Library Foundation Executive Director

Supervision Received: Works as a team with the BLF Administrative Officer under the supervision of the Library Director with oversight from the BLF Board of Directors.

Supervision Exercised: None

• Works with the BLF Board of Directors and six standing committees to meet the BLF’s mission of enriching publicly-funded library services by raising private funds to enhance collections, resources, and facilities.
• Uses verbal, written, and visual communication methods to communicate with current and potential donors about the BLF.
• Builds rapport and trust with donors in a manner that is compatible with the mission and vision of the BLF and Bismarck Veterans Memorial Public Library.
• Manages the BLF office with the BLF Administrative Officer.
• Plans, organizes, and prioritizes tasks to meet established goals.
• Engages in the research, composition, and submission of grant proposals for the library through the BLF. This includes focusing on large capital campaign grants, annual grants, and special projects, as requested by Library Administration and the Library Board of Directors.
• Works with the BLF Board of Directors and Administrative Officer to conduct monthly board meetings and committee meetings.
• Provides written monthly activities reports for review at the BLF board meetings.
• Oversees annual giving clubs (Ben Franklin 100 Club, Gold Card Club and Novel Club) and applies strategies to encourage increased membership in each club.
• Works with the events committee to carry out annual events, including an employee appreciation luncheon, a spring fundraising event, and the Pearce Award.
• Keeps informed of planning and activities of the library and the general community, which relate to or impact the BLF’s work. Maintains an active membership in one or more community organizations.
• Serves as editor and writer for the BLF’s newsletter, The Limited Edition.
• Develops layout, graphics, and written content for publications such as brochures, flyers, e-news, and donor correspondence.
• Drafts media releases and coordinates news conferences.
• Ensures all written material undergoes established proofreading and editorial workflows before publication or external release.
• Maintains webpages and utilizes social media on behalf of the BLF.
• Works with the BLF Board of Directors to develop a yearly list of goals and objectives. Develops and periodically recommends revisions to the strategic fundraising plan for the BLF’s future direction.
• Oversees the creation of an initial draft of the annual budget for use by the finance committee.
• Reviews the BLF’s financial statements and budget.
• Communicates frequently with the BLF Administrative Officer, BLF Board of Directors, and Library Administration to ensure smooth overall BLF and library operations.
• Performs other duties of a comparable level/type as required.

• A bachelor’s degree is required.
• A minimum of three years of progressive experience in fundraising, public relations, technical writing, or a similar setting is required.
• Five or more years of experience working for a non-profit foundation is preferred.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Must thoroughly understand the principles and practices of foundation work.
• Must have proven organizational ability to develop and maintain accurate ongoing records.
• Must be able to interface and engage diverse volunteers and donor groups.
• Must have strong public speaking ability.
• Must have demonstrated proficiency in verbal and written communication.
• Must be able to understand and communicate library policy to the public.
• Must understand and regularly review the City of Bismarck’s employee policies and the library’s operational policies and procedures.
• Must be familiar with, affirm, and uphold the library’s guiding principles: mission, vision, and value statements.
• Must carry oneself with professionalism and integrity with all internal and external library stakeholders, assuming positive intent in others’ actions, words, and behaviors.
• Must have demonstrated ability to work effectively under busy and stressful conditions.
• Must be flexible with the ability to adapt to changing priorities, processes, and work environments.
• Must adhere to the library’s Dress Code Policy.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

• The work is typically performed in the library while sitting at a desk or table, or while intermittently sitting, standing, walking, bending, crouching, or stooping. The employee occasionally lifts light and heavy objects.
• 100% on-site requirement: Must be present at designated work locations to perform daily tasks.
• The employee is subject to inside environmental conditions: protection from weather conditions, but not necessarily from temperature changes, and occasionally outdoors for special events, occasionally in cold or inclement weather.