Assistant Library Director

City of The Dalles•The Dalles, OR

13d•Onsite

About The Position

The Dalles–Wasco County Library is seeking a collaborative, creative, and community focused Assistant Library Director. This position provides leadership for programming, outreach, community partnerships, staff supervision, and operational support. The Assistant Library Director establishes standards and priorities to ensure consistent, high quality library services and represents the library throughout the community. This position also serves as Acting Library Director in their absence.

Requirements

Strong interpersonal communication skills and a positive approach to public service.
Ability to set priorities, manage multiple tasks, and organize the work of self and others.
Knowledge of social media platforms and technology trends.
Skill in planning, developing, managing, and evaluating programs and services.
Ability to explain complex procedures with patience and clarity.
Ability to resolve public concerns using tact, courtesy, and sound judgment.
Ability to work independently and exercise good judgment.
Emotional intelligence and the ability to navigate difficult situations effectively.
Demonstrated ability to facilitate difficult conversations and address challenging issues directly, with the emotional intelligence, judgment, courage, tact, and diplomacy necessary to maintain trust and organizational credibility.
A minimum of two (2) years of professional library experience.
Professional experience working with youth, teen, and adult services.
Demonstrated experience in programming and collaborative service delivery.
Experience with reference, reader's advisory, technology, and social media.
Bachelor's degree in Library Science, Education, Communications, Public Administration, Social Sciences, Humanities, or a related field.
Valid Driver's License required.
Must successfully pass a criminal background check.
Must be at least 21 years old at the time of hire.
Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for visa sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

Written and/or oral Spanish-language proficiency.
One year of supervisory or leadership experience in a library or comparable setting.
Masters of Library Science (MLS/MLIS) from an accredited institution.

Responsibilities

Provide leadership, operational oversight, and direct supervision of staff and volunteers.
Assist with hiring, training, coaching, and evaluating staff; foster accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
Lead programming, outreach, community partnerships, and bookmobile services; develop and implement strategies aligned with community needs and library goals.
Represent the library at community meetings and outreach events; cultivate partnerships to broaden community engagement.
Manage staffing, scheduling, resource allocation, and performance reporting; ensure efficient operations and financial accountability.
Address patron inquiries, feedback, and complaints with professionalism and consistent communication.
Oversee marketing and communications, including newsletters, social media, website content, program publicity, and press releases.
Collect program evaluations, compile statistical data, and prepare reports to assess service outcomes and inform future planning.
Support the Library Director in strategic planning, policy development, and operational decision making; serve as Acting Director in their absence.
Write grants and implement grant funded initiatives.
Perform other duties as assigned.