Chief of Library Services

York County•Yorktown, VA

About The Position

The Chief of Library Services provides overall leadership, administration, operation, planning, and development of the York County Public Library system in accordance with County policies and procedures and policies established by the Library Board of Trustees. The position provides strategic direction and leadership within the library system, community, and library profession, overseeing library programs, services, facilities, personnel, and resources to support effective service delivery and respond to community needs. The Chief works closely with Community Services leadership, County departments, the Library Board of Trustees, and community partners. The role includes an on-call requirement and response to emergencies, including weather-related events. The incumbent may also be assigned emergency management responsibilities, such as coordinating an emergency shelter or providing assistance as directed by County leadership or the Emergency Operations Center. The position oversees library operations across all County branches; personnel management; policy development and implementation; annual operating and capital budgets; strategic planning; reporting and analysis; and outreach and liaison activities. The Chief represents and promotes library services to government, civic, and community groups and maintains professional knowledge through participation in relevant associations and learning activities.

Requirements

Master's Degree in Library Science or Library and Information Science from a program accredited by the American Library Association.
6 to 9 years of progressively responsible experience in public library administration, including demonstrated management and supervisory responsibilities.
Demonstrated knowledge of library technology, contemporary library practices, and public library operations.
Valid Professional Librarian Certificate issued by the Virginia Public Librarian Certification Commission.
Valid driver's license issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia with an acceptable driving record.
Successful completion of pre-employment checks, including driving record, criminal history, and background checks.
Comprehensive knowledge of public library administration, including library programs, services, collections, and emerging technologies.
Thorough knowledge of modern management principles, organizational leadership, personnel administration, and supervisory practices.
Knowledge of local and state government operations, applicable laws, regulations, and administrative procedures.
Knowledge of public-sector budgeting, financial management, and resource allocation.
Knowledge of library technology, information systems, and digital resources.
Excellent oral and written communication skills, including report preparation, presentations, and communication with diverse audiences.
Strong analytical, organizational, problem-solving, and time-management skills.
Ability to provide effective leadership, motivate employees, foster teamwork, and maintain a positive and productive work environment.
Ability to exercise independent judgment, make sound administrative decisions, establish priorities, and manage multiple responsibilities.
Ability to evaluate library services, identify community needs, develop strategic initiatives, and implement improvements.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with County officials, Library Board members, employees, community organizations, and the public.
Ability to address sensitive or confidential matters with professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment.
Physical ability to operate a variety of machinery and equipment, including computers, typewriters, CD and tape players, microfiche machines, microfilm readers, and copiers.
Ability to perform light work involving walking, bending, stopping, sitting, or standing to a significant degree and to lift objects up to 25 pounds.

Responsibilities

Lead, administer, plan, develop, and oversee the York County Public Library system in accordance with County policies and Library Board of Trustees policies.
Plan, organize, direct, and participate in all phases of County library services in cooperation with the Library Board of Trustees and County officials.
Provide strategic direction and oversee library programs, services, facilities, personnel, and operations at all County branches.
Develop and execute strategies and programs that promote positive relationships and public confidence in library services.
Direct library personnel, including through supervisors, to support effective daily operations, service delivery, and implementation of library programs.
Oversee recruitment, hiring, training, performance evaluations, employee development, retention, and disciplinary matters in accordance with County personnel policies.
Guide supervisory staff, encourage staff participation in planning and decision-making, and support professional development.
Authorize and develop library-related staff training programs and encourage and authorize participation in professional organizations and education programs.
Develop and recommend library policies and ensure implementation of approved policies.
Respond orally and in writing to comments, inquiries, and complaints from library patrons.
Prepare and administer annual operating and capital budget requests under County budget procedures and present proposed requests to the Library Board of Trustees for review and approval.
Monitor expenditures and ensure responsible management of approved financial resources.
Provide the Library Board of Trustees with regular updates, recommendations, and information about operations, policies, programs, budget matters, and strategic initiatives.
Coordinate development and periodic review of the Library's strategic plan with the Library Board of Trustees and oversee implementation of the approved plan.
Oversee preparation and submission of required reports, including annual reports to the Library of Virginia for state aid requirements.
Prepare and analyze library statistics and reports to evaluate services, establish operational goals, and support planning and decisions.
Serve as liaison between the Library Board of Trustees and the York County Library and county government, community organizations, and local or state agencies; facilitate interagency coordination.
Conduct and facilitate meetings and training.
Plan, coordinate, and participate in meetings, special events, and activities, which may take place in the evenings and on weekends.
Maintain knowledge of library science trends and developments and managerial practices by attending professional learning events, reading relevant literature, and participating in professional associations as appropriate.
Present to government, civic, and community groups, agencies, and organizations to promote library services, build support and resources, and foster a positive image of the Library.
Serve as liaison to related organizations, groups, or agencies, including Friends of the Library.
Recommend expenditures and activities that advance Library objectives.
Maintain on-call availability and respond to emergency situations; undertake emergency management duties as assigned, potentially including emergency shelter coordination.