Organization

With a reputation as North Carolina's premier partner for statewide library cooperation and shared digital content, NC LIVE provides over 200 public and academic libraries with access to an essential and powerful array of core online resources that support education, enhance economic development, and improve the quality of life for every North Carolinian. 

NC LIVE provides content, products, services, professional development, and technical support to North Carolina’s libraries. Content includes an online collection of 1.8 billion full-text articles, eBooks, streaming videos, digitized newspapers, language learning tools, and more. Additionally, NC LIVE provides authentication, discovery and website services to libraries to improve access to information. NC LIVE brings library resources to information seekers on the open web through our Google Ads campaign. NC LIVE also provides professional development opportunities through regional workshops, an instruction program, and its annual conference. 

Since its founding in 1997 by representatives of its four Communities of Interest (the community college system, the independent colleges and universities, the public libraries and State Library, and the state university system), NC LIVE has enjoyed a track record of success using entrepreneurial and innovative approaches that build on its collaborative infrastructure. The organization acts as a conduit for partnerships as its Executive Director engages member libraries, state agencies, and other groups with shared values and goals. This cooperation has resulted in cutting-edge projects such as a library Website Service, Search Engine Marketing for libraries, Discovery and Authentication services, a statewide Professional Development service, and technical and marketing support services.

NC LIVE has an operating budget of more than $4.3 million and is funded through recurring state appropriations, with solid annual support from the independent colleges and universities. The consortium’s offices are headquartered in Raleigh, North Carolina at its host institution, the NC State University Libraries, well renowned for its achievements in advancing library technologies and spaces.

Position

A high-profile position within the North Carolina library community and beyond, the NC LIVE Executive Director functions under the direction of the Executive Committee (EC) and in conjunction with the NC LIVE Librarians Council (LC). The Executive Director works with the EC and the LC to define and provide leadership for the organization; to implement strategic initiatives and programs; to build connection and collaboration among the staff and member libraries; and to seek new opportunities and funding sources in order to improve services to member libraries and their Communities of Interest. The Executive Director is also a leader among regional and national consortia, engaging in the International Coalition of Library Consortia (ICOLC) and other collaborative library communities.

Responsibilties

The NC LIVE Executive Director builds, articulates, and champions the shared vision, mission, and values of NC LIVE. They work closely with and serve as staff to the NC LIVE EC and the LC, collaborating with the LC and advisory committees to establish priorities and objectives, design products and services, assess effectiveness, and ensure accountability. They build and maintain strong collaborative relationships with and between NC LIVE’s four Communities of Interest (public libraries, UNC System libraries, Community College libraries, and NC Independent Colleges and Universities libraries). They manage the organization’s staff, budget, and assets in accordance with LC guidelines, recommending policies and establishing operating procedures. The Executive Director coordinates the resource selection process in partnership with the Resource Advisory Committee and leads negotiation of contracts for licensed resources. They seek external funds for NC LIVE projects, and lead and manage the NC LIVE Foundation with oversight from the Foundation Board of Directors. The position meets regularly with library staff from each Community of Interest and represents NC LIVE to those communities, other networks and consortia, vendors, and the general public. They guide NC LIVE’s public relations activities and participate as an active and visible leader in statewide, national, and international library communities, contributing to developments in the field. The position reports to the NC LIVE Executive Committee and the Senior Vice Provost and Director of Libraries at NC State University, NC LIVE’s host institution. 

Qualifications

Required:

• ALA-accredited MLS or equivalent advanced degree
• Significant and relevant management experience, including supervision of staff
• Demonstrated experience in program and project management and evaluation
• Demonstrated experience with budget development, implementation, and management
• Demonstrated success negotiating contracts for licensed resources
• Demonstrated commitment to providing highly responsive public service
• Demonstrated knowledge of library and information resources and technology
• Ability to work in various collaborative and team environments across the State
• Ability to foster an environment of belonging and well-being
• Ability to communicate clearly and knowledgeably
• Demonstrated record of ongoing professional development

Preferred:

• Experience with cooperative library programs and activities
• Demonstrated success in designing and implementing innovative programs and services that advance organizational goals
• Experience in development, fundraising, or grant writing/management
• Experience with public relations or communications
• Strong active listening, diplomacy, and facilitation skills