Director of Government and Legal Services

Ohio Library Council

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

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;
and addresses inquiries and questions from library administrators and trustees of OLC Institutional members on legal and management issues.

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS: The position requires a 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; and 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; and 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); and a basic understanding of Ohio Revised Code, with particular emphasis on Ohio Library Law.

Send Resume To: 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 applications: August 2, 2019

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