Executive Director and Vice President of Development The Fund for the Boston Public Library

Transcription

1 Executive Director and Vice President of Development The Fund for the Boston Public Library Boston, MA Send Nominations or Cover Letter and Resume to: Jill Lasman Senior Vice President or Libby Roberts Vice President Introduction Established in 1848, the Boston Public Library (BPL) is a pioneer of public library service in America. It was the first large free municipal library in the United States; the first public library to lend books; the first to have a branch library; and the first to have a children s room. Today, under the leadership of Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh, the BPL features a central library and 26 neighborhood branches and is recognized not only locally but nationally as an historic cultural institution. THE FUND FOR THE BOSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY PROSPECTUS 1

2 The BPL s mission is focused on four core areas: reading and literacy; spaces and programs; reference and instruction; and special collections and cultural heritage. Within this mission, the BPL remains focused on its 123-year-old charge to remain free to all a charge that runs so deep through the BPL s history that it is etched in stone on the Library s façade. To that end, the Library is proud to welcome everyone equally, regardless of gender, race, national origin, sexual orientation, faith, or economic status. Today, libraries have never been more important or useful. In an era of ever-expanding horizons of knowledge, but with fewer opportunities for person-to-person connections, the Library and its branches serve as civic hubs spread across the city. Ongoing renovations and facility upgrades across the system are transforming and modernizing these critical community gathering centers, which, according to Boston Magazine (June 2018), serve as a symbol of the city s fiercely innovative, intellectual, and progressive spirit. The Creation of The Fund for the Boston Public Library In the fall of 2016, under the leadership of David Leonard, BPL President, the Boston Public Library commissioned a highlevel review of its fundraising capacity and activities, with two objectives: 1) to assess the current context and conditions of the BPL s fundraising strategies and structures and 2) to inform a discussion of the planning and decision-making required to develop a new unified strategy, structure and plan for fundraising going forward. As an outcome of the process, a new platform is being created to ensure effective fundraising and robust engagement of volunteers and donors The Fund for the Boston Public Library. A new and independent nonprofit, The Fund for the Boston Public Library is designed to develop, cultivate and steward philanthropic relationships and partnerships in support of the Boston Public Library. The vision is to ensure greater alignment and interconnection with BPL leadership and governance, as well as broaden the BPL s base of support by building relationships and investments tied to the Library s vision and priorities, in terms of profile, programs and philanthropy. For the BPL, The Fund creates a model for leadership, and partnership with existing affiliates, THE FUND FOR THE BOSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY PROSPECTUS 2

3 including the shared strategies, resources and services, guided by the library s mission and priorities. A Steering Committee has been established to oversee the governance, leadership and start-up of The Fund for the BPL, including the critical search for the inaugural role of Executive Director of The Fund for the BPL. The Opportunity With the commitment of the Mayor, an expanded Library Board and both a new BPL President and BPL Board Chair, this is a transformational moment for one of Boston s most iconic institutions, destined to be a north star in Boston s philanthropic universe. The incoming Executive Director will support an impactful mission that organizes and galvanizes donors for the benefit of the Library, for the people it serves today and for generations to come. Leading this newly created entity for one of the nation s premier cultural and educational institutions, the Executive Director of The Fund will be an experienced, broadly talented leader who has a deep appreciation for the multifaceted mission of libraries, including the ever-important and changing role they play nationally, internationally, and in serving their own communities. It is important to note that The Fund for the BPL will be properly resourced to establish long-term fundraising and communications strategies on behalf of the Library, including building a team to support a comprehensive and sustainable effort. The Executive Director of The Fund for the Boston Public Library will also serve as Vice President for Development of the Boston Public Library as a member of the President s cabinet and leadership team. This full-time executive position will report to The Fund for the BPL Board of Directors, and functionally to the BPL President. Working in close partnership with BPL s President and key stakeholders, the incoming ED will be the chief architect of a new and complex endeavor and therefore must possess the entrepreneurial vision and development know-how to build a fundraising operation from the ground up. To read the full text, please click Strategic Plan. THE FUND FOR THE BOSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY PROSPECTUS 3

4 Position Overview Executive Director and Vice President of Development The ideal candidate will have the capabilities and experience to seize the moment for the BPL in fostering deep and sustained connections with the philanthropic community in Greater Boston, Massachusetts and beyond. This moment is framed by the renewed visibility of public libraries as catalysts for civic engagement and education; by the BPL s commitment to serving all residents of Boston and Massachusetts; by the City s vision for a world-class library extending from Copley Square to the 26 neighborhood branches; and by the importance of the BPL s historic collections to Boston, the nation and indeed internationally The Executive Director will be a widely visible ambassador for BPL and an advocate for the role of libraries in general, will passionately convey the case for supporting the BPL and will build a new fundraising strategy and platform for the Library. Primary elements of the role: Developing a long-term relationship-building and fundraising strategy for The Fund for the BPL, working with The Fund for the BPL Board of Directors, the BPL President and the BPL Trustees. Serving as a thought partner to the BPL President in nurturing key relationships for the Library and in framing the role of philanthropy in supporting the BPL s future. Developing and supporting the role and effectiveness of The Fund for the BPL Board of Directors; including strategic guidance for the nominating process, outlining oversight roles and responsibilities and framing expectations of Board members. Building and leading a first-rate fundraising team to develop deep and lasting relationships with a wide range of individuals and institutions. The work of this team will be characterized by industry best practices in all aspects from prospect management to stewardship. Articulating an engaging and compelling case for support for the BPL. This will require conveying the nuances of pursuing philanthropic funding for an entity that has been predominantly municipally funded to date. Fostering new relationships for the BPL by serving as its face with new constituencies and deepening relationships with those who already support the BPL. Supporting new philanthropic partnerships with the BPL with institutional partners including foundations and corporations, demonstrating the effectiveness and impact of these investments. THE FUND FOR THE BOSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY PROSPECTUS 4

5 Requirements: Qualified candidates will have a both an entrepreneurial spirit and a depth of professional experience with philanthropy and fundraising; public and civic entities; and nonprofit and civic governance. Candidates should demonstrate effectiveness in organizational strategy and management; developing governing boards; making the case for support; building new entities; and forging effective partnerships. A high tolerance for risk and comfort with ambiguity are essential. Candidates should be familiar with a full spectrum of fundraising strategies and practices and have expertise in planning and executing fundraising initiatives. Ideal candidates will have experience with nonprofit organizations, an appreciation for the unique role of public libraries, and an ability to speak to their tangible and intangible benefits to the community. Leadership: David Leonard President Boston Public Library David Leonard is President of the Boston Public Library, a thriving 170-year-old institution and one of Boston s great educational, cultural and civic treasures. Leonard began working at the BPL in 2009, bringing with him a wealth of experience from the technology, management and consulting fields. Appointed President by the Library s Board of Trustees and Mayor Martin J. Walsh in June 2016, Leonard s focus is on developing the BPL as a 21st-century institution that provides dynamic library experiences to the residents of Boston, of Massachusetts, and beyond. Prior to his appointment as President, Leonard served as Interim President for one year. During that time, he focused on the completion of the $78 million renovation of the Central Library in Copley Square, which opened in July 2016, as well as a significant number of branch and collections management improvement projects; enhancing access and customer experience; collaborating with city departments and with local cultural institutions; and supporting Mayor Walsh s arts and culture vision. During his time at the BPL, Leonard has also served as Director of Administration & Technology, Chief Technology Officer, acting Director of Administration & Finance and acting Chief Financial Officer. He led THE FUND FOR THE BOSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY PROSPECTUS 5

6 the Library s capital improvement project for the Norman B. Leventhal Map Center, worked to modernize the Library s technology infrastructure and oversaw master planning and design for the renovation of the Central Library in Copley Square. Leonard s prior experience spans academia and the nonprofit sector as well as the IT consulting world, with roles in business development, management and technology consulting. Leonard is currently enrolled in a PhD program in Library Information Science at Simmons College. He holds a bachelor s degree in philosophy and mathematics and a master s degree in philosophy from the University College Dublin. He did further graduate work in philosophy at Boston College and was a member of the 2010 Emerging Leaders Program at the University of Massachusetts, Boston. Background Checks: Prior to submitting your resume for this position, please read it over for accuracy. LLLS does verify academic credentials for its candidates, and our clients frequently conduct background checks prior to finalizing an offer. To learn more, nominate qualified candidates or send cover letter and resume, please contact: Jill Lasman, Senior Vice President, jlasman@lllsearches.com or Libby Roberts, Vice President, lroberts@lllsearches.com at All inquiries will be held in confidence. Setting the Standard in Advancement Search LOIS L. LINDAUER SEARCHES, LLC 420 Boylston Street, Suite 604, Boston, MA THE FUND FOR THE BOSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY PROSPECTUS 6