Lead the Heart of Southeast Virginia: Director, Blackwater Regional Library

Are you a visionary leader ready to bridge rich history with modern innovation? The Blackwater Regional Library is seeking a dynamic Director to steer our vibrant five-locality consortium, spanning Isle of Wight, Southampton, Surry, and Sussex Counties, and the City of Franklin.

Blackwater Regional Library isn’t just a system. For more than 60 years, the library has served as the cultural anchor for a region famous for its charming towns, scenic riverfronts and beautiful countryside. We offer the best of both worlds: the peace of rural Virginia living with immediate access to the Hampton Roads and Richmond metropolitan hubs. BRL supports this area of more than 1600 square miles via its nine brick and mortar locations, its digital library, and its Bookmobile/Outreach services serving a population of over 80,000.

We are looking for a strategic, relationship-driven leader to write the next chapter for our libraries—balancing our unique heritage with a bold, accessible vision for the future. If you thrive on building community and leading with purpose in a picturesque, flourishing region, your next career home is here.

Discover the heart of Virginia. Lead Blackwater Regional Library.

The Director must have the organizational, technical, and interpersonal skills to meet all responsibilities outlined in the Library Director’s job description. These include management of Library operation through oversight of staff, budget collection and facilities; regular communication and interaction with the Board of Trustees, especially in matters of planning, policy, development and reporting; and representation and advocacy for BRL in the community-at-large.

The successful candidate will demonstrate a strong understanding and ability to articulate the public library’s vision, mission, and values to the community. The job requires collaboration and consensus-building skills, excellent interpersonal and team-building skills, space planning experience, oversight of facilities, and sound fiscal management skills. The successful candidate will have a history of responsiveness to staff, customer and community needs and concerns. Experience with multiple facilities serving multiple jurisdictions and working with elected officials is highly desirable.

Qualifications: ALA-accredited, MLS or MLIS degree is required. Possession of (or the ability to obtain) a Virginia Librarian’s Certificate and a valid driver’s license is required. Professional experience of at least five years, including at least three years of supervisory experience in library management is desired. A full job description is available at www.blackwaterlib.org/employment .

Anticipated starting salary range is $78,000-$84,000, depending on qualifications and includes the following benefits:

• Participation in the Virginia Retirement System
• Health Insurance Benefits, including Dental and Vision Coverage
• Annual, Sick, and Personal Leave
• Life Insurance
• Optional Supplemental Insurance Offerings

To apply, submit a complete application—including your résumé, cover letter, and three professional references with contact information—to BRLBoard@blackwaterlib.org.

Application review begins May 15, and the position closes May 31.