MIBA Executive Director Search

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Midwest Independent Booksellers Association

Position: Executive Director

Location: Flexible throughout MIBA territory states (Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Michigan’s Upper Peninsula)  

Job Type: Full-time  

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About Us:  

We are a nonprofit trade association that supports and celebrates locally-owned and operated independent bookstores and booksellers throughout a 9+ state portion of the Midwest (Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Michigan's Upper Peninsula). We work directly with booksellers and the people who do business with them: publishers, wholesalers, distributors, sales reps, and others allied to the book industry.

The next Executive Director will step into a role supported by a strong, dedicated staff team; a stable operating budget; a working board made up of member booksellers and industry representatives; and a membership of passionate, hardworking booksellers. This is a wonderful chance to join us at such an exciting time and help shape the future of independent bookstores in the Midwest and beyond. With so much heart and energy already in place, there’s a real opportunity to make a lasting impact on this close-knit community of booksellers who are ready to grow and thrive.


Key Responsibilities:

  • Leadership and Governance:

    • Lead MIBA in collaboration with the Board and staff, aligning on mission, goals, and priorities for day-to-day operations and strategic growth initiatives.

    • Facilitate board meetings, provide regular board communication, ensure board-informed decision-making, and oversee board member nominations and elections in collaboration with the Nominating Committee.

    • Supervise and mentor staff, fostering development and a positive team culture; provide direction and oversight of projects for contract staff.

    • Represent MIBA in industry collaborations and advocacy.

  • Financial Oversight:

    • Develop and manage operating budgets, working in partnership with the Board and Finance Committee on tactical short- and long-term financial decisions.

    • Oversee financial systems, including accurate bookkeeping and compliance with financial obligations.

    • Manage banking and investment relationships, ensuring tax compliance.

    • Support staff development in financial management.

  • Membership & Program Management:

    • Collaborate with the ABA and other regional organizations on national and regional programs.

    • Ensure positive bookseller member engagement and oversee membership communication updates.

    • Manage the Winter Catalog, including ad sales and vendor relations.

    • Lead initiatives like the Roadmap/Puzzle project and Midwest Bookseller of the Year award.

    • Handle routine website updates and digital communications.

  • Event Management:

    • Plan and execute key events, including but not limited to the Spring Road Trip and Heartland Fall Forum, ensuring smooth operations and engaging attendee experiences.

    • Oversee logistics, venue management, and vendor coordination.

    • Manage author placement and event coordination.

    • Collaborate with GLIBA and the Heartland Steering Committees for Heartland Fall Forum trade show success.

Challenges & Opportunities: 

  • Forward-Looking Strategy - To effectively serve and represent its diverse members, MIBA must remain agile and responsive to the dynamic and evolving landscape of the book industry as a whole, as well as the country’s changing political, social, and financial climates. This involves continuously monitoring key trends and developments, embracing growth mindset, and adapting its programs and operations to meet the ever-changing needs of its members.

  • Organizational Sustainability - Strengthen the organization’s long-term sustainability by thinking creatively and embracing "out of the box" solutions. This includes boosting existing sales mechanisms and exploring new, unconventional revenue streams, identifying opportunities for increased efficiencies in existing programs and operations, and adopting innovative best practices across the organization.

  • Advocacy/Partnerships - Strengthen and expand MIBA’s reputation as a vital voice for promoting Midwestern literature, authors, and the bookstores and booksellers who handsell them, while fostering diversity and inclusion within the literary community. Actively seek opportunities to engage with publishers and key influencers, highlighting the dynamic and diverse nature of the region, and showcasing the power, success, and rich cultural contributions of authors from all backgrounds. Explore supportive measures for bookstores experiencing bookselling censorship either on a community-based or legislative level, and for bookstores and booksellers experiencing financial hardship or in need of financial support for expansion and education opportunities.

Qualifications & Requirements of the Position:

  • Proven experience in organizational leadership, preferably within the bookselling industry but not required.  

  • Strong financial management skills, including budgeting, accounting oversight, and strategic financial planning.  

  • Experience in membership engagement and program development.  

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively represent the organization.  

  • Event planning and management experience, with a focus on delivering high-quality experiences.  

  • Ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams, including board members, staff, and external stakeholders.  

  • Passion for the mission and vision of the organization, with a commitment to its continued growth and success.

  • As a fully remote staff, reliable internet and phone service, along with regular availability during agreed-upon working hours and flexibility, and the ability to attend in-person conferences two to three times a year are required.


How to Apply:

If you are an experienced leader with a passion for books and bookselling and are ready to take on an exciting challenge, we’d love to hear from you! Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your experience and vision for the future of MIBA here.

  • Closing date: January 15, 2025

  • Classification: Full-time and exempt

  • Location: Applicants can be located in any one of our member states (Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula)

  • Salary and benefits: $75,000-85,000/year, plus a healthcare stipend of $400/month; phone/internet stipend of $80/month; 120 hours of flexible PTO and 10 paid holidays, in addition to the yearly office closure between December 25 and January 1

  • A laptop will be provided with additional tech needs considered on an as-needed basis

  • Pre-approved work-related travel is reimbursed

  • Availability: Must be available to work evenings and weekends on an as-needed basis and travel 3-5 times per year. 

  • If hired, the candidate must have no conflicts of interest between MIBA and their own or their immediate family's financial interests. While a current MIBA member may apply for the position, neither the candidate nor their immediate family can hold any financial interest in any company or bookstore within the publishing or book industry once they begin employment as Executive Director.

MIBA is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes a diverse pool of candidates.