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 retain Michigan 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.