Deputy Library Director

Lafayette•Lafayette, CO

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Deputy Library Director is part of the Lafayette Public Library within the City of Lafayette Community Services Department. The role provides leadership for library operations, program coordination, and effective service delivery to the community. Working independently under the general supervision of the Department Director for Community Services, the Deputy Library Director exercises general supervision over assigned personnel and applies professional standards and established division policies and procedures. The position oversees daily operations, supports public service, coordinates facility management and the volunteer program, and contributes to policy development, administration, strategic planning, staff development, performance management, budget preparation, grants, and data-informed improvement. The Deputy Library Director works with the Library Director, city department leaders, employees, volunteers, the Library Advisory Board, and community organizations. Work is performed indoors in a public building. The position includes evening and weekend hours and requires scheduling flexibility. Physical activities include sitting, walking, standing, bending, stooping, reaching, and lifting or carrying books, chairs, and equipment weighing up to 25 pounds. Sufficient visual and audio acuity is required. The role also requires maintaining extreme confidentiality.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required.
Five years of increasingly responsible library experience, including three years at a supervisory level, or an equivalent combination of training and experience that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
Knowledge of principles, best practices, and current and emerging trends in library service and public library administration.
Knowledge of Colorado Library Law, intellectual freedom, and professional and ethical standards of public librarianship.
Understanding of library collection development practices.
Familiarity with library technology, including integrated library systems (ILS), digital repositories, and electronic resources.
Strong communication, supervisory, interpersonal, and customer service skills.
Excellent writing skills for reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and other communications.
Public presentation skills, including the ability to explain technical information to residents, boards, and elected officials.
Organizational and personnel management skills, including leadership, supervision, problem analysis and decision-making, planning, organization, cultural sensitivity, adaptability, stress tolerance, and time management.
Financial and budget oversight skills.
Ability to establish and maintain effective, cooperative, and positive relationships with City officials, staff, volunteers, community organizations, and the public.
Ability to build a positive team environment, manage and motivate staff, and collaborate with tact, courtesy, and good judgment.
Ability to move between tasks with patience, flexibility, and ease and adapt to changing priorities, technologies, and community needs.
Ability to use data to inform decisions and improve or adjust services.
Ability to uphold the Library’s commitment to intellectual freedom, including the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights and statements on Freedom to Read, Freedom to View, and Free Access to Minors.
Ability to maintain confidential information using appropriate judgment, discretion, and professional protocols.
Ability to exercise appropriate judgment in interactions with personnel and the public and in interpreting policies and procedures.
Commitment to delivering safe, accessible, and culturally relevant Library services to Lafayette’s diverse residents.
Ability to operate or use the equipment necessary for the position.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Library Science, Business, or Public Administration.

Responsibilities

Oversee day-to-day library operations and supervise employees and volunteers providing library services.
Coordinate library building maintenance with the City facilities maintenance team and participate in long-term facility planning.
Respond to public inquiries and complaints and assist with resolutions or alternative recommendations.
Provide and support direct public service, including reference and informational assistance, circulation functions, and technology assistance.
Attend and participate in Library Advisory Board meetings; assist with agendas, minutes, and memos.
Work with the Director to draft and recommend Library policies for Board approval, provide research and planning information, and establish procedures to implement approved policies.
Prepare and file statistical reports required by the state or other agencies.
Represent the Director and the Library at other meetings as needed.
Assist the Director in overseeing capital improvement projects, including maintenance, design, major construction, and facility security.
Support and lead the Library volunteer program in collaboration with other staff.
Mentor and coach library managers and staff, and design and implement staff training programs.
Collaborate with the Department Director on organizational growth and operational efficiency strategies.
Work with the Director and city department leaders to develop and execute strategic work plans and participate in capital improvement project development.
Oversee performance evaluations for library managers, provide feedback, set goals, and identify staff development and succession-planning opportunities.
Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and innovative work environment and encourage cross-departmental cooperation.
Support coordination of fiscally responsible budget requests across Library work groups and develop Library division budget preparations and presentations.
Assist in managing department budgets and resources, identify financial and operational improvements, and support staff in seeking and managing grants.
Lead efforts to gather, analyze, and use data to improve program effectiveness and efficiency, and implement continuous improvement processes.