After an 11-month exploration, the Manitowoc Public Library is still searching an Executive Director.
Kristin Stoeger, the Former Executive Director, stepped away from that position on August 4, 2021.
Library Board President, Chris Able told Seehafer News, “We are actively searching for a new Director, after two previous searches did not produce an agreement between all parties.”
Board President Able also spoke of many other Libraries in the nation looking to fill similar positions and that has added competition for qualified applicants.
He explained that “Highly experienced candidates want pay that is commensurate. Even at the top of our range, that’s less than many think the market is or ought to be paying.”
The current application window is open until June 10, 2022, and the following Monday, the Cities Personnel Committee will meet to consider the applicants and chose those who should get an initial interview.
Any potential candidate advancing from the initial interview would then be invited to a half-day in-person evaluation sometime in July.
The daily duties of the Executive Director have been split over the current management team at the Manitowoc Public Library and according to Able, “some of the budgeted Director pay goes to them as interim step-up pay.”
Board President Able added, “Our Library is the resource library for two counties and some 150,000 citizens rely on us and our collection. The Board of Trustees understands how important it is to find someone who will not only work well with the 40-50 Manitowoc Public Library employees, and the in-person patrons, but will also work to see how the library can best serve all the patrons of the Manitowoc-Calumet region. It is an important job for our communities and we will work hard to find an exceptional Director.”
