references, and other information you deem useful and supportive of your application should be emailed to rplfoundation@rplfoundation.org.  The initial effort of the recruitment is resume screening and review.  Selected applicants will receive an in-person interview with the Foundation Board’s search committee.  Though open until filled, resumes received by February 15, 2012, will have first consideration.