Executive Director

Position Overview

The Executive Director serves as the chief executive and strategic leader of the Mid-Continent Geological Library (MCGL), a nonprofit research library dedicated to preserving and providing access to geological, energy, environmental, legal, and-related information. The Executive Director is responsible for advancing the organization’s mission, ensuring financial sustainability, overseeing daily operations, and strengthening relationships with industry partners, researchers, and the broader community.

Working closely with the Board of Directors, the Executive Director provides leadership in organizational strategy, fundraising, financial management, and program development while ensuring the continued stewardship of MCGL’s unique geological collections and archives. The position requires a collaborative leader who can engage stakeholders across the energy, environmental, academic, legal, and research sectors while guiding the organization toward long-term growth and relevance.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Vision

• Provide strategic direction and long-term planning to advance the mission and impact of the Mid-Continent Geological Library.
• Work in partnership with the Board of Directors to develop and implement strategic goals and organizational priorities.
• Identify opportunities to expand services, partnerships, and programs that enhance the library’s value to researchers, industry professionals, mineral attorneys, and the public.
• Serve as the primary spokesperson and ambassador for the organization within the geological, academic, legal, and energy communities.

Organizational Management and Operations

• Oversee the day-to-day operations of the library, ensuring efficient management of services, programs, facilities, and collections.
• Supervise and support staff, volunteers, and interns, fostering a collaborative, mission-driven workplace culture.
• Establish operational policies and procedures that ensure effective service delivery and organizational accountability.
• Ensure that the library’s collections are properly maintained, preserved, and accessible in accordance with professional standards.

Financial Management

• Develop and manage the organization’s annual operating budget in collaboration with the Board of Directors.
• Ensure sound financial stewardship, including oversight of accounting systems, financial reporting, and compliance with nonprofit regulations.
• Monitor financial performance and implement strategies to maintain the long-term sustainability of the organization.
• Oversee contracts, vendor relationships, and financial policies.

Fundraising and Development

• Lead fundraising efforts to support operations, programs, and collection preservation.
• Cultivate relationships with donors, foundations, industry partners, and grant-making organizations.
• Identify and pursue grant opportunities and sponsorships aligned with MCGL’s mission.
• Develop and implement an annual fundraising strategy that includes individual giving, corporate partnerships, and special events.

Board Relations and Governance

• Serve as the primary liaison to the Board of Directors.
• Support the Board in fulfilling its governance responsibilities by providing timely reports, strategic recommendations, and operational updates.
• Assist with board development, including recruitment, orientation, and engagement of board members.
• Ensure compliance with all nonprofit governance standards and regulatory requirements.

Community and Industry Engagement

• Strengthen relationships with universities, geological societies, industry organizations, researchers, and related legal organizations.
• Represent the organization at professional meetings, conferences, and community events.
• Develop partnerships that expand access to geological information and increase awareness of the library’s resources.
• Promote the value of MCGL’s collections to researchers, educators, attorneys, and the energy and environmental sectors.

Collections Stewardship and Research Support

• Provide leadership in the preservation and accessibility of geological publications, maps, well data, and other research materials.
• Support initiatives to digitize collections and improve research access.
• Ensure that services meet the needs of geoscientists, students, historians, and industry professionals.
• Collaborate with staff and partners to maintain the integrity and accessibility of specialized collections.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in geology, library science, nonprofit management, business administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5–7 years of leadership or senior management experience in a nonprofit, research institution, library, or related organization.
• Demonstrated experience in fundraising, grant writing, or development.
• Strong financial management and budgeting skills.
• Proven ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders, including industry partners, donors, and academic institutions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience working with or reporting to a Board of Directors.

Preferred

• Advanced degree in geology, library science (MLIS), nonprofit management, or a related field.
• Familiarity with geological research resources, energy industry data, or scientific libraries.
• Experience managing archival or research collections.
• Knowledge of nonprofit governance and regulatory compliance.

Key Competencies

• Strategic leadership and vision
• Financial and operational management
• Relationship building and partnership development
• Fundraising and donor engagement
• Communication and public representation
• Collaborative leadership and team development
• Problem-solving and decision-making
  

  Compensation and Benefits

  Salary and benefits are competitive and commensurate with experience. Benefits may include health insurance, retirement contributions, and professional development opportunities.

  Equal Opportunity Statement

  The Mid-Continent Geological Library is committed to creating an inclusive environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.

Email resume to:

jhughes@mcglibrary.org