Executive Director – Southeast Library System (SELS)

Executive Director – Southeast Library System (SELS)

2026 Position Description 

The Executive Director provides visionary, collaborative leadership for the Southeast Library System (SELS), serving libraries and media centers across twenty counties in southeast Nebraska. Reporting to the SELS Board of Directors, the Executive Director advances SELS’s mission to strengthen libraries through consultation, continuing education, advocacy, and innovation—fostering a culture of connection, professional growth, and equitable access to information and opportunity. This position balances strategic leadership with hands-on engagement, ensuring that SELS remains both a trusted partner and a forward-thinking catalyst for library excellence across diverse communities.

Guiding Vision

The next Executive Director will champion libraries as essential community anchors, foster collaboration across the region, and lead SELS with authenticity, energy, and foresight—connecting tradition with innovation in service to every library and every reader.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategic Direction

    • Develop and implement a dynamic strategic plan that reflects member input, regional needs, and statewide library initiatives.

    • Promote SELS’s vision of being a trusted, visible, and innovative regional partner.

    • Model transparency and accountability in governance, communication, and reporting.

    • Cultivate a culture of collaboration—both within SELS and among member libraries, boards, and partner institutions.

Consultation & Support

    • Provide responsive, knowledgeable consulting services to directors, trustees, and staff across the region.

    • Act as a trusted advocate and sounding board, offering confidential and practical support tailored to the needs of rural, small, and urban libraries.

    • Facilitate peer-learning and mentorship opportunities that strengthen leadership and staff capacity.

Professional Development & Continuing Education

    • Design and deliver engaging, accessible, and relevant training opportunities—both in-person and online—to build professional skills and community cohesion.

    • Encourage creative, fun, and inclusive learning experiences that reflect the diversity of library roles and community contexts.

    • Partner with other systems, associations, and educational entities to broaden professional development options statewide.

Resource Sharing & Networking

    • Foster strong regional networks that connect libraries for shared problem-solving, innovation, and resource sharing.

    • Rebuild and sustain in-person and hybrid opportunities for directors and staff to collaborate, reconnect, and exchange ideas.

    • Lead initiatives that enhance SELS’s visibility and demonstrate its collective impact through storytelling, outreach, and data-driven reporting.

Technology, Innovation & Future Readiness

    • Guide libraries in adopting and leveraging technology for service delivery, outreach, and community engagement.

    • Anticipate emerging trends (e.g., AI, digital literacy, makerspaces) and help libraries prepare for evolving needs.

    • Promote equitable access to technology and information across the SELS region.

Communication, Advocacy & Partnerships

    • Serve as SELS’s chief ambassador—building relationships with community leaders, partner organizations, and the Nebraska Library Commission.

    • Strengthen public understanding of SELS’s role and impact through clear, proactive communication.

    • Advocate for libraries at local, state, and national levels, emphasizing access, intellectual freedom, and community relevance.

    • Oversee digital communication tools (website, newsletter, social media) to ensure timely, inclusive, and engaging outreach.

Administration & Governance

    • Manage all operations, personnel, finances, and contracts in alignment with SELS policies and best practices.

    • Prepare annual budgets, statistical reports, and evaluation materials in collaboration with the SELS Board.

    • Support the Board’s development, orientation, and active participation in system governance.

    • Ensure compliance with all state and federal laws relevant to library operations and non-profit administration.

Preferred Qualities & Competencies

    • Visionary and strategic thinker with a collaborative, approachable leadership style.

    • Skilled communicator and advocate who can articulate the value of libraries and inspire collective action.

    • Experience in mentoring, coaching, and developing staff and peers.

    • Strong background in library administration, fiscal management, and partnership development.

    • Commitment to equity, inclusion, and service to diverse and rural communities.

    • Comfortable balancing hands-on engagement with long-term strategic priorities.

    • Demonstrated success in grant writing, fundraising, or program innovation a plus.

Qualifications

    • ALA-accredited Master’s degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS) or equivalent relevant graduate degree.

    • Minimum of five years of progressively responsible experience in library leadership, administration, regional service roles or equivalent experience.

    • Valid Nebraska driver’s license and ability to travel throughout the SELS region.

Benefits and Salary

    • The position offers a salary range of $55,000–$65,000 per year, commensurate with experience.

    • The position does not include direct health or retirement benefits; however, it provides a 17% stipend in addition to base salary to support the purchase of benefits.

    • Generous paid leave and professional development opportunities are included.

Applications, including a cover letter, résumé, and references, should be sent to Todd Schlechte, Assistant Director todd.schlechte.sels@gmail.com by January 19th.   Southeastern Library System (SELS) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We value diversity and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We encourage candidates who will broaden our perspectives and strengthen our commitment to inclusive library service.