Career Center

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR: Wisconsin Library Association

(Non-profit, Virtual/Remote/In-person events)

The Wisconsin Library Association (WLA) seeks a talented leader to guide the organization as it looks to increase membership, expand its services, and continue its strong legislative agenda and leadership initiatives for the Wisconsin library community. 

WLA, a 501(c)6 non-profit, is the statewide professional organization that has served the library profession in Wisconsin since its founding in 1891. The Association provides leadership for the development, promotion, and improvement of library services, librarianship, and the library community. It also acts as a strong advocate for informing and influencing legislation affecting libraries and librarians.

WLA membership comprises more than 1600 individuals and institutions throughout Wisconsin. Members include public, academic, school, and special libraries and organizations supporting libraries such as library trustees, staff, supporters, and vendors. This collaborative network advocates for library communities and advances the profession by sharing innovative ideas, promoting best practices, and supporting new programs and services. WLA offers three yearly conferences, the Wisconsin Association of Public Libraries conference, the Wisconsin Association of Academic Libraries conference, and the Wisconsin Library Association fall conference. They are the main sources of income for our organization and the Executive Director is involved in planning and organizing all three of these events.

The Executive Director will be the Chief Executive Officer of the Wisconsin Library Association (WLA) and the Wisconsin Library Association Foundation (WLAF), a 501(c)3 non-profit. The Executive Director, working closely with both the WLA and the WLAF Boards of Directors, provides leadership and vision for both WLA and WLAF. The Executive Director also maintains communication with the American Library Association and the ALA Councilor from our state.

The Wisconsin Library Association is a fully remote office. Current or future residency in Wisconsin is preferred.

Annual salary of $90,000 or higher, depending on experience and qualifications. This is not a benefited position. Salary includes a stipend to be used for annual health insurance.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The new Executive Director will be expected to:

Operations

• Administer employment policies and procedures for all functions and the day-to-day operations of the Association including supervision and collaboration with the WLA Membership Coordinator, Conference Manager, and Finance Manager
• Oversee design, marketing, promotion, delivery, and quality of products and services
• Develop and implement membership recruitment and retention plans
• Create WLA monthly bulletin emails and WLA quarterly newsletters for membership communication
• Serve as the public face and foremost representative of WLA
• Work with WLA Membership Coordinator and Conference Manager to organize and promote three yearly conferences
• Work with Sections and Units of the organization to plan additional virtual webinars, programming, and continuing education opportunities for members

Financial Oversight

• Maintain fiscal integrity of the Association, including submission to the Board of an annual budget and monthly financial statements
• Work with the Financial Manager to provide fiscal planning that anticipates operating within the approved budget, ensures maximum resource utilization, and maintains a positive financial position
• Ensure commitment to and compliance with all applicable laws and regulations

Legislative

• Monitor Wisconsin legislative and other governmental activities affecting libraries; communicate and promote WLA's legislative program to the membership to encourage and maximize participation in legislative activities and work closely with our contracted lobbyist
• Serve as WLA Liaison to legislative members and staff, and represent the Association at legislative, executive, and other meetings as requested by the WLA Board
• Provide information and support to WLA's Library Development and Legislation Committee (LD&L) as needed to carry out WLA's legislative program, as well as serve as a resource for WLA's annual Library Legislative Day

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Non-profit management experience, with customer relations, marketing, or sales experience
• Self-motivated with the ability to work independently
• Excellent interpersonal skills with a strong service orientation
• Strong financial management skills including budget preparation, analysis, decision-making, and reporting
• High-level strategic thinking and planning skills
• Bachelor's degree or higher

DESIRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Previous work experience in a library setting or an MLS degree is also a plus
• Registered lobbyist or ability to register as a lobbyist in the State of Wisconsin

TO APPLY FOR THIS OPPORTUNITY

Please submit a cover letter, a current resume, and three professional references using the contact information below. Please include your last name in the title of any attached files and “WLA Executive Director position” in the subject line of your email.

Applications will be accepted through June 28, 2025.

Interviews will be held in mid-July 2025 in Madison area with an anticipated start date of late August.

Please submit applications to:

Pam Beam/WLA Membership Coordinator

beam@wisconsinlibraries.org

608-245-3640

Questions? We welcome and encourage inquiries.

 Katharine Clark

 WLA President

kclark@midlibrary.org

 608-827-7404

Our firm is committed to Equal Employment Opportunities, and will not discriminate against any candidate because of race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, disability, veteran status, or sexual orientation.

About Wisconsin Library Association

THE WISCONSIN LIBRARY ASSOCIATIONThe Wisconsin Library Association is a nonprofit, professional membership organization that has provided service to the library community and Wisconsin’s citizens since 1891. WLA represents librarians and library staff from school, public, academic and special libraries as well as students, trustees and library friends. Because of its broad membership base, WLA is concerned about the needs of all types of libraries in the state. WLA is a chapter of the American Library Association.OUR MISSIONThe Wisconsin Library Association engages, inspires and advocates for library workers and supporters to improve and promote library services for the people of Wisconsin.OUR VISIONThe Wisconsin Library Association's membership mirrors the diverse populations of Wisconsin and represents all types of libraries. Together, members – library workers, trustees, and friends – find the support and the tools that they need to deliver forward-looking library services to the people of Wisconsin, promoting lifelong learning, intellectual freedom, and equitable access. Members are part of a dynamic, collaborative association that focuses on educating and connecting with the ...library community, state and local leaders and citizens. WLA is recognized as a leader and advocate working to make libraries more visible and valued throughout Wisconsin. (Updated 9/2022)OUR VALUESAs the professional association for Wisconsin’s libraries, we attract and keep members through our shared values:AccessCivic HealthLeadership & Professional ExcellenceDiversity, Equity, and InclusionIntellectual FreedomLiteracy & Lifelong Learning (in keeping with the Wisconsin Idea)

Show more

Show less

Connections working at Wisconsin Library Association