Job Openings @ the Library

Employment Application   (.pdf format)

JOB POSTING(s):

Library Director Opening – Saint Joseph / Maud Preston Palenske Memorial Library

Southwest Michigan Library Director Opportunity

The Saint Joseph / Maud Preston Palenske Memorial Library Board of Trustees seeks an engaging candidate for consideration as the next library director. 

The Maud Preston Palenske Memorial Library serves a population of approximately 18,000 year-round residents in the communities of the City of St. Joseph and St. Joseph Charter Township. This harbor community is located on the bluff overlooking Lake Michigan less than two hours from Chicago and within easy driving distance of Kalamazoo and Grand Rapids, MI and South Bend, Indiana.  It includes headquarters for a Fortune 500 corporation plus many other businesses.  St. Joseph offers award-winning public schools plus quality independent and parochial schools, a community college, regional symphony orchestra, Krasl Art Center, Curious Kids’ Museum and Cultural Center, The Box Factory for the Arts, and many other amenities.

The Director will be responsible for managing and operating the library with a staff of 17, a collection of approximately 100,000 items and an operating budget of $775,000. 

The Trustees of the St. Joseph Library Board are seeking an individual who,

• Actively leads the library in its development of the next strategic plan.
• Promotes the well-being and growth of the staff.
• Possesses the ability to promote and create a variety of library services to the patrons of the library communities. 

Qualifications & Compensation:

Qualified candidates will have a Master of Library Science degree, a Level-1 certificate from the Library of Michigan (or be eligible for certification prior to appointment), and a demonstrated history of at least three to five years of progressive responsibility managing a public library or a department within a public library.  The ideal candidate will possess strong people and communication skills, applying them in regular interactions within the business community, the network of libraries, and the local municipalities, serving as the face of the library.

The Saint Joseph / Maud Preston Palenske Memorial Library offers a starting salary of $70,000 with the ability to grow, along with competitive benefits which include a signing bonus/moving allowance of $5,000.  

Job Description:   PDF FILE

How to Apply:

Candidates may apply by submitting their resume and cover letter, along with three professional references to: MortimoreConsulting@gmail.com.  Consideration will be made upon receipt of application. 

The deadline for the first application review will be December 9, 2022.  Intake interviews will occur for those considered for advancement in the selection process immediately.   Please don’t delay, as this position is open until filled.

To Apply:  Apply on Indeed or Please submit your resume’ to the attention of:

Paula Stakley – Library Director  
St. Joseph/Maud Preston Palenske Memorial Library
500 Market Street
St. Joseph, MI  49085

Or as a .pdf attachment to:  pstakley@sjcity.com

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

If there are no openings and you are interested in a career at the library,  submit your resume and application.  We keep them on file and do refer back to them when we have openings. 

General Position Listing:

Page

Library Assistant - bachelor's degree preferred

Librarian - requires a master's degree from an ALA accredited library school