Sacramento Public Library - Assistant Director - Public Services

Open Date: Nov 19, 2014

Close Date: Dec 19, 2014

Salary: $85,170.00 - $132,159.00 Annually

https://www.calopps.org/ViewAgencyJob.cfm?ID=19265&kw=

The Assistant Director of Public Services reports to the Library Director, but will work closely with the Deputy Library Director and the Assistant Director for Infrastructure in providing vision and leadership. This individual will oversee, guide and direct managers who are responsible for the development and delivery of system-wide programs and services in the areas of youth and literacy services, branch services, outreach, programming and the Central Library, as well as serving an essential role in developing the Library’s new strategic plan. The Assistant Director of Public Services will also oversee, guide and direct staff on standards of public service, including the evaluation of the effectiveness of system-wide programs, services and events.

Job Description pending Board Approval

BASIC FUNCTION

Executive-level position that oversees, plans, directs and reviews the activities and operations of library public services. Provides leadership in development of system-wide strategies, policies and procedures; provides vision and leadership to staff, models behavior to engender excellent library services; coordinates assigned activities with other library services and outside agencies; provides highly responsible and complex staff assistance to the Library Director and Deputy Director; plans, directs, and reviews the activities and operations of library public services, including, but not limited to, Branch Services, Central Library, Youth and Literacy Services and Community Services and outreach; coordinates assigned activities with other library services and outside agencies; participates in development of system-wide strategic plans, policies and procedures; provides supervision and leadership to staff.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

(Functions listed are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work performed. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.)

• Work closely with Director, Deputy Director and Assistant Director for Infrastructure to provide management oversight for major operations of the Library.
• Provide vision, leadership and direction for managers, including, but not limited to Branch Services, Central Library, Youth and Literacy Services, Community Services and other staff in planning, managing and delivering innovative, effective and efficient public library services and improvements.
• Develop strategic plans and public service objectives by aligning to the organization’s service objectives.
• Plan, develop and ensure implementation of strategy, vision and goals for public service operations.
• Work with managers to implement service improvements.
• Prepare, interpret, analyze and summarize data for reports.
• Supervise the development and administration of departmental budget(s); forecast funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies; monitor and approve expenditures; implement midyear adjustments; oversee budget development.
• Set, communicate and achieve a standard of excellence for departments.
• Recommend, develop and implement goals, objectives, policies and procedures to ensure effective operations.
• Measure and evaluate work processes, services and products to achieve goals.
• Assist in the selection of staff; train, motivate and evaluate personnel; coordinate and participate in the development of employee work plans, goals and objectives.
• Work with employees to improve performance; implement discipline and termination procedures.
• Explore and develop relationships with other libraries, organizations, vendors and service providers.
• Assign work activities, projects and programs; monitor work flow, methods and procedures; review and evaluate work product.
• Assess long-term Library service needs of communities and target populations served; research, develop and recommend strategies and programs to meet those needs; direct and oversee implementation and evaluation of services and programs.
• Participate in management team functions including policy, long-range planning, and budget recommendations and adjustments.
• Lead and participate in system-wide committees, task forces and staff training.
• Initiate and participate in problem identification and problem-solving across the Library system; seek out creative and innovative approaches to service and program delivery and problem resolution.
• Respond to and resolve library customer issues, concerns and complaints.
• Ensure that library customer-service needs are met through analysis, community studies, customer requests and feedback.
• Promote the library within the library service area; represent the library to other agencies and organizations; make formal and informal presentations.
• Work successfully with the Library Authority Board and Library support agencies, including the Foundation, Friends, potential funders, partner agencies, professional and institutional organizations.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Knowledge of:

1. Federal, state and local laws, regulations and ordinances.
2. Principles and practices of long-term and strategic planning.
3. Government rules and regulations related to administrative and government record-keeping and reporting requirements
4. Principles and practices of budget preparation and administration.
5. Modern public library operations, services and activities.
6. Principles of library automation, library operations and procedures in an urban setting with multiple branches and a diverse population.
7. Current trends and innovations in public librarianship and information delivery, including emergent technologies.
8. Public library operations, services and activities.
9. Principles and practices of intellectual freedom.
10. Modern office methods and equipment, including computers and assigned software.

Ability to:

1. Learn, interpret and apply Sacramento Public Library’s policies and procedures.
2. Act as a representative of Sacramento Public Library to the public, elected officials, potential funders and support organizations.
3. Work independently with little direction.
4. Operate personal computer and software programs.
5. Meet schedules and timelines.
6. Pay attention to detail and maintain accurate records.
7. Work with information in confidence and with discretion.
8. Establish priorities, organize work and meet schedules and timelines.
9. Exercise sound judgment and make independent decisions.
10. Choose an effective course of action and develop appropriate solutions.
11. Keep current by reading professional publications, newsletters, trade journals, newspapers and magazines.
12. Develop, analyze, prepare, monitor and control large and complex budgets.
13. Prepare accurate and reliable reports containing findings, conclusions and recommendations.
14. Anticipate customers’ needs and deliver services by focusing on the customer.
15. Establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships.
16. Understand and carry out oral and written direction.
17. Communicate both orally and in writing in a clear and concise manner.            
18. Initiate, facilitate, plan or implement change initiatives; support innovation and creativity; assist employees to accept and resolve challenges resulting from a dynamic environment.
19. Act with integrity, take ownership for solving problems and be a model to others.
20. Respond to customers in a timely, accurate, courteous, respectful and friendly manner.
21. Effectively handle crisis situations.
22. Mentor, develop and coach staff.
23. Coordinate, facilitate and participate in a collaborative approach to the completion of tasks or assignments or to meet defined goals.
24. Travel throughout the library service area.

EXPERIENCE

Seven years (7) experience as a librarian is required. Five (5) years in a supervisor/manager capacity is required. Experience in library public service is required and management experience in an urban public library is preferred.

EDUCATION

Master’s degree in Library Science from an American Library Association (ALA)-accredited college or university is required.

LICENSES, CERTIFICATIONS, BONDING AND/OR TESTING REQUIRED

Possession of a valid Class C California Driver License and proof of satisfactory Department of Motor Vehicle (DMV) clearance is required.

OTHER REQUIRMENTS

Personal transportation for job-related travel.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Environment:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. This position will primarily be an indoor office environment.

Physical Abilities:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The employee must be able to:

• Lift, carry, push and/or pull items with a strength factor of light work.
• Hear and speak to exchange information in person and on the telephone.
• See to read a variety of materials.
• Possess dexterity of hands and fingers to operate equipment.
• Stand and walk.
• Bend at the waist, kneel or crouch.
• Sit or stand for extended periods of time.
• Climb a step stool/ladder and reach above shoulders

Hazards:

Sitting and viewing a computer monitor for extended periods of time.

Benefits:

This is an exempt, management opportunity with benefits.  Some of our benefits include:

• Choice of benefits from: Western Health Advantage, Hill, Sutter Health Plus or Kaiser
• 2 different Delta Dental plans
• VSP Vision Plan Option
• Short-Term Disability
• Retirement Health Savings Plan ($30 per pay check)
• Optional ICMA 457 Deferred Compensation
• AFLAC Supplemental Insurance
• Optional Legal Shield
• Recognition Program
• California Public Employment Retirement System (CalPERS)
• Tuition Reimbursement

Please complete CalOPPS.org application and follow the special instructions for consideration.  This position is open to the qualified candidates that apply by the 4pm, December 19, 2014 deadline.