Sterling Search Inc. has been exclusively retained to recruit for the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO)of the Newport Beach Public Library Foundation (NBPLF).

The mission of the Newport Beach Public Library Foundation is to fund valuable library resources, programs and services, and engages the community through the creation and sponsorships of diverse literary, cultural, and intellectual programs.

Established in 1989 as a collaborative public-private partnership with the city of Newport Beach, California, the Newport Beach Public Library Foundation raised S2.2 million in private funds with grassroots efforts, demonstrating widespread community support for a new Central Library. In July 1994, the vision for a new Central Library was realized.

The history of the Newport Beach Public Library dates back to 1920 when the first public library was established in Balboa with a collection of 1,100 books. The original Corona del Mar Branch opened in 1947 and was replaced by the current Branch in 1959. Mariners Branch followed in 1963 and the Newport Center Branch opened in 1980. In 1989, under the remarkable leadership of Elizabeth and John Stahr, along with the dedicated support of the Board of Library Trustees the City Council authorized the building of a new Central Library.

On July 10, 1994, the Central Library opened, an $8.2 million state-of-the-art facility. In May 2013, the public celebrated a library expansion of 17,000 square feet as part of the Newport Beach Civic Center and Park project, bringing total space in the Central Library to 71,000 square feet.

Each year more than 1.2 million people walk through the impressive entryway as well as the branches. The Central Library brings more than books to the community. True to its mission, it has become the "cultural, educational, and informational heart of Newport Beach."

NBPLF is a 501c3 governed by a local volunteer, and philanthropic Board of Directors.The Foundation raises $1M annually and has reserves of approximately $1 million. The organization is staffed by the Chief Executive Officer, a Program Director and an Executive Assistant in addition to 3 outside contractors.

The Foundation offers a host of educational programs and special services. One of the highlights is the Witte and Library Live Lectures Series. Their guest speakers include some of the most sought after speakers including Tom Brokaw, Nancy Soderberg, Tom Kushner and Mohamed El-Erian to name a few. Other programs include a collaboration with UCI Health to conduct a series of lectures called “Medicine in Our Backyard” which feature lectures from prominent UCI physicians and a series of money management and Estate Planning workshops attended by over 1800 people per year. Over 7,100 people attended one or more of the 55 programs offered by the Foundation last year.

NBPLF has opportunity for significant growth. The organization has a rich database of 2,500 donors. To date there hasn’t been a big focus on the cultivation of these donors for major and planned gifts. There is also great untapped potential for estate plan giving. There is also the possibility that the Foundation will provide support for a capital campaign in the near future.

The new CEO will be charged with building on NBPLF’s track record of success by growing its membership, and achieving its goals for continued financial stability, community engagement and enhancing the impact of its program. The CEO must bring an entrepreneurial spirit and passion for NBPLF’s mission, leadership capabilities for staff, board and volunteers, a demonstrated track record of growing revenue with a heavy emphasis on individual and major gifts. NBPLF growth is limited only by its ability to lead a high-performing team, engage more community volunteers and raise more fundraising dollars.

http://nbplfoundation.org/

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

The CEO reports directly to the Board President and works closely with the active Board of Directors. The CEO is the chief spokesperson representing the organization to constituencies, both internal and external. In addition to operational, financial, and administrative duties, the scope of responsibility includes overseeing program management, fund development, marketing, community relations, and strategic thinking and planning.The CEO will build, foster, and maintain a balanced organizational culture that combines the richness and relevance of programs with the efficacy of best business practices, fiscal accountability, and institutional impact.

• Collaborate closely with the Board of Directors and staff to execute and expand upon the strategic plan and budget
• Build and steward a governing Board of Directors and committees, executing decisions effectively and ensuring that the Board of Directors and its committees are informed of critical developments in a timely and effective manner
• Continue to support the development and cultivation of a strong Board of Directors, representative of the diverse community
• Manage and direct a comprehensive fund development plan that identifies major gift and estate planning prospects and donors with corporations, individuals, and foundations enhancing the short and long term diversified funding base
• Partner with the Library’s executive team to identify current funding needs, oversee and write grants, evaluate results and strategically plan for the future
• Develop, implement and evaluate recruitment strategies to significantly expand the number of community members joining the Foundation.
• Raise the public profile of the Foundation by serving as the spokesperson and advocate, as well as being a visible and influential leader and fundraiser in the community
• Create and implement marketing strategies and initiatives to enhance the public profile, programs, event attendance, and visibility of the organization.
• Review and manage contracts and vendors needed to support Foundation operations and programs
• Create, implement and sustain a donor and membership focused stewardship and recognition program to build donor loyalty, goodwill and trust
• Define and execute the strategy of effectively mobilizing volunteers in support of its activities
• Direct personnel to ensure that the organization is effectively structured and staffed with competent employees to manage the work
• Lead, motivate, manage and develop staff to invoke a passion for excellence in meeting the mission of the Foundation, and foster an environment committed to continuous improvement
• Oversee and execute programmatic excellence by establishing operational benchmarks and setting timelines to achieve strategic goals. Review and evaluate programs regularly and report findings to the Board of Directors
• Ensure fiduciary responsibility, sound financial management, and financial accountability for contributions, income, and all other Foundation assets
• Manage the execution of all other reasonable duties as assigned by the Board of Directors

We are seeking candidates offering the following qualifications:

• Passion for NBPLF’s mission
• Entrepreneurial spirit, creativity, leadership, and integrity
• A minimum of 5 years of fundraising with individuals/corporations in a professional capacity with demonstrated results and preferably knowledge of Orange County’s philanthropic community
• A minimum of 3 years of senior management experience, with increasing levels of responsibility and management of staff, preferably with direct collaboration with Boards of Directors. Experience preparing budgets and participating in audits
• A demonstrated ability to plan and operate strategically, to build public support, to strengthen infrastructure, to inspire staff and the Board of Directors, and to develop effective programs
• A strong communication skill set, and knowledge of social media platforms with a demonstrated ability to work effectively with and gain the respect and support of varied and changing constituencies, including staff, board members, potential donors, volunteers, and others
• A team builder with a track record of effective staff management, including hiring, rewarding, developing, and retaining talented managers and administrative staff members
• Ability to juggle many responsibilities at once and to operate both independently and with the flexibility to be part of a team
• Computer literate:Knowledge of Word and Excel and ability to learn database software. Experience with Raiser’s Edge is a plus. Knowledge of DropBox
• Bachelor’s degree required and a Master’s degree preferred

A competitive compensation package will be offered to attract an outstanding candidate.

Direct all correspondence, emails and telephone calls to Sterling Search, Inc. Any resumes sent or telephone calls made to NBPLF will be redirected to Sterling Search, Inc.

NBPLF is an Equal Opportunity Employer