Description

Director – Muskegon Area District Library (MI)

The Muskegon Area District Library (MI) seeks a strategic and experienced Director to lead a multi-branch system serving almost 110,000 residents across 19 municipalities and townships along the West Michigan lakeshore. Governed by an eight-member Board of Trustees, the library operates 11 locations with 45 FTE and an annual budget of $5.8 million. Voters recently approved a 10-year millage in 2025, reinforcing strong community support and providing a stable funding foundation for the system’s future. MADL is a member of the Lakeland Library Cooperative, sharing a catalog, resources, and delivery system with regional partners. Key responsibilities include fostering a strong and supportive work environment, stewarding public funds to meet community needs, and engaging with a range of stakeholders, including local governments, community partners, and union representatives. The Director will ensure the library remains responsive and relevant as community expectations and needs evolve.

The Muskegon area offers a unique blend of urban, suburban, and lakeshore living along Lake Michigan. Residents and visitors enjoy direct access to beaches and waterfront amenities, along with a range of cultural institutions, including the Muskegon Museum of Art, the Frauenthal Center for the Performing Arts, and the West Michigan Symphony. Outdoor opportunities are a defining feature of the area, with expansive parks, miles of bike trails, and four-season recreation, including boating, hiking, skiing, and more. Located just 30 minutes from Grand Rapids and within driving distance of Chicago and Detroit, Muskegon offers both connectivity and space, with housing options ranging from downtown living to suburban neighborhoods and rural settings.

Responsibilities: This role requires a strategic, experienced leader who can effectively manage operations, support staff, and engage with a range of stakeholders including local governments, community partners, and union representatives. Under the direction of the Library Board of Trustees, the Director oversees development and administration of the annual operating budget, including financial analysis and forecasting; provides leadership and oversight for all library operations; leads long-range planning; represents the library with city and township departments, regional partners, community organizations, and the public; leads the promotion a welcoming, inclusive environment for patrons in the diverse communities across Muskegon County; ensures all library branches operate in compliance with applicable City and Township codes, policies, and Michigan Library Standards; establishes appropriate service levels and staffing structures to support operations; addresses personnel matters, including union-related issues; and promotes a collaborative, inclusive, and equitable workplace culture.

Qualifications: A master's degree in library science from an accredited-ALA program, eight years of progressively more responsible experience in professional library work, the ability to obtain and retainMichigan Level 1 Certification within one year of hire, and ability to travel between work locations and related places of business as needed are required. Five years in a library administration position and previous union experience is preferred.

For a full list of responsibilities, required knowledge, skills, and abilities, see the links in the job posting on the Bradbury Miller Associates website (https://bradburymiller.com/current-clients/). 

Compensation: The hiring salary range is $100,000 to $115,000 (with placement negotiable dependent on experience and qualifications) and an excellent fringe benefits package.

Interested candidates should submit their resume through the application portal (https://bradburymiller.com/current-clients/) by selecting the position and then the “Apply” button. For further information, contact Bradbury Miller Associates (https://bradburymiller.com/). This position closes on Sunday, May 10, 2026.

Visit https://bradburymiller.com/current-clients/ to access the latest version of this announcement in full, along with all related links. 

Requirements

Qualifications: A master's degree in library science from an accredited-ALA program, eight years of progressively more responsible experience in professional library work, the ability to obtain and retainMichigan Level 1 Certification within one year of hire, and ability to travel between work locations and related places of business as needed are required. Five years in a library administration position and previous union experience is preferred.

For a full list of responsibilities, required knowledge, skills, and abilities, see the links in the job posting on the Bradbury Miller Associates website (https://bradburymiller.com/current-clients/).