[nfbwatlk] Seattle Public Library Director of Library Programs and Services job posting

[Nightingale, Noel]

Link:
http://www.spl.lib.wa.us/about-the-library/library-careers/library-jobs/director-of-library-programs-and-services

Text:
Title : Director of Library Programs and Services
Department : Public Services Division
Application Deadline : 03/21/2012 at 12:00 pm
Job Number : IC#05-12
Pay Range : $103,001.04 - $142,025.76 annually

Special Notes :

This is a full-time, regular, FLSA exempt position that is fully benefited.

The Seattle Public Library is Seattle's center of information and knowledge and one of the most popular and valued services in the city. Library staff is highly regarded by the public for their knowledge, quality of service and caring. Staff members are committed to the Library's organizational values of respect, partnership, engagement, diversity, transparency and recognition. In particular, they demonstrate respect, engage in partnerships, and are transparent in their communications and intentions. A strategic priority of the Library is to foster an internal culture of innovation which focuses on creativity, engagement, learning and staff development. If you share those values and meet the qualifications, the Library invites you to apply for this position.


Overview :

The Seattle Public Library is seeking an energetic and progressive individual to serve as Director of Library Programs and Services.  This individual will work in partnership with the Leadership Team to fulfill the Library's Strategic Plan by providing direction, oversight, and management and leading innovation efforts for essential Library programs and services.

The Director of Library Programs and Services reports to the City Librarian and is responsible for the Public Services Division which consists of the Central Library and 26 branch libraries. The division develops and delivers collections, programs, reference and reader's advisory services through all of the Library locations.  A total of 387 employees (FTE) work in the division; the division's operating budget is $37.7 million.

The Director of Library Programs and Services is responsible for the effective and efficient delivery of services to the citizens of Seattle consistent with the Library's mission, goals and service priorities. The Director will set the vision for programs and services, direct and oversee the implementation of the division's work plan and participate in the development of the Library's program of service.

The Director of Library Programs and Services will foster a public service environment where the Central Library and branch libraries are true partners in delivering services to library users, as well as harness technology and staff creativity to deliver information services when and where customers want them. Key Library priorities include:  supporting intellectual freedom; promoting literacy and a love of reading; protecting confidentiality of patron records; respecting and embracing the community; fostering a healthy democracy; supporting children and youth; forming strong partnerships and adapting and innovating to stay relevant.

Essential Functions :

*        Set vision for programs and services. Lead innovative and positive service delivery process improvements.
*        Provide visionary leadership to attain the Library's Strategic Plan and program of service.  Recommend strategic service directions that leverage the Library's application of emerging library trends, technology and service development opportunities.
*        Assume responsibility for ensuring that patron service expectations are met.  Guide and direct staff on standards of public service.  Oversee studies to assess user satisfaction. Evaluate division performance and operating results, and initiate changes as required.
*        Create and nurture strategic partnerships with community agencies and organizations to deliver effective and relevant programs, services and events.  Represent the division to community groups and local elected officials.   Develop effective partnerships and collaborative working relationships.  Represent the needs of users.
*        Oversee staff engaged in strategic outreach and community collaboration that supports city and Library priorities, reaches new users and promotes core services.  Oversee the tailoring of services to distinctive audiences, and the evaluation and development of reference services that respond to the changing needs of patrons. Continue an emphasis on early learning program opportunities and the development and evaluation of relevant services to children and teens.
*        Oversee the implementation of a high-quality and consistent program of public services staff and public instruction in the use of information technology and the Library's tools and resources. Oversee the evaluation of the effectiveness of Library programs, services and events in meeting Library objectives.
*        Initiate a cross-divisional approach with other members of the Leadership Team to explore and implement technology-based services.
*        Direct efforts to increase access to Library collections, both traditional and downloadable materials. Oversee the division's activities relating to the Library collection and online services in partnership with Information Technology.  Direct the maintenance of the collection in the Central Library and branch libraries.
*        Make recommendations to the City Librarian on operational issues.  Oversee the analysis and reporting of statistical and circulation information on library users.
*        Support the Labor management partnership by working collaboratively with the Union on labor strategy and proactive resolution of issues.
*        Direct, supervise, evaluate and develop public services management staff.  Oversee activities of the Public Services Management Team. Oversee the recruitment, development, supervision and mentorship of public services staff.
*        Contribute to the development and oversee implementation of Library policies and procedures for the division.
*        Direct and monitor the development of the public service division's operating budget and oversee expenditures; allocate and reallocate resources as needed.  Provide guidance in the development of long-range forecasts for staffing resources and budget expenditures; develop strategic operating budget plans to meet short- and long-range objectives.

Required Qualifications :

*        A Master of Library and Information Science (MLS or MLIS) degree from an ALA-accredited library school.
*        At least six years of management experience (executive level preferred) in a large, urban, multi-branch public library that demonstrates knowledge of public services including reference, programming, public instruction, library collections, service delivery technology and service evaluation.
*        Experience in applying the principles, practices and philosophy of public library science and administration, and elements of strategic planning.
*        Ability to demonstrate vision, strategic thinking, collaboration and inclusive leadership skills; flexibility and adaptability; and a willingness to embrace and drive change initiatives.  Ability to be intellectually engaging with strong interpersonal, communication and advocacy skills.
*        Ability to influence others, negotiate to a successful resolution, and engage in effective problem solving.  Ability to recognize and set priorities, and to use initiative and independent management decision-making.
*        Ability to organize, direct, motivate and evaluate public services management and oversee same for public service employees. Ability to mentor others and foster a team environment.
*        Knowledge of, and proven experience applying, effective management practices and principles including human resource administration, budget development and fiscal administration, strategic planning, and project management.
*        Knowledge of public libraries and their role within a community, with particular emphasis on the Library's role in Intellectual Freedom.
*        Excellent communication, public speaking and presentation skills are essential.
*        A sense of humor and a positive and enthusiastic approach to public service and library leadership.
*        A passion for learning and a love of reading.

How to apply :

Send an email to jobapplications at spl.org<mailto:jobapplications at spl.org> using the subject line IC#05-12 Library Services & Program Director.  Attach a letter of interest, resume and three references as Word or PDF files and submit to by noon, March 21, 2012.

If you will be attending the Public Library Association (PLA) conference and would like to talk about the position with City Librarian Marcellus Turner, please state this in your email and include dates in attendance, and a contact number and/or email address.

Please see our brochure<http://www.spl.lib.wa.us/Documents/about/employment/Director%20of%20Library%20Programs%20and%20Services%20recruitment%20brochure.pdf> for more information about The Seattle Public Library, this position and the City of Seattle.

Those invited to interview will be required to complete The Seattle Public Library Employment Application available online at www.spl.org<http://www.spl.org/> prior to the interview. Candidates who submit the online application in lieu of the resume and cover letter at this stage of the recruitment process will not be considered.

The Seattle Public Library proudly promotes diversity in employment.
If accommodations are needed during the selection process, please let us know.