Institute Library Chief Moves Around The Corner

The executive director of New Haven’s Institute Library is leaving to work for another organization around the corner on Church Street: the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

The executive director, Natalie Elicker, broke the news to supporters of the private lending library and musical- and literary-happenings center at 847 Chapel St. in an email message sent Monday. A former lawyer in private practice before taking the library job, Elicker has taken a post as assistant U.S. attorney.

Elicker wrote that after two years as executive director, she leaves the library in a strornger financial position, with a new elevator and handicapped-accessible bathrooms on the way.

She directed people seeking information on the search for her replacement to the library’s new operations manager, Karen Hogg, who can be reached at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). (A full job description appears at the bottom of this story.)

Text Of Elicker’s Farewell Email

Dear Friends,
I’m both excited and sad to share publicly the news that I told the Board just over a month ago, that I am stepping down from the Library to accept a position as an Assistant U.S. Attorney here in New Haven.

When I began as Executive Director, I took to heart the directive that’s written in an art installation above our interior archway: ​“create what you long for.” I’m proud that in my two years we’ve built a solid base and powerful momentum on our building revitalization campaign. In the next two years, the Library is poised to accomplish a physical transformation to instantiate the mission that Will Baker rekindled as the Library’s first Executive Director in 2011 – 2014: the planned renovations will allow us to physically as well as metaphorically throw open our doors to the entire New Haven community.

The Library in its strongest financial state in years thanks to our work securing grants, building long-term relationships with funders, and formalizing the structure of our fundraising events. The building campaign has raised pivotal funding needed to bring the Library to its next level: we have secured public financial support for an elevator and new bathrooms to make the Library ADA-accessible. Our recently-completed planning study also contains insightful engineering analysis and historical recommendations. (If you’re interested in helping, join the Building Committee.)

Most importantly, I believe the Library will continue to thrive because of the many wonderful people who are invested in its mission, operation, and vision. On that point, and for those who have not yet met her, I’m happy to introduce Karen Hogg, our Operations Manager. Karen has proven to be a great asset to the Library since joining us in January 2016, and will serve as the primary point of contact for the Library while the Board completes its search for a new Executive Director. Reach her at [email protected].

Karen comes to the Library with a Masters in Folk Studies/Folklore from Western Kentucky University, and an interest in both oral history and museum presentation. She is a Greater New Haven-area native and moonlights as a talented, heavily credentialed, Berklee College-trained multi-instrumentalist. (Hear her play at the Library on July 29 at 6pm.) I am confident that Karen will ensure a smooth transition. 

Karen will continue to work alongside Vicki Pacileo, our long-serving Library Administrator, and our many capable regular and programmatic volunteers without whom the Library as you know it would not exist. Thank you to each of you for your time and commitment, and for making my time here vibrant.

I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to have served the Library and the New Haven community. While I am excited about my new job, I will miss the camaraderie and everyday interactions with inspiring people. Nevertheless, I am not going far (my new office is right around the corner) and I look forward to remaining involved in the Library and its rich community.

Warm regards,

Natalie N. Elicker
Executive Director

Job Description

POSITION POSTING
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Founded in 1826, The Institute Library in New haven, Connecticut, a member supported library, seeks an Executive Director. The position reports to the Board of Directors through the Board President, is responsible for overall adherence to the Library’s mission, and oversees all Library operations.

The Executive Director will have a proven track record for successful management and development of membership and programs at an organization like the Library, particularly in a community similar to the greater New Haven community. In addition, the Executive Director, together with the applicable Board committees, will be the principle fundraising advocate for the Library, responsible for grants, annual fundraising efforts, and donor cultivation.

The effective Executive Director will demonstrate leadership skills and will possess excellent communication skills to the Library’s diverse and engaged membership. Communicating the Library’s goals and programs in oral and written form is critical. The Executive Director will be a ​“self starter” for various initiatives and recurring programs, and will also motivate staff and volunteers whose positions allow the Library to operate successfully

This position is full time, and has a salary range of $50,000.00 to $52,000.00 annually. A copy of the Executive Director job description is attached to this posting. A bachelor’s degree is required. Interested applicants are encouraged to review the materials posted on the Library’s web site, and should send a letter of introduction and resume to [email protected], no later than May 27, 2016. If confidentiality with one’s current employer is required the introductory letter should state so.