Are you a strategic public finance leader who can guide complex organizations through fiscal uncertainty while building trust with boards, staff, and the public? If so, apply to be Mid-Continent Public Library’s next Finance Director. MCPL is seeking an experienced, collaborative finance executive who is:
• Highly skilled in public-sector budgeting, forecasting, and compliance
• Comfortable presenting complex financial information to governing bodies and community stakeholders
• Calm, credible, and solutions-oriented under pressure
The Mid-Continent Public Library District serves a vibrant and diverse region of the Kansas City metropolitan area across Clay, Platte, and Jackson counties in Missouri. This region offers a high quality of life with an affordable cost of living, diverse neighborhoods, and strong civic pride. The Kansas City metro is nationally recognized for its thriving arts and culture scene, including the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts, the Crossroads Arts District, and the historic 18th & Vine Jazz District. Residents enjoy professional sports teams such as the Kansas City Chiefs, Royals, and Current, as well as extensive park systems, trails, and recreational amenities.
MCPL is a consolidated public library district governed by a 12-member Board of Trustees appointed from the counties it serves. The Board appoints the Executive Director and provides policy and fiscal oversight. MCPL delivers a full range of public library services, including circulation, digital resources, programming, community outreach, facilities management, and administrative services, supporting lifelong learning and access to information across the region. The Finance Department is responsible for the financial stewardship of an approximately $86 million annual budget, including operating funds, capital projects, and debt service. The department oversees budgeting, accounting, financial reporting, audits, procurement, and long-range financial planning.
The ideal candidate for Finance Director is a seasoned public finance professional with experience in government or special district environments. They bring a collaborative leadership style and are comfortable operating in a highly visible, outward-facing role. They are a trusted advisor who can translate complex financial data into clear, actionable insight for board members and executives.
Required qualifications include:
• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field
• Minimum of seven years of progressive financial management experience
• At least three years in a supervisory or leadership role
• Experience in public-sector or governmental finance
Preferred qualifications include:
• Master’s degree in a related field
• CPA or CPFO certification
• Experience with bond financing, long-range forecasting, and board engagement
The salary range for this position is $139,320 – $195,435, depending on experience and qualifications.
Please apply online.
For more information on this position, contact:
Kevin Knutson, Senior Vice President, Executive Recruitment
kevinknutson@governmentresource.com | 727-754-0407