The Illinois Library Association (IL) Executive Board is seeking a collaborative, future-focused leader to be the next Executive Director. The Illinois Library Association (ILA) is a professional membership 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization representing Illinois libraries and the millions who depend on them. Founded in 1896, the ILA is the third-largest state library association in the nation and a chapter of the American Library Association, serving more than 2,000 personal and over 500 institutional members—including public, academic, school, and special libraries, librarians, library staff, trustees, students, and library vendors. ILA's work is carried out in close partnership with an elected Executive Board, 15 committees, and nine member forums—ensuring that the full membership has a voice in shaping the association's direction. Operating with a budget exceeding $3 million and supported by an engaged staff of eight individuals, ILA produces a robust lineup of professional development events each year, including the ILA Annual Conference, Reaching Forward North and South, the Illinois Youth Services Institute (every two years), Directors University, the Library Trustee Forum Spring Webinars, the Marketing Forum Mini-Conference, Noon Network webinars, and ILA Legislative Meetups. Every event is managed end-to-end by ILA staff—from committee coordination, theme development, site selection, and keynote speaker negotiations to registration, attendee communications, sponsorships, exhibitor sales and management, and on-site logistics and support. ILA delivers a remarkable breadth of programs, services, and advocacy on behalf of Illinois libraries.
ILA's work extends well beyond its event calendar, encompassing a wide range of initiatives that serve members and the broader library community throughout the year: • A comprehensive Awards, Grants, and Scholarship program celebrating excellence across the profession and encouraging the continued pursuit of education in the field • iREAD, a comprehensive summer reading program developed annually by librarians, for librarians, and used by libraries across the country and abroad • The Fund for Illinois Libraries, supporting member libraries in their fundraising efforts • ILA Publications, the quarterly ILA Reporter (print and digital), and the weekly ILA Alert e-newsletter, keeping members informed year-round • Illinois Libraries Present, a statewide initiative delivering high-quality, equitably priced online programming to member libraries and their patrons
The Illinois Library Association (ILA) office is headquartered in Chicago’s West Loop, conveniently close to the Loop and downtown, with easy access to major highways, Ogilvie Transportation Center, Union Station, and the CTA Green and Pink lines. ILA successfully works in a hybrid, digital environment and implements online tools and platforms to facilitate collaboration and efficiency.
Key Responsibilities: The Executive Director will foster and sustain effective relationships with Illinois library partners, including the Illinois State Library, Library Systems (IHLS & RAILS), CARLI, AISLE, and other pertinent organizations; advocating for legislative, executive, and judicial actions that enhance library services for all residents. The Executive Director leads internal organizational effectiveness by retaining and evaluating qualified staff and cultivating a supportive organizational climate. This role requires the ability to manage the association's financial assets to ensure stability and revenue growth; to provide financial trend data to accurately evaluate ILA’s current and future status, and collaborating with the Executive Board, Finance and Fundraising Committees, and other ILA units to identify and develop additional revenue sources.
The next Executive Director will have strong leadership skills with the ability to engage and inspire members and staff and ensure the organization’s goals, objectives, strategic plans, and standards are advanced. The Executive Director will be an effective team-builder, and motivator who creates a climate of collegiality, trust, and dedication. The ideal candidate will provide strategic leadership by collaborating with the Executive Board, ILA committees and forums, and membership to develop and implement policies that substantively advance the association's mission, goals, and objectives. They will have experience providing strategic financial oversight and managing budgets in alignment with organizational goals. Executive decision-making skills, experience with developing and enacting strategic plans, and outstanding communication and relationship-building skills are essential to successfully taking on this role. Strong subject matter expertise in the Illinois library environment, laws, and legislation, or the aptitude to develop deep industry knowledge and awareness in this field quickly is desired. For a full list of responsibilities, see the links in the job posting on the Bradbury Miller Associate website (https://bradburymiller.com/open-positions/).
Compensation: The hiring salary range is $150,000 – 160,000 (with placement negotiable dependent on experience and qualifications) and an excellent benefits package.
Interested candidates should submit their resume through the application portal (https://bradburymiller.com/open-positions/) by selecting the position and then the “Apply” button. For further information, contact Bradbury Miller Associates (https://bradburymiller.com/contact/). This position closes on Sunday, July 26, 2026.
Visit our website (https://bradburymiller.com/open-positions/) to access the latest version of this announcement in full, along with all related links.
Qualifications: The minimum qualifications for this role include:
A Master’s degree in Library and Information Science; a Graduate degree in Business Administration, Accounting, Public Policy, or Communications; a Certified Association Executive (C.A.E.) designation; or a combination of experience and education that is equivalent to the aforementioned responsibilities.
Seven or more years of applicable career experience, with at least five years of supervisory experience, OR significant experience as an effective senior-level supervisor, manager.
