Director of Programs & Experiences
This Is a Senior Leadership Role in Cultural Strategy, Institutional Impact, and Program Excellence - not event coordination.
If you are a program strategist, cultural curator, community builder, and leader who can translate vision into high-impact experiences, read on.
We are seeking a strategic, creative, and community-driven leader who understands how to design, curate, and execute programming that builds audience, strengthens community, and advances institutional mission.
This is a senior leadership role with responsibility for institutional reputation, external partnerships, and the strategic direction of one of the Library’s most visible and influential functions.
The Program Director is responsible for elevating program quality, consistency, and impact across the organization. The Library has built a strong foundation of programming and community engagement; the next phase requires a leader who can bring discipline, clarity, and a consistently high standard to that work.
This role requires comfort operating at a high level with talent, budgets, and institutional stakeholders.
This role exists to lead.
If you are primarily an event planner, logistics manager, or someone who executes programs developed by others, this is not the role.
If you are a program strategist, a cultural curator, a community builder, and a leader who can translate vision into high-impact experiences, read on.
About The Westport Library
The Westport Library is Connecticut’s only Five-Star Library and one of the top public libraries in the nation.
We serve nearly half a million visitors annually and operate as a major cultural and civic institution in the region.
The Library is home to:
- A 650-seat performance venue with state-of-the-art sound, theatrical lighting, and a large-scale video wall
- Verso Studios, a professional media production and content creation platform
- VersoFest, a nationally recognized music and media festival
- A dynamic civic dialogue platform (Common Ground Initiative)
- Major literary, cultural, and community programming
- Lifelong learning initiatives, including Verso University
We are not a quiet, transactional library. We are a cultural destination, a civic platform, and a community builder with national ambition.
The Role
This is a rare opportunity to lead and shape the programming strategy of a nationally recognized cultural institution.
The Director of Programs & Experiences is a senior leadership position responsible for defining and executing a cohesive, high-impact programming portfolio that advances the Library’s mission, strengthens its reputation, and deepens community engagement.
This role operates at the intersection of programming, institutional strategy, audience development, and external engagement—and requires both creative vision and operational discipline.
This role has primary responsibility for programming direction and prioritization, including decisions about what programs move forward, how resources are allocated, and how success is defined and measured.
This position will:
- Elevate programming from a collection of events to a cohesive, strategic portfolio
- Prioritize high-impact experiences over volume
- Build intentional audience engagement across diverse communities
- Strengthen alignment between programming, marketing, development, and institutional goals
- Establish discipline, accountability, and execution across the department
This is both a creative and operational leadership role.
Position Overview
The Director of Programs & Experiences is a senior leadership position responsible for:
- Lead high-level relationships with authors, artists, agents, and cultural leaders
- Oversee program budgets and align programming ambition with financial strategy
- Represent the Library in high-visibility interactions with donors, board members, and institutional partners
- Developing and executing a comprehensive programming strategy aligned with the Library’s Strategic Plan
- Elevate programming from a collection of events to a cohesive, strategic portfolio
- Prioritize high-impact experiences over volume
- Build intentional audience engagement across diverse communities
- Strengthen alignment between programming, marketing, development, and institutional goals
- Establish discipline, accountability, and execution across the department
This is not simply a programming role—it is a leadership role responsible for shaping institutional voice, relevance, and impact through programming.
This role supervises program staff and is a member of the senior leadership team.
What Success Looks Like (First 18–24 Months)
The successful candidate will:
- Develop a clear, strategic programming framework tied directly to institutional goals
- Establish and enforce a clear quality standard for programming, ensuring consistency, relevance, and audience alignment
- Define and implement tiers of programming, including high-impact, marquee experiences
- Improve the quality, consistency, and execution of programs across the organization
- Increase attendance, engagement, and audience diversity through intentional programming
- Strengthen collaboration with Marketing to ensure programs are supported by effective campaigns
- Build stronger relationships with partners, talent, and community organizations
- Establish systems for planning, tracking, and delivering programs with discipline
- Present clear program strategy and outcomes to Administration and Board
- Demonstrate strong financial stewardship and alignment between programming and budget
Core Responsibilities
- Talent Leadership, External Relationships, and Institutional Representation
- Lead and manage relationships with authors, artists, agents, and high-profile talent
- Serve as a primary external representative of the Library in cultural and civic spaces
- Engage donors, board members, and partners through programming strategy and execution
- Position the Library as a leading venue for ideas, arts, and civic dialogue
- Strategic Programming Leadership and Portfolio Direction
- Responsible for program performance outcomes (attendance, engagement, impact) in alignment with strategic plan
- Define priorities across major initiatives including:
- VersoFest
- Common Ground Initiative
- Verso University
- Literary and cultural series
- Apply a clear decision standard: strong audience alignment, high relevance, and meaningful engagement
- Ensure programming reflects diverse perspectives and community needs
- Budget Oversight and Resource Alignment
- Own program budget strategy, including planning, allocation, and performance tracking
- Align programming decisions with financial resources and institutional priorities
- Ensure contracts, financial commitments, and program investments are disciplined and strategic
- Creative Direction and Curation
- Lead the development of compelling, relevant, and innovative programming
- Identify talent, themes, and opportunities aligned with institutional goals
- Balance cultural, educational, and community-focused programming
- Cross-Departmental Leadership
- Partner closely with:
- Marketing (campaign strategy and audience development)
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- Development (donor engagement and sponsorship opportunities)
- Operations (execution and logistics)
- Community Engagement and Partnership Development
- Build and maintain relationships with:
- Authors, artists, and thought leaders
- Publishers and agents
- Community organizations and civic partners
- Develop programming that strengthens community connection and participation
- Execution, Systems, and Accountability
- Establish clear systems for program planning and execution
- Ensure all programs have:
- Defined ownership
- Clear timelines
- Budget awareness
- Operational readiness
- Implement tools and processes that create visibility and accountability
- Hold staff accountable for execution and follow-through
- Team Leadership and Culture
- Lead, manage, and develop program staff
- Set clear expectations and enforce accountability
- Foster a culture of ownership, collaboration, and continuous improvement
- Address performance issues directly and consistently
- Use of Space and Production Assets
- Maximize use of performance and event spaces
- Collaborate with Verso Studios to integrate production into programming
- Ensure high production quality across experiences
Required Qualifications
- 8+ years of experience in program leadership, cultural programming, or related fields
- Demonstrated success developing and executing high-impact programs and program portfolios that drive audience engagement and institutional impact
- Experience leading and developing teams, including direct staff management and ensuring performance accountability.
- Strong strategic thinking, prioritization, and organizational skills
- Proven ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously while maintaining quality and execution standards
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
- Ability to operate effectively in a high-visibility, fast-paced, and publicly engaged environment
- Experience working with high caliber talent and stakeholders including Board and donors
- Demonstrated experience negotiating contracts with talent
- Experience managing program budgets with clear accountability for financial performance and resource allocation
Core Competencies
- Strategic Thinking
- Creative Leadership
- Community Engagement
- Program Curation
- Organizational Discipline
- Accountability & Execution
- Collaboration and Influence
- Strong Communication and Collaboration skill
Work Environment
The Director of Programs & Experiences must be:
- Comfortable operating in a fast-moving, highly visible public institution
- Confident engaging with senior leadership, partners, and board members
- Able to make prioritization decisions and manage competing demands
- Comfortable making difficult decisions, setting standards, and being accountable for outcomes
- Motivated by impact, quality, and continuous improvement
>Application Process
Please submit:
- Resume
- Cover letter describing a program or initiative you led that had measurable impact
- Optional portfolio or examples of work
Email: [email protected]
Subject Line: Director of Programs Application
Join the friendly and talented staff who contribute to the Westport Library being a cutting-edge Library. We are seeking a new Café team member who is honest, self-motivated, and reliable with a positive attitude and superior customer service skills.
This is NOT A SUMMER JOB, but a part-time, long-term position working up to 19.5 hours per week. Café Associates are scheduled to work couple of weekday morning, or afternoon shifts as well as a Saturday shift at least every other weekend. Schedules might change from month to month depending on staff availability.
Applicants must be comfortable with POS payment systems and possess the ability to remain calm in a fast-paced environment. Prior café experience and espresso bar knowledge are preferred, but training will be provided. Applicants with ServSafe Food Protection Manager certification will get priority.
The Café serves a selection of baked goods, snacks, salads, and sandwiches in addition to a variety of drinks including espressos, lattes, and specialty drinks.
In addition to preparing drinks, serving food and processing payments on the POS, all Café team members are required to clean and sanitize surfaces and equipment and restock the Café, as needed. The morning shift will also include food preparation.
The job requires standing for extended periods of time and strength to lift and carry heavy stock items up to 40 lbs. (like cases of water). The starting salary is $16.94 per hour plus tips.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Rate: $16.94 per hour plus tips.
Send resume to [email protected] and include title in subject line of position.
MARKETING DIRECTOR
This Is a Marketing Leadership Role - Not a Communications Role
The Westport Library is not seeking a traditional communications manager. We are seeking a growth-oriented Marketing Director who understands how to build demand, expand audience, increase engagement, and translate institutional strategy into measurable public impact.
This role exists to drive growth.
If you are primarily a content producer, public relations manager, or internal communications coordinator, this is not the role for you. If you are a strategic marketer who thinks in campaigns, segmentation, conversion funnels, performance metrics, and brand positioning, read on.
About The Westport Library
The Westport Library is one of America’s few Five-Star Libraries and is a nationally recognized model for what a 21st-century public library can be.
We serve nearly half a million annual visitors and operate:
- A dynamic civic dialogue platform (Common Ground Initiative)
- Verso Studios (professional media production studios and content engine)
- VersoFest (a multi-week music and media festival)
- Major literary and cultural series
- Lifelong learning platforms
- A vibrant public building that functions as cultural infrastructure
We are not a traditional Library. We are a cultural and civic institution with national ambition.
The Opportunity
The Library has strong programming, a strong vision, and strong leadership. What we need is strategic marketing that matches the ambition of the institution.
This position will:
- Develop innovative awareness raising campaigns
- Implement measurable outcomes
- Build audience with intentionality
- Align marketing with fundraising, civic positioning, and strategic growth
- Create clear dashboards demonstrating marketing ROI
This is a transformation role.
Position Overview
The Marketing Director is a senior leadership position responsible for:
- Building and executing a comprehensive marketing strategy aligned with the Library’s Strategic Plan
- Driving audience growth and engagement across all major initiatives
- Elevating brand perception locally and regionally
- Establishing measurable performance metrics
- Leveraging media production assets (Verso Studios) as a marketing engine
- Partnering with Development to strengthen donor storytelling and institutional positioning
- This role supervises the Marketing team and is a member of the senior leadership team.
What Success Looks Like (First 18–24 Months)
The successful candidate will:
- Develop a clear, board-facing Marketing Strategy tied directly to Strategic Plan goals
- Implement campaign-style marketing for marquee initiatives (VersoFest, Master Series, Common Ground, Reading Initiative etc.)
- Increase program attendance through targeted segmentation and outreach
- Grow email engagement rates and list quality through strategy — not volume
- Improve conversion from awareness to attendance
- Establish and present dashboards quarterly to Administration and the Board
- Ensure the website functions as a strategic marketing platform, not merely an information repository
- Build cross-departmental marketing intake systems that prioritize high-impact initiatives
Core Responsibilities
1. Strategic Marketing Leadership
- Develop a comprehensive annual Marketing Plan aligned with institutional goals
- Identify key growth opportunities across programming, space utilization, collections, and initiatives
- Prioritize high-impact campaigns rather than equal promotion of all events
- Align marketing efforts with Town advocacy and fundraising strategy
2. Campaign Development & Audience Growth
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- Design integrated, multi-channel campaigns with defined objectives and KPIs
- Segment audiences and tailor messaging strategically
- Drive measurable growth in:
- Attendance
- Circulation (physical and digital)
- Engagement depth
- Donor prospect awareness
- Brand perception
- Shift from reactive promotion to proactive audience development
3. Brand & Institutional Positioning
-
- Clarify and elevate the Westport Library brand
- Ensure consistent narrative alignment with the Strategic Plan
- Position the Library as
-A civic leader
-A cultural innovator
-A national model
- Oversee reputation management with strategic discipline
4. Storytelling as Strategic Proof of Impact
- Build a structured storytelling framework
- Collaborate with Development to support fundraising campaigns
- Translate survey data, testimonials, and usage metrics into compelling institutional narratives
- Use Verso Studios intentionally as a content amplifier
5. Data, Metrics & Accountability
- Establish clear KPIs aligned to strategic objectives
- Implement campaign performance tracking
- Present quarterly marketing dashboards to Administration and Board
- Demonstrate ROI for paid advertising and digital initiatives
- Use analytics to guide decision-making, not justify activity
Team Leadership & Organizational Influence
- Lead and develop Marketing staff with clarity and accountability
- Implement project management systems that create visibility
- Educate internal stakeholders on marketing prioritization
- Maintain high standards of performance and strategic thinking
Required Qualifications
- 8+ years of strategic marketing leadership experience
- Demonstrated success driving audience growth or revenue growth
- Experience leading campaign-based marketing strategies
- Proven ability to use data to inform and refine strategy
- Strong brand development expertise
- Experience presenting performance metrics to senior leadership or boards
- Ability to operate both strategically and tactically
- Comfort working in a high-visibility community environment
Highly Valued Experience
- Marketing for cultural institutions, media organizations, festivals, or mission-driven organizations
- Experience with audience segmentation and CRM strategy
- Experience building dashboards and performance reporting systems
- Experience integrating AI tools into marketing workflows
This is a leadership position accountable for growth.
Core Competencies
- Strategic Thinking
- Campaign Architecture
- Data Fluency
- Brand Vision
- Organizational Influence
- Accountability & Execution
- Creative Leadership
Work Environment
The Marketing Director must be:
- Comfortable in a fast-moving, highly visible public institution
- Confident engaging with senior leadership and board members
- Comfortable making prioritization decisions
- Motivated by measurable outcomes
Application Process
Please submit:
- Resume
- Cover letter outlining a specific example of a campaign you led that produced measurable growth
- Optional portfolio of campaign work
TO APPLY: Submit application materials to [email protected] and include Marketing Director Application in the subject line.
Join The Westport Library Board of Trustees
The Westport Library Board of Trustees, in collaboration with Westport’s Representative Town Meeting, is seeking candidates to fill upcoming vacancies on the Board.
About The Westport Library
The Westport Library is a beacon of excellence among public libraries. As the only 5-star library in Connecticut, it ranks among the top 1.6% of public libraries nationwide. The Library serves as a vibrant community hub---fostering connections, providing essential resources and supporting lifelong learning.
Position Summary
Serving as a Trustee offers civic-minded individuals the chance to make a meaningful impact in their community by guiding the Library in its mission. Trustees play a key role in helping assure that the Library remains a vital community resource and a center of innovation and engagement.
Responsibilities
- Governance & Fiduciary Duty: Help assure that The Westport Library fulfills its mission, maintains financial stability and complies with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
- Strategic Oversight: Participate in shaping and monitoring the Library’s long-term goals, policies and strategic priorities to maintain excellence and community relevance.
- Collaboration with Leadership: Support and advise the Executive Director and Library leadership, providing guidance while respecting operational boundaries. Trustees do not manage day-to-day operations but actively partner with leadership to advance strategic goals.
- Financial Stewardship & Support: Review budgets, monitor expenditures and support the Library’s fundraising efforts. Contributions to the Library’s annual fund are encouraged as a way to demonstrate leadership and help extend the Library’s impact. Trustees also partner with staff-led initiatives to maximize the Library’s reach.
- Advocacy & Community Engagement: Serve as ambassadors for the Library, promoting its programs, services and impact. Advocacy and engagement are active responsibilities, undertaken proactively and independently, not merely in response to prompts or events.
- Board Participation & Accountability: Attend meetings, actively contribute to discussions and serve on committees. Trustees are expected to fulfill assigned responsibilities and uphold collective accountability.
- Intellectual Freedom & Policy Alignment: Support and protect the Library’s commitment to intellectual freedom. Personal beliefs must not influence decisions, programs or public communications.
- Continuous Learning: Stay informed about public library best practices, trends and legal and regulatory matters affecting the Library.
Qualifications
- Candidate must be a resident of Westport during the 12-month period
preceding June 30, 2026.
- Ability to work collaboratively with others.
- Fundraising experience and strong community connections are highly encouraged.
- Knowledge of public funding, and prior board service, are advantageous.
- Skills in strategic planning, finance, law, nonprofit operations or in areas supporting innovation and digital strategy are valued but not required.
Application Details
Trustee appointments typically span four years, this year beginning July 1, 2026. Interested candidates should email a resume and letter of interest to Sally Presutto at [email protected] by March 20, 2026. Applicants are encouraged to review the Library’s Strategic Plan and website to learn more about the Board’s role. Qualified candidates will be contacted with further information on the interview process.
IT Support Associate, Part Time
Westport, CT
You have an opportunity to join a great team of dedicated staff who are committed to excellent patron services and who are transforming the Westport Library (CT) to meet the evolving needs of our patrons.
The library is recruiting for part-time IT Associates to work regular evening and weekend shifts and on an “as needed” basis, including days, evenings and weekends. The IT Support Specialist performs analytical, technical, and administrative work in the installation of new and existing computer systems and workstations; troubleshoots and resolves issues with computer systems and peripheral equipment throughout the Library and supports patrons with the use of technology.
Requires:
High School Diploma or equivalent. At least two years’ work experience, or a combination of education and work experience may be considered. Experience with Microsoft networks preferred. Thorough knowledge of Microsoft Operating Systems including servers, thorough knowledge of Active Directory, Microsoft Office Applications, ability to manage Office 365 and familiarity with Macs. Ability to troubleshoot hardware, software, network, and firewall problems. Ability to manage zoom conferencing and basic media set-up. Excellent verbal and written communication skills and courteous and efficient when helping patrons and staff and resolving issues. Ability to identify potential problems and seek solutions plus ability to lift to 40 pounds. Ability to work evening and weekends as required.
Rate: $ 18.50 per hour
Send resume to [email protected] and include title in subject line of position.
The Westport Library Board and Westport’s Representative Town Meeting are seeking candidates to fill vacancies on the Library Board of Trustees.
About the Westport Library:
The Westport Library stands as a beacon of excellence in the realm of public libraries. Recently awarded a prestigious 5-star rating from Public Library Service’s 2022 Library Journal Index — the highest score attainable — it ranks among the top libraries in the United States. As the sole 5-star library in Connecticut, the Westport Library distinguishes itself in the top 1.6% of public libraries nationwide. Beyond its accolades, the library serves as a dynamic community hub, fostering connections, providing essential resources, and nurturing a culture of lifelong learning.
Position Summary:
The position of Trustee presents an opportunity for civic-minded individuals to make a significant impact and contribute to the continued success of the Westport Library. Trustees are instrumental in guiding the library's mission and ensuring it remains a vital resource for the community.
Responsibilities include:
- Acting as an ambassador and advocate for the Westport Library, promoting its mission, vision, and strategic initiatives.
- Collaborating closely with the Library’s Executive Director, supporting fundraising efforts, policies, and strategic priorities.
- Engaging in stewardship activities, including budgetary oversight, fiscal responsibility, and financial alignment with fundraising goals.
- Participating in hiring and evaluating the Executive Director.
- Regularly attending and contributing constructively to Board meetings and discussions.
- Serving on committees as assigned by the Board President.
- Representing the Library at community events.
- Ensuring efficient and productive operation of the Library.
- Staying informed about Library issues and relevant laws.
Qualifications:
- Resident of the Town of Westport as of June 30, 2024.
- Ability to work cooperatively with others.
- Candidates with a track record in fundraising and connections within the community are encouraged to apply.
- Knowledge of public funding and service on other boards is advantageous.
- Skills in management, planning, marketing, finance, and law are valued.
Application Details:
Trustee appointments typically span four years, commencing on July 1, 2025. Interested candidates should email a resume and letter of interest to Sally Presutto at [email protected] no later than March 28, 2025. Applicants are encouraged to review the Library’s Strategic Plan and visit the Library’s website for more information about the role of the Board of Trustees.
Following the submission of materials, qualified candidates will be contacted with further information on the interview process.
