Phoenixville Library News & Job Openings

PHOENIXVILLE PUBLIC LIBRARY
Job Description/Posting
Director of Development

Position : Director of Development
Reports To : Library Executive Director

Summary / Main Purpose of Job:
This position is responsible for the assigned tasks and duties that support the work, goals, and objectives of the Phoenixville Public Library. Such activity for this position includes but is not limited to public relations, communications, fundraising management and development for the Library.

Scope
Organizes, directs and implements fundraising functions and activities including, but not limited to annual appeals, signature events for the Library, planned giving, and building the endowment. Prepares grants
and manages time lines for grant applications. This position works closely with the Library’s Executive Director to define and recommend fund-raising policy and plans. It is expected that an annually updated
development and marketing/pr plans, created by the Director of Development, in collaboration with the Executive Director will establish the Library’s fundraising goals, objectives and action steps and serve as the development director’s guide. Maintain a master data file for all prospects and donors to the Library.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
• Development of the Library’s annual development plan in cooperation with the Executive Director
• Regular review and support of the development plan goals and objectives in keeping with the Library’s short- and long-range strategic plan
• Regular review and support of the PR/Marketing plan goals and objectives in keeping with the Library’s short- and long-range strategic goals
• Full participation as cultivator and solicitor of major gift prospects
• Complete special projects as assigned by the Executive Director
• Provide scheduling details for events, programs, grant submissions, annual appeals, newsletters and other development related activity for the Library Board of Trustees
• Outreach within the community

Fund Development
The development director is responsible for the planning, organization, coordination and management of essential fund-raising functions.
• Establish short- and long-range goals for unrestricted funding sources
• Implement, monitor and maintain goals, objectives, time lines and other management activities related to the Library’s annual, capital, endowment, foundation, research, stewardship, and planned giving
programs
• Research public and private granting sources (agencies, corporations and foundations) to identify sources of funding, maintain grant deadlines, pending and completed grants along with monies received
• Maintain all donor records including data entry and acknowledgment of gifts, guiding administration of deferred and planned gifts and execution of the Library’s stewardship efforts
• Ongoing review and cultivation of donors of all levels to the Library
• Full participation as a cultivator and solicitor of major gift prospects in collaboration with the Library’s key volunteers, the Foundation board and the Library board of trustees
• Develop and advance training for volunteers and staff in the area of fund development, as needed
• Produce written reports, including financial and statistical reports and make oral presentations to the Library staff, board and community, as needed and/or directed
• Ensure that all Library fund-raising activities are carried out in accordance with all regulatory and legislative standards and guidelines.

Public Relations and Marketing
Designs and coordinates events/public relations activities that directly complement and enhance the Library’s fund raising program under the overall direction/review of the Executive Director.
Responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following essential functions:
• Create a marketing and public relations plan to be established each year
• Work with volunteers to plan and execute the Library’s signature annual event and its related cultivation
activities
• Develop all fund-raising related communications including the following: annual report, case statement and related collateral materials such as brochures and newsletters
• Under the overall direction and review of the Executive Director, coordinate media relations and external communications for Library development and fundraising. Coordinate appropriate aspects of communications with PR/marketing consultants
• Maintain the Library’s social media outlets, such as Facebook, twitter, Instagram, etc. with the help of department heads

Qualifications /Requirements
• Bachelor’s Degree required, preferably in nonprofit development, business, marketing, or communications.
• 5-7 years of professional fundraising experience
• Strong partnership-building and event planning skills
• Basic computer literacy skills: MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe, Outlook
• Basic Internet and Web searching skills
• Working knowledge of donor management software, preferably Salsa or other platforms
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Accurate and detail-oriented with the ability to complete work in a timely manner
• Ability to work independently, as part of a team, and in support of co-workers
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Excellent organizational and problem-solving skills
• Excellent customer service skills
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse group of people
• Thorough understanding of all components of a diversified funding base

Preferred Skills, Knowledge and Experience
• Experience working or volunteering in a public Library.
• Knowledge of the Phoenixville Area

The following background checks are required:
• Pennsylvania State Police Request for Criminal Records Check
• Department of Public Welfare Child Abuse History Clearance
• Federal Criminal History Record Information

Hours and Pay
This is a full-time exempt position.
The salary range is from $70,000- $80,000 depending on experience, plus benefits.
Equal Opportunity Employer

Submit cover letter and resume to:
Lara Lorenzi, Executive Director
Phoenixville Public Library
183 Second Avenue, Phoenixville, PA 19460-3243
or by e-mail to llorenzi@ccls.org

The Phoenixville Public Library currently seeks three (3) Trustees to be seated on its Board of Trustees beginning July 2025. As a Trustee, the successful applicants will be responsible for oversight of the library, serving on a board of nine (9). The three positions are for a three (3) year term that ends June 30, 2028. As Trustees, the applicants are expected to act in the best interest of the Phoenixville Public Library, in promotion of and in furtherance of the Library’s Mission, Mission: To provide equitable access to information, education, and cultural enrichment for all members of the community. The applicant is expected to familiarize themselves with the bylaws, policies, and operations of the library. Prior non-profit experience, particularly with regard to finance/accounting is preferred, but not required. Further information about the Phoenixville Public Library can be found on its website at https://phoenixvillelibrary.org/.

Board Expectations
Advocacy and Personal Involvement
• Board members are expected to be zealous advocates on our behalf, to be enthusiastic communicators of our mission and vision, and to play an integral role in our leadership.
• Board Meeting Attendance –Monthly meeting attendance of approximately 2 hours.
• Committee Participation – Actively participate on one or more committees.
• Recruitment – Identify strong candidates for committee work, community advocacy, or fund-raising whom will represent Phoenixville Public Library.
• Participation and attendance at all major fundraising events, currently one (1) per year. (This includes purchasing tickets for all major events, possible donation of goods or services for the event.)

Financial Expectations
• Annual Support – Make a personal annual gift at an appropriate level outside of major event attendance.

Applications are due on or before Friday April 4, 2025. Invited applicants will be expected to interview separately with the Board of Library Trustees and Board of School Directors of the Phoenixville Area School District. That date will be announced no later than May 19, 2025. Appointments to the Library Board shall be made by the Board of School Directors thereafter.
Applications should be sent to both of the following:

Missy McTiernan, PASD Superintendent
386 City Line Avenue
Phoenixville, PA 19460
McTiernanM@pasd.com
and
Lara Lorenzi, Executive Director
Phoenixville Public Library
183 2nd Avenue
Phoenixville, PA 19460
llorenzi@ccls.org

Applications should include a letter addressed to Ms. Lorenzi and Ms. McTiernan explaining why the applicant wishes to be a Library Trustee and summarizing the applicant’s qualifications and experience. Resumes and references are required. The Phoenixville Public Library is an EOE.

A drop box for mail-in and absentee ballots for the May 20th Primary Election will be available outside the Library beginning Tuesday, May 6. For important instructions and ballot box hours, visit https://www.chesco.org/4758/Ballot-Drop-Off-Locations. For all voting related questions, contact Chester County Voter Services at https://www.chesco.org/156/Voter-Services or 610-344-6410.

The Chester County League of Women Voters has produced a “Non-Partisan Voters Guide” to the November 5 election.  Copies are available for in-Library use only at the Adult Circulation Desk and the Information Desk.

The Phoenixville Public Library currently seeks two (2) Trustees to be seated on its Board of Trustees beginning July 2021.  See announcement below.

Library Trustee Opening Notice Spring 2021

The Library has expanded its two-for-one media rental deal to Thursdays! Now you can rent two feature DVDs, audiobooks, or videogames for $2.00 on Tuesdays AND Thursdays!  Call 610-933-3013 x121 for more information.

Phoenixville Public Library has been designated a drop-off location for mail-in ballots for the November 3rd election.  The ballot boxes will not arrive at the Library until Tuesday, October 13.  Please do not drop off ballots at the Library and do not place them in the book drops.

Contact Chester County Voter Services with any questions on voting at 610-344-6410 or https://chesco.org/elections.  Thank you!

Since you can’t browse the Library’s shelves right now, we can do it for you! Fill out this form or call 610-933-3013 x132 to receive a surprise book bundle for checkout at the Library with your Chester County Library System card. Library staff will select 4 books for you from the Adult Library’s fiction or nonfiction sections. See our website for more information on this free service.