Director - Buffalo & Erie County Public Library; NY

Overview

Director – Buffalo & Erie County Public Library (NY)

The Buffalo & Erie County Public Library (NY) seeks a Director who will advance and build upon its vital role as the center of information, education, culture, and entertainment across Erie County. This role requires a politically astute, relationship-driven leader with strong communication skills and the ability to build trust across community, staff, and government stakeholders. Together, the Director works alongside the system’s 15-member governing board, a hardworking and talented team of 364 FTE staff, and an operating budget of $36 million to serve the City of Buffalo and Erie County through nine city locations, 28 member library locations, and two bookmobiles.

Key responsibilities include concluding the system’s current five-year plan, launching the next strategic planning process, continuing to roll out the library’s rebrand and statement of purpose “Profoundly Public,” and delivering the diverse and community-centered programming for which the library is known.

Buffalo and Erie County offer a unique blend of urban, suburban, and rural living, all within minutes of the Canadian border and Niagara Falls. Often referred to as “The City of Good Neighbors,” Buffalo is known for its sense of community and civic pride and has distinct neighborhoods, each with its own unique identity. Residents enjoy access to Lake Erie’s waterfront, an affordable cost of living, and a wide range of cultural institutions, including art galleries, theaters, and museums as well as a Grammy-winning philharmonic orchestra.

Outdoor options are equally diverse, with parks designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, extensive bike trails, and four-season recreation that includes hiking, kayaking, skiing, and more. Buffalo has a rich history, from the site of Theodore Roosevelt’s inauguration to its nationally recognized Mark Twain manuscript collection housed at the Central Library. The region is also home to numerous universities, a diverse, growing and nationally recognized food scene, and a loyal sports culture with three professional teams—Go Bills!