Director of Public Services

Kitsap Regional Library • Bremerton, WA

3d • $119 - $166

About The Position

This is a senior management position on the Kitsap Regional Library Leadership Team. Under the general oversight of the Library Director, the Director provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the Public Services Division, including branch operations, Mobile Services, Patron Experience, and Community Engagement. Reporting to the Library Director, the role advances exceptional customer experiences, effective service delivery, and organizational goals through collaborative leadership, innovation, and continuous improvement. The Director oversees managers and staff across multiple locations, manages divisional resources, and exercises independent judgment in guiding service strategies, operational priorities, and organizational initiatives.

The position is full-time, scheduled for 40 hours per week. The typical schedule is Monday through Friday office hours, though weekends and evenings may be required as needed. Schedules may change to meet library needs. Work takes place in a generally accessible, safe indoor office environment with frequent staff and public interactions, significant computer and telephone use, and work in a shared team area. Physical demands are light.

The position is open until filled. First review of applications is expected on 11/17/2026.

Requirements

• Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS), or a comparable master's degree in public administration with equivalent public-sector tenure.
• Minimum 5–7 years of progressively responsible public library management experience.
• Experience with multi-site or county-wide logistical infrastructure.
• Extensive experience managing budgets and complex personnel issues in a large library system.
• A proven track record as an agent of positive change and strategic execution.
• Ability to maintain regular and reliable attendance.
• Knowledge of management principles and practices, and ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with library staff, the Library Board, library users, Library Friends, the library foundation, building owners, community groups, media representatives, vendors, and consultants.
• Ability to strategically develop and manage short- and long-term planning efforts.
• Knowledge of library financing, fundraising, budgeting, and budget management.
• Knowledge of and experience successfully managing and leading projects.
• Knowledge of and ability to apply supervision principles and practices, including selecting, developing, and motivating staff and creating a positive team environment.
• Knowledge of integrated library systems.
• Ability to navigate ambiguity and competing priorities effectively.
• Ability to identify and address current and future patron and library needs.
• Ability to communicate confidently and effectively, verbally and in writing, with a diverse patron base and staff, using diplomacy where necessary.
• Ability to write and edit a variety of materials for internal and external publication.
• Ability to collaborate across division lines and advocate effectively for public services issues.
• Ability to make decisive and consistent decisions using thoughtful analysis, sound judgment, and data-informed decision-making.
• Ability to listen actively and effectively.
• Professional-level public speaking and presentation skills before staff, special interest groups, funding sources, news media, and others.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment, perform required data entry proficiently, and use computer software and specialized programs.
• Ability to provide excellent customer service, support the library's principles of intellectual freedom and its policies and procedures, work effectively within a team, adapt to changing information, technology, procedures, and services, and maintain confidentiality of patron and employee records.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement short- and long-range strategic plans for public services and service delivery.
• Align divisional priorities with organizational goals and community needs.
• Lead operational improvements using data-informed decision-making, change management, and continuous improvement practices.
• Manage special projects and strategic initiatives as assigned by the Library Director.
• Lead, develop, and support managers and staff to achieve organizational goals and deliver high-quality public service.
• Foster accountability, collaboration, inclusion, innovation, and continuous learning.
• Provide coaching, mentorship, and professional development opportunities to strengthen leadership capacity and employee engagement.
• Model professionalism, ethical conduct, and effective decision-making.
• Develop, administer, and monitor assigned budgets.
• Evaluate service levels, performance metrics, and operational outcomes to steward library resources effectively.
• Recommend and implement policies, procedures, and operational standards that support organizational effectiveness.
• Interpret, communicate, and implement library policies and administrative procedures, and ensure compliance with applicable regulations and organizational standards.
• Oversee safety and security practices for public-facing operations and collaborate with community partners, property owners, public agencies, and service organizations to maintain safe and welcoming library environments.
• Ensure consistent delivery of high-quality customer service across public service locations and channels.
• Support the development and implementation of programs and services that respond to evolving community needs.
• Promote service standards that foster welcoming, inclusive, and engaging patron experiences.
• Perform other related duties as required.

Benefits

• Medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Basic life insurance
• AD&D insurance
• Long-term disability insurance
• Health reimbursement arrangement (HRA)
• Employee assistance program
• 13 paid holidays per calendar year for employees regularly scheduled 20 or more hours per week
• 15 days of vacation leave during the first year
• 13 days of sick leave
• 1 personal day each year
• Participation in the Washington State Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), subject to eligibility requirements

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior