Library Administrators

Multnomah County•Portland, OR

20h•Onsite

About The Position

Library Administrators oversee operations at Multnomah County Library locations, which serve as community centers offering books, internet access, music, programs, and meeting spaces. The role ensures that a location meets the needs of diverse patrons and provides excellent community service, including direct customer service such as reference assistance and circulation help. The Library Administrator leads a diverse staff, models and promotes effective communication, addresses employee performance, supports collaborative decision-making, and manages change. The administrator mentors staff and encourages professional development through daily huddles, monthly staff meetings, and regular one-on-one meetings with direct reports. The role 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 maintain a safe and welcoming environment. Library staff are expected to act as allies to staff and patrons from communities of color and other marginalized groups by speaking up in their support, speaking out against racism and oppression, and demonstrating culturally aware and sensitive behavior. The position may include other duties as assigned.

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 a job 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 an assigned library location and ensure services meet the needs of diverse patrons.
Provide direct customer service, including reference assistance and circulation help.
Lead a diverse staff by modeling effective communication and encouraging those skills in others.
Manage employee performance, including engaging staff in difficult conversations.
Promote collaborative decision-making and negotiation while working with staff on change management.
Mentor staff and encourage professional 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 with 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.
Act as an ally to staff and patrons from marginalized communities by supporting them, speaking out against racism and oppression, and demonstrating cultural awareness and sensitivity.
Serve the public during inclement weather, natural disasters, or other community emergencies, including possible reassignment to emergency response duties.