WESTPORT LIBRARY
Chief Impact Officer
Westport, CT
BACKGROUND
Founded in 1886, built in 1908, and transformed in 2019, The Westport Library is one of the most active and innovative public libraries in the nation, devoted to enriching the intellectual and creative lives of the community. The Library’s mission is to empower the individual and strengthen the community through dynamic interaction and the lively exchange of ideas. Under its vision, the Westport Library has taken a broad and holistic approach to being recognized as a leading center of intellectual inquiry and discovery that inspires people to make an impact on the world.
Located in the picturesque town of Westport, the Library’s home possesses a unique blend of coastal beauty, cultural richness, and convenient access to New York City. As one of the few Five Star Libraries in America and the only Five Star Library in Connecticut, the Westport Library fosters a collaborative, creative, and entrepreneurial work environment. Its core values include a strong emphasis on exceptional patron service, individual initiative, adaptability, and a positive approach to achieving its goals.
In addition to its full collection of reading and research materials for children, teens and adults, the Library houses MakerSpace for patrons to learn and create using a 3D printer; a Seed Library; and a Library of Things where visitors can check-out an eclectic array of items ranging from board games, to computer and A/V equipment, to even kayaks.
The Westport Library is also home to Verso Studios, replete with an SSL hybrid analog sound studio and broadcast control suite featuring a state-of-the-art console and six robotic cameras, and the Trefz Forum, an open, flexible space that can accommodate up to 600 patrons and features an 18-foot video wall, 35-foot stage, state-of-the-art sound, theatrical lighting, and video and digital projection.
In 2019, the Library completed a long-awaited $21 million Transformation Project, resulting in three adaptable levels designed for learning, study, creativity, and exploration. The new vibrant café alongside the Saugatuck River further enhances patron experiences.
Situated in the heart of downtown Westport overlooking the scenic Saugatuck River, the Westport Library annually hosts StoryFest, the largest literary festival in Connecticut, and VersoFest, its four-day music and media festival powered by Verso Studios, in addition to providing a full series of traditional programs for anyone and everyone. Above all, the Library strives to provide a warm, welcoming destination where visitors can read and research, shop, and enjoy the camaraderie of being in a shared space — serving the whole community as a vibrant gathering spot where people of all ages come to seek information, gain knowledge, exchange ideas, and share experiences.
For more information about the Library, visit www.WestportLibrary.org
POSITION
The Chief Impact Officer (CIO) reports to the Library Executive Director and serves as a vital member of the Senior Management Team.
The CIO is a newly created position. Using various data collection/community outreach strategies and subsequent analysis, the CIO will be pivotal in driving efforts to streamline program delivery, promote cross-functional collaboration, and elevate organizational performance through innovative strategies and interventions. S/he/they will also continually assess the Library’s initiatives for impact, subsequently helping frame the metrics and strategies for organizational dashboards. Ultimately, the CIO will work proactively to develop the analytics that drive the Library’s cutting-edge services and initiatives, in the present and the future.
The CIO’s duties will span a spectrum of organizational effectiveness domains, encompassing strategic planning, performance metrics oversight, project management, and stakeholder engagement.
Key responsibilities will involve formulating strategic recommendations, orchestrating and overseeing project initiatives, conducting thorough research and analysis, contributing to the definition and monitoring of Library impact metrics.
The CIO must be able to work collaboratively internally across multiple organizational verticals and externally with myriad community partners. The ability to engage others in thought and action will be integral to the success of the individual in this vital role.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Phasing and Systems Thinking: Develop and implement phased strategies to address the evolving needs and challenges of the organization, ensuring a proactive approach to change and growth.
- Adopt a systems thinking approach to understand the interconnections and dependencies across various aspects of the organization, enabling holistic problem-solving and decision-making.
- Address Stakeholder Gaps and Collaboration: Identify and address real or perceived gaps in stakeholder satisfaction and engagement, working to enhance relationships and communication with all stakeholders. Work collaboratively with all teams and stakeholders to gather input, share insights, and co-create strategies for improvement.
- Metrics, Coordination, Oversite and Collaboration: Coordinate all statistics gathering procedures for the Library including patron satisfaction surveys, State reports, etc. Work with Leadership team to develop organizational success measures and track performance based on those measures.
- Performance Assessment and Continuous Improvement: Use data and metrics to support an evaluation of Library’s overall performance and as basis for making recommendations. Continuously seek ways to enhance organizational performance, asking critical questions about how processes and strategies can be improved.
- Stakeholder Storytelling and Data Translation: Develop a compelling narrative for stakeholders, effectively communicating how the organization is addressing challenges and striving for improvement based on insights gained from the data.
- Project Management: Accountable for ensuring major projects, strategic initiatives, and cross-functional goals are met. Ensure responsibilities are assigned to individuals, establish and manage timelines and budgets, and track progress.
- Alignment Facilitation: Facilitate alignment between multiple projects running simultaneously, identifying dependencies, change management requirements, and prioritizing accordingly.
- Stakeholder Relationship Management: Manage relationships with stakeholders across all levels, ensuring an adequate understanding of ownership, timelines, resource needs, risks, contentions, and dependencies.
- Leadership Team Participation: Participate in Leadership Team planning and high-level decision-making to contribute to the organization's strategic direction.
- Board Meeting Content: Collaborate with the Executive Director to prepare content for Board meetings, providing relevant information and insights.
- Information Management: Ensure the identification of information holders for organizational requests and follow up to ensure information is provided as requested.
- Event Support: Collaborate with other Directors to support large Library events, ensuring their successful execution.
SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS
Professional
- At least 10 years progressive senior level management and organizational leadership experience.
- Proven ability to be self-directed and possessing intellectual creativity and inquiry.
- Significant experience with community/consumer needs assessments, data collections, surveying, and analytics.
- Demonstrated track record of excellence in developing and implementing successful programs to meet pressing community needs in innovative ways.
- Proven experience developing meaningful relationships and collaborations with other organizations and community partners.
- Ability to be nimble when required but also experienced in effectively working through organizational process.
- Experience working collaboratively and collegially, and an ability to bring people and ideas together.
- Proven project management experience.
- Ability to facilitate for results rather than through line management authority.
- Bachelor’s degree required.
Personal
- Demonstrated passion for the role libraries play within communities.
- Deep intellectual curiosity coupled with interest in developing vehicles to share knowledge with others.
- An open and inclusive style that encourages teamwork and acknowledges enthusiasm and success.
- Excellent written and verbal communications skills.
- Superior active listening, observation, analytical, and problem recognition and solving skills.
- Well-disciplined and results-oriented self-starter who is extremely resourceful and resilient.
- Action-oriented, entrepreneurial, adaptable, and innovative approach to business planning.
- Passion, idealism, integrity, and a positive, mission-driven, and self-directed attitude.
The Westport Library is an equal opportunity employer. It is committed to ensuring equal opportunity to all persons and does not discriminate on the basis of ethnicity, national origin, ancestry, race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, age, or gender identity or expression.
For more information, to refer a candidate, or to apply in confidence, please contact:
David Hinsley Cheng, Managing Partner
Jennifer Thorne, Search Consultant
DHC Search
(203) 307-0120