Managing Director

We are looking for a

Executive Director of the Dommeldal Library

Dommeldal Library is a dynamic organization that offers much more than just books. This institution plays a crucial role in the community by promoting reading skills, digital literacy, and social connection. For Dommeldal Library, we are seeking an inspiring director who is driven to build on the strategic direction and further strengthen the library as an innovative cultural center.

About the Dommeldal Library

The Dommeldal Library is more than just a place to borrow books; it is a vital driving force behind a skilled and connected community. As a meeting place and source of knowledge, the library offers a safe and inclusive environment where people of all ages can develop themselves. With a strong focus on social engagement, the library promotes reading skills, digital literacy, and social cohesion within the community. And with success: the library was named Best Library in the Netherlands 2023.

The activities of the Dommeldal Library are closely tied to the five statutory functions of the library: providing access to knowledge and information, offering educational support, promoting reading, organizing gatherings and debates, and fostering the arts and culture. All of this is done in close collaboration with local governments, schools, and community organizations, making the library a vital link in the local social sphere.

Through initiatives such as combating low literacy, promoting the joy of reading for all ages, and strengthening digital skills, the Dommeldal Library plays an active role in helping residents fully participate in the information society. In addition, the library contributes to lifelong learning by offering various educational programs and informational services.

The Dommeldal Library has six branches spread across five municipalities, serving a population of 100,000—right in the heart of the Brainport region. As a result, the Dommeldal Library is deeply rooted in the local communities of Geldrop-Mierlo, Nuenen, Son en Breugel, and Heeze-Leende. By continuously adapting to the changing needs of society and responding to new challenges, the library remains an indispensable place where knowledge and culture converge.

The organization consists of 40 staff members and 255 volunteers. The director oversees a team of three program coordinators (Language & Reading for Pleasure, Digital Citizenship, Lifelong Learning), an HR manager, and an administrative assistant. The library is transitioning from a board-led model to a supervisory board model.

Executive Director at Dommeldal Library

As the Executive Director of the Dommeldal Library, you will face the challenge of further strengthening and expanding the organization. You will play a key role in positioning the library as an indispensable hub of knowledge and culture within the community. In this role, you will lead a diverse team of professionals and strive to create an inclusive and collaborative work environment.

Your main responsibilities will be:

• Vision and Strategy: Develop and implement a clear vision of the library’s role in society and the region. You have the ability to help the organization thrive by proactively seizing opportunities and aligning them with the policies of clients and stakeholders.
• Financial management: Taking responsibility for sound financial policies, securing and maintaining grants, and ensuring the library’s sustainable development in collaboration with municipal and external funders. This role requires financial and strategic insight, as well as meticulous reporting to grant providers.
• Organizational development and leadership: Inspire and support the management team and staff to make the most of their talents. The director ensures a professional structure in which staff, volunteers, and projects can function successfully. You create a culture where respectful feedback and collaboration are paramount.
• External Collaboration and Positioning: The director serves as the public face of the Dommeldal Library. With a strong sense of community, you will build relationships with educational institutions, social service organizations, the cultural sector, and other libraries in the region. This role requires an entrepreneurial, communicative, and socially engaged leader.

Desired skills

In this role, you will have the opportunity to make a significant impact on the community and prepare the library for future challenges. Your leadership will contribute to the library’s continued transformation and sustainable growth as a modern knowledge center.

• Visionary and strategic: You are able to set broad strategic directions in a complex environment and make decisions that help the library strengthen its role in society.
• Strong communication skills: You can convey information clearly and accessibly both within and outside the organization; you are able to effectively promote the library’s message to both internal and external audiences.
• People-oriented leadership: You are a supportive and facilitative leader who inspires and empowers employees. You are open to feedback and can use it constructively. You are visible and approachable to the organization.
• Business and strategic acumen: You have at least a basic understanding of finance and business operations; you can advocate for interests and identify and capitalize on opportunities for growth.
• Network-oriented: You understand the political and administrative landscape and can effectively build relationships with municipalities and community partners.
• Creative and innovative: You remain energetic and focused, even in challenging situations, and are able to position the library in a distinctive way.
• A passion for the library: You are intrinsically motivated to raise the profile of the library. You recognize the value of reading, connecting, and informing, and will act as an ambassador whenever possible.

Valued experience and qualities

• Previous leadership experience within volunteer organizations and the ability to work with a diverse group of people are considered a plus.
• An understanding of the dynamics of political and administrative systems is an asset.
• Experience in managing social and cultural organizations is preferred.
• An affinity for libraries and a good understanding of their social impact and potential is a plus.
• Above all, however, we value who you are and what drives you more than an exact match with a similar position you’ve held in the past.

What we offer

As Director of the Dommeldal Library, you will have a unique opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to the community and help shape the future of libraries. This is a full-time position (36 hours per week) and is classified in pay grade 12 or 13 of the Libraries Collective Bargaining Agreement, depending on experience. The anticipated start date is April 1, 2025.

Procedure

Dommeldal Library is working with the executive search firm Colourful People to fill this position. For more information about the role or the application process, please contact Jantien Plooij, partner at Colourful People (06-17703534) or via j.plooij@colourfulpeople.nl. You can express your interest by uploading your cover letter and resume (in PDF format) by January 7, 2025, via the Colourful People website. Once your application has been successfully uploaded, you will receive a confirmation email. Didn’t receive it? Please contact Jantien Plooij. Confidential treatment of your information is, of course, guaranteed.

Schedule

The interviews will be held on January 22 (first round) and January 24 (second round).

Recruitment agencies are asked to refrain from contacting us regarding this job opening.