Associate Director for Public Services

Harford County Public Library•Belcamp, MD

2d•$131,016 - $167,053•Onsite

About The Position

The Associate Director for Public Services is a key member of the senior leadership team and serves as a strategic partner to the Chief Executive Officer in advancing Harford County Public Library’s mission to provide innovative, accessible, and community-driven library services. The Associate Director for Public Services provides executive oversight for the operations and management of all library public services to include development, planning and execution of library objectives. The Associate Director for Public Services provides oversight and direction for new programs and activities that support public service goals and takes the lead role in implementing new initiatives for public services, as well as the improvement or modification of existing systems, processes, and procedures. The Associate Director for Public Services acts as the liaison between department staff and other senior level management. The Associate Director for Public Services leads with vision and accountability, ensuring operational excellence, fiscal stewardship, innovation, digital equity, and a culture of collaboration and belong across the organization.

Requirements

Master’s degree in library science from an ALA-accredited institution.
Ability to obtain State of Maryland certification as a Professional Librarian within six months of hire.
Eight years or more of related professional library experience in a public library setting, including a minimum of three years in a leadership or managerial position.
Five years of supervisory experience.
Ability to obtain and maintain a favorable criminal background report.
Ability to work both day, evening, and weekends hours.
Extensive knowledge of branch practices and procedures and knowledge of the principles, practices, and procedures of administrative management, and the ability to interpret same to staff and the public.
Ability to gain advanced knowledge of Harford County Public Library policies and procedures.
Ability to act as a representative of Harford County Public Library to the public.
Ability to assess community needs and develop, plan, implement, and executive library public service programs or effectively modify existing programs to meet these needs.
Ability to review, evaluate, and initiate appropriate action on technical reports, contracts, and documents concerning departmental matters.
Thorough understanding of the relationship of the facets of children’s, young adult and adult services and the concepts necessary to develop strong cross services relationships.
Ability to effectively coordinate, supervise, train and communicate with other staff members.
Ability to maintain effective working relationships with other professionals.
Ability to keep relevant parties informed of all major issues and programs and to recommend changes as appropriate.
Ability to prepare and maintain accurate records.
Ability to prioritize and multi-task.
Ability to operate relevant computer systems, including hardware and software, and office machines.
Ability to be adaptable, flexible and patient with customers and staff.
Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.

Nice To Haves

Ability to travel to branch/outside locations is required.

Responsibilities

Oversees all library public service operations, activities, and staff.
Develops, plans and executes library objectives by translating into programs and activities that support public service goals.
Promotes and facilitates teamwork between branch and other library department staff.
Monitors, evaluates and provides guidance to Branch Managers and other staff under direct supervision.
Serves as project manager for developing improvements to public services and oversees their implementation.
Oversees the development and the updating of public services policies and procedures.
Responds to and resolves customer concerns and complaints in relation to public services issues.
Directors/Directs strategic planning initiatives pertaining to public services and assessing community needs and interests as they relate to public services.
Represents the library before all relevant parties including speaking engagements; presentations; community boards and meetings; attends and participates in Library Board of Trustee meetings.
Provides direction for training and professional development for public services.
Oversees system-wide programming efforts.
Oversees the development of and monitoring of public services operating budgets.
Maintains open communication with branch personnel and managers to discuss problems and concerns.
Works with the Senior Director, Human Resources and other appropriate staff to develop relevant training for all public service staff.
Works with Administrative Managers and Administrators, as needed, to assess public services issues and develop an appropriate solution or plan of action.
Takes a leadership role in implementing changes and in fulfilling the goals and objectives of the library.
Hires and supervises assigned staff, including other supervisory staff, as well as assigned volunteers.
Oversees the training of staff and volunteers, as assigned.
Administers the Performance Recognition System (PRS), the library’s performance evaluation system, in accordance with published guidelines.
Approves annual leave and checks and tabulates timesheets for assigned staff.
Prepares monthly reports, meeting agendas, and monthly schedules.
Interprets and implements system wide policies and procedures.
Schedules and facilitates department/team meetings.
Ensures staff receive and understand system and department communications via written or electronic format.
May act as supervisor of team or work group and/or may supervise volunteers.
Serves on committees and participates in workshops, seminars, and training as requested.
Represents Library at various outreach activities, as needed.
Notifies Supervisor with suggested ways to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of personnel and procedures and system-wide goals and objectives.
Maintains good public relations with the community through contacts with public officials, community leaders, volunteers, Friends of the Library, appropriate school personnel, and the public.
Learns new skills and technologies to retain proficiency in areas of expertise.
Is dependable and punctual.
Maintains a positive, friendly, and cooperative attitude and provides consistent customer service.
Upholds all library policies and procedures as defined in Harford County Public Library’s Policies and Procedures Manual.
Performs other duties as assigned.