Director Public Services

Kitsap Regional Library•Bremerton, WA

2d•$119,985 - $166,087•Onsite

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 Public Services provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the Public Services Division, including branch operations, Mobile Services, Patron Experience, and Community Engagement. The position advances 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 role develops and implements strategic plans for public services, leads operational improvements, supports managers and staff, administers budgets, recommends policies and operational standards, and ensures consistent, high-quality service across locations and channels. It also oversees safety and security practices for public-facing operations and works with community partners to support safe and welcoming library environments. This is a full-time position scheduled for 40 hours per week. The typical schedule is Monday through Friday office hours, with weekends and evenings 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. The role has light physical demands. The salary range is $119,985.02–$166,087.32, depending on required and relevant experience and internal equity. Employees regularly scheduled at least 20 hours per week are eligible for specified insurance plans, an HRA, an employee assistance program, and 13 paid holidays. This position earns 15 days of vacation during the first year, 13 days of sick leave, and one personal day each year. The library participates in Washington State PERS, subject to the plan’s stated eligibility conditions.

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, including exposure to multi-site or county-wide logistical infrastructure.
Extensive experience managing budgets and complex personnel issues in a large library system.
Demonstrated track record as an agent of positive change and strategic execution.
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 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 and identify and address current and future patron and library needs.
Ability to communicate confidently and effectively verbally and in writing with diverse patrons and staff, using diplomacy where necessary.
Ability to write and edit a variety of materials for internal and external publication.
Ability to collaborate across divisions 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 deliver professional-level public speaking and presentations to staff, special interest groups, funding sources, news media, and others.
Ability to operate standard office equipment, perform data entry proficiently, and use computer software and specialized programs.
Ability to maintain regular and reliable attendance.
Ability to provide excellent customer service, support the library’s intellectual freedom principles and policies, 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, aligning 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 assigned by the Library Director.
Lead, develop, and support managers and staff to achieve organizational goals and provide high-quality public service.
Foster accountability, collaboration, inclusion, innovation, and continuous learning; provide coaching, mentorship, and professional development.
Model professionalism, ethical conduct, and effective decision-making.
Develop, administer, and monitor assigned budgets; evaluate service levels, performance metrics, and operational outcomes to steward 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, 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 responsive to evolving community needs.
Promote service standards that foster welcoming, inclusive, and engaging patron experiences.
Perform other related duties as required.