Director of Government and Legal Services

Ohio Library Council

The Ohio Library Council, the professional association that represents Ohio’s 251 public library systems, their administrators, staffs, trustees and Friends groups, is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Director of Government and Legal Services. This full-time staff position directs the organization's activities in the areas of government relations and advocacy, legal analysis and information, and library management information and consultation.

POSITION DESCRIPTION. Working in cooperation with the Ohio Library Council’s Board of Directors, Government Relations Committee, and Executive Director, the Director of Government and Legal Services, this position:

develops and implements the organization's advocacy priorities and agenda
monitors all branches and agencies of state government to identify issues of interest to public libraries and/or their patrons
develops and executes an advocacy plan to respond to emerging issues
monitors the activities of other organizations of influence (e.g., OPERS) and responds in the best interests of Ohio’s public libraries
recommends proactive initiatives and develops advocacy plans that will support the OLC’s priorities on behalf of Ohio’s public libraries
provides staff leadership to the Government Relations Committee and coordinates the activities of the Legislative Network
serves as the initial point of contact with the OLC’s outside legal counsel to respond to legal issues impacting Ohio’s public libraries
addresses inquiries and questions from library administrators and trustees of OLC Institutional members on legal and management issues.

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS. The position requires:

Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science, Public Administration, Communications, or related field
five to seven years of experience in government relations/lobbying or other applicable field, preferably with a professional or trade association
experience working with state government operations, state laws and legal issues impacting public libraries, and local government funding.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES AND PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS. Qualified candidates should have:

the ability to comprehend and analyze complicated legislative and legal documents/issues and effectively communicate the impact on public libraries
ability to work toward consensus on complex legislative issues
well -developed analytical and problem-solving abilities
ability to comprehend and analyze complex library management issues and utilize resources to resolve problems
ability to read and interpret reports as well as write reports and business correspondence
a professional presence and effective oral communications skills in large and small group settings.

PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS. Preference will be given to candidates who have:

experience with, working knowledge of, and effective contacts in the Governor’s office, the Ohio General Assembly, and state agencies that make decisions that can have an impact on public libraries and their customers (e.g., Department of Taxation, Auditor of State, Secretary of State, Attorney General, Department of Education)
experience with, working knowledge of, and effective contacts in local governments, and the professional organizations that represent their interests (e.g., County Commissioners Association of Ohio, Ohio Township Association, Ohio Municipal League, Ohio School Boards Association, Ohio Parks and Recreation Association)
a basic understanding of Ohio Revised Code, with particular emphasis on Ohio Library Law.

A copy of the complete position description is available online.

The Ohio Library Council is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To apply, please send a cover letter addressing qualifications, resume, compensation history and requirements, and three professional references (including e-mail addresses and phone numbers) to: Michelle Francis, Executive Director, Ohio Library Council, 1105 Schrock Rd., Ste. 440, Columbus, OH 43229, or e-mail to mfrancis@olc.org . No phone calls. Candidates will be subject to a background check.

Deadline for submissions is 8/2/19.

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