Library Administrators

Multnomah County•Portland, OR

1d•$88,605 - $135,792•Onsite

About The Position

Library Administrators oversee operations at Multnomah County Library locations, which serve as centers of community life and provide books, internet access, music, programs, and meeting spaces. The administrator ensures the location meets the needs of patrons from diverse backgrounds and cultures, oversees operations and service quality, and provides direct customer service, including reference assistance and circulation help. The role calls for adaptability in a dynamic library system and a commitment to finding new ways to serve the community. The administrator leads a diverse staff by modeling strong communication, addressing performance through direct conversations, supporting collaborative decision-making and negotiation during change management, and encouraging professional development through daily huddles, monthly staff meetings, and regular one-on-one meetings with direct reports. The administrator partners with regional leaders to establish goals, contribute to strategic planning, adapt services to community needs, lead projects, and participate in system-wide committees. The position also addresses safety concerns and rule violations with sound judgment, cultural sensitivity, and effective interpersonal skills. When needed, the administrator enforces policies, takes protective measures, or contacts emergency services to help maintain a safe and welcoming environment. All staff are expected to support employees and patrons from communities of color and other marginalized groups, speak out against racism and oppression, and demonstrate culturally aware and sensitive behavior. Library Administrators work onsite at a library location; openings are anticipated at multiple locations. County employees may be reassigned to emergency response roles when community needs require it.

Requirements

A bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent experience.
At least three years of public library experience, including some experience in reference and reader's advisory, circulation services, stacks services management, collection development and management, or library public programming.
At least two years of supervisory experience.
At least two years of experience working with diverse patron populations.
Ability to pass a criminal records check if an offer is extended and the applicant is not currently employed by the library.

Nice To Haves

A master's degree in Library Science from a program accredited by the American Library Association.
Bilingual language skills.
Experience working in a unionized environment.
Knowledge of principles and practices of public library service in the 21st century.
Knowledge of strategic planning, change management, and project management principles.
Thorough knowledge of public library functions and operations.

Responsibilities

Oversee all operations at a library location and ensure services meet the needs of diverse patrons.
Provide direct customer service, including reference assistance and circulation help.
Lead and support a diverse staff by modeling excellent communication and encouraging effective communication among employees.
Address employee performance through direct conversations and support collaborative decision-making and negotiation during change management.
Mentor and encourage staff development through daily huddles, monthly staff meetings, and regular one-on-one meetings with direct reports.
Partner with regional leaders to establish goals, contribute to strategic planning, and adapt services to community needs.
Lead projects and participate in system-wide committees, encouraging staff involvement.
Address safety concerns and rule violations using sound judgment, cultural sensitivity, and effective interpersonal skills.
Enforce policies, take protective measures, or contact emergency services when necessary to maintain a safe and welcoming environment.
Support staff and patrons from marginalized communities, speak out against racism and oppression, and demonstrate culturally aware and sensitive behavior.
Perform other duties as assigned.