Chief Operating Officer

Harford County Public Library•Belcamp, MD

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) 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 COO provides executive oversight for system wide operations, including capital projects, facilities, fleet services, delivery planning, projects, security, safety, risk management, insurance, custodial and other operational support functions as assigned. This role ensures that the Library’s strategic goals are translated into effective programs, services, systems, and infrastructure that meet the evolving needs of Harford County residents. The COO leads with vision and accountability, ensuring operational excellence, fiscal stewardship, innovation, digital equity, and a culture of collaboration and belonging across the organization.

Requirements

Master’s degree in Business Management, Public Administration, Library Science, or related field from an accredited institution.
Minimum of eight years’ experience in management or leadership role preferably in a public library or non-profit organization, with a track record of driving operational success.
Five years of supervisory experience.
Ability to work day, evening and weekend hours.
Ability to obtain and maintain a favorable criminal background report.
Ability to act as a representative of Harford County Public Library to the public.
Ability to analyze data, identify trends, and make data-driven recommendations.
Ability to review, evaluate, and initiate appropriate action on technical reports, contracts, and documents concerning departmental and system wide matters.
Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make effective decisions in a fast-paced environment.
Sound financial acumen and experience in budgeting, financial planning and cost management.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build string relationships with stakeholders at all levels.
Excellent time management skills, including ability to handle multiple priorities simultaneously.
Ability to work under pressure.

Responsibilities

Serve as a strategic advisor to the CEO and the senior leadership team.
Lead implementation and monitoring of the Library’s Strategic Plan.
Translate strategic objectives into measurable operational initiatives.
Oversee large-scale, cross-departmental projects to ensure alignment, timeliness, fiscal responsibility, and quality outcomes.
Integrate data-driven insights into executive decision-making.
Participate in development of annual operating and capital budgets.
Provide executive oversight for all capital improvement projects, renovations, and major facilities initiatives, including planning, budgeting, implementation, and coordination with county and external partners.
Develop and enforce system wide policies and procedures aligned with the Library’s mission, vision, and values.
Develop and maintain strong strategic relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Attend monthly Board of Trustees meetings, prepare reports and updates.
Represent the CEO as needed in meetings and events.
Anticipate operational challenges and communicate proposed solutions to the CEO.
Provide executive oversight of Facilities and Capital Projects, ensuring safe, welcoming, functional, and modern library spaces across all locations.
Oversee procurement processes pertaining to Facilities and Capital Projects to ensure compliance with County regulations and ethical standards.
Direct the library’s Risk Management program, including insurance coordination, claims management, policy review, incident reporting protocols, and mitigation strategies.
Lead the planning, implementation, and evaluation of new and evolving library services.
Promote digital equity through equitable access to technology, connectivity, and digital resources.
Monitor operational performance and implement improvements to increase efficiency and effectiveness.
Oversee appropriate sections of the operating and capital budgets.
Manage and resolve complex public relations or service issues escalated beyond normal channels.
Establish, review, and update operational policies and procedures related to facilities, safety, security, and risk management.
Serve as primary liaison with county departments and external agencies related to facilities, capital projects, safety compliance, and risk matters.
Oversee vendor contracts and service agreements within assigned areas of responsibility.
Directly supervise assigned department heads and senior managers.
Cultivate a culture of collaboration, accountability, innovation, and service excellence.
Oversee performance management systems and support staff development initiatives.
Support positive and productive labor and employee relations in alignment with the Library’s strategic goals and mission.
Partner in recruitment, retention, succession planning, and workforce development.
Facilitate regular team meetings and ensure effective communication within and across departments.
Support professional development initiatives for staff within areas of responsibility.
Ensure consistent interpretation and implementation of system-wide policies.
Serve as a hiring manager and supervise assigned staff, including other supervisory staff, as well as assigned volunteers.
Oversee the training of staff and volunteers, as assigned.
Administer the Performance Recognition System (PRS), the library’s performance evaluation system, in accordance with published guidelines.
Approve annual leave, checks and tabulate timesheets for assigned staff.
Prepare monthly reports, meeting agendas, and schedules.
Interpret and implement system wide policies and procedures.
Schedule and facilitate department/team meetings.
Ensure staff receive and understand system and department communications via written, electronic format or in-person meetings.
Act as supervisor of team or work group and/or may supervise volunteers.
Serve on committees and participate in workshops, seminars, and training as requested.
Represent library at various outreach activities, as needed.
Notify Supervisor with suggested ways to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of personnel and procedures and system-wide goals and objectives.
Maintain good public relations with the community through contacts with public officials, community leaders, volunteers, Friends of the Library, appropriate school personnel, and the general public.
Learn new skills and technologies to retain proficiency in areas of expertise.
Be dependable and punctual.
Maintain a positive, friendly, and cooperative attitude and provide consistent customer service.
Uphold all library policies and procedures as defined in Harford County Public Library’s Policies and Procedures Manual.
Complete time sheet and other necessary forms and reports accurately and in a timely manner.
Perform other duties as assigned.