Assistant Library Director

JOB SUMMARY

Farmers Branch Manske Library is hiring an Assistant Library Director! This position plays a crucial role in supporting the Library Director in the overall management and administration of library operations, services, and programs. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong leadership abilities, exceptional organizational skills, and a passion for fostering community engagement through library services.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities: 

An individual must be able to perform each essential duty and responsibility satisfactorily. 

• Leadership and Management:
• Supervise and provide leadership for the day-to-day operations of the library, including training, scheduling, assigning tasks, and motivating staff.
• Oversee programs and events across all departments. Ensure that deadlines are kept and programs are appropriate in cost and scope. Ensure events are properly promoted.
• Assist the Director in planning, organizing, and directing the activities of the library, and assist in representing the library at community events, meetings, and forums.
• Demonstrate expertise in budgeting and data management.
• Assume responsibility for overall library operations in the absence of the Library Director.
• Staff Scheduling and Supervision
• Provide leadership and guidance to library staff, fostering a positive work environment and promote teamwork and collaboration.
• Develop and maintain staff schedules to ensure adequate coverage for all library service points and programs.
• Assign duties and responsibilities to staff members based on workload and skill sets.
• Monitor staff attendance, time-off requests, and scheduling conflicts, resolving issues as they arise.
• Assist the Library Director with regular staff meetings to communicate updates, discuss initiatives, and address concerns.
• Strategic Planning and Development:
• Collaborate with the Library Director and other stakeholders to help identify opportunities for growth and improvement in library services and programs.
• Stay informed about emerging trends, best practices, and innovations in library services and technologies.
• Staff Development and Training:
• Assist in recruiting, hiring, training, and evaluating library staff, ensuring a high level of competency and professionalism.
• Provide training and support to library staff on operational procedures, statistical reporting methods, and inventory management practices.
• Serve as a resource for staff inquiries and troubleshooting issues related to library operations.
• Assist with coordinating professional development opportunities. 
• Budget and Financial Management:
• Assist in preparing and managing areas of the library budget, including monitoring expenditures, analyzing financial data, and making recommendations for resource allocation.
• Work collaboratively with the Library Director and fiscal staff to ensure fiscal responsibility and accountability in all financial transactions and reporting.
• Circulation Operations Management
• Oversee the maintenance and optimization of the library’s circulation system and related technologies
• Supervise and support circulation supervisors and staff, including hiring, training, scheduling, and performance management.
• Resolve complex issues involving overdue, lost, or damaged materials in accordance with library policies.
• Develop and implement policies and procedures related to circulation services, material handling, and patron account management.
• Oversee the maintenance and performance of the integrated library system (ILS) as it pertains to circulation functions.
• Technology Integration and Innovation:
• Stay abreast of advancements in library technologies and digital resources, advocating for the integration of innovative tools and services to enhance user experiences.
• Grant Support
• Assist with data collection required for grant applications, including statistical reports, budgetary details, and program summaries.
• Collaborate with library staff to identify grant opportunities and develop strategic proposals to support library initiatives.
• Customer Service and Engagement
• Collaborate with library staff to enhance customer service initiatives and promote a positive patron experience.
• Address patron inquiries and concerns regarding library operations, policies, and procedures in a courteous and timely manner.
• Follow all legal and policy requirements related to patron privacy and custodianship of patron records.
• Continuing Education and Professional Development
• Actively pursue opportunities for professional development to enhance skills and knowledge.
• Attend workshops, conferences, webinars, and training sessions related to library management and operations.
• Share insights and best practices gained through professional development activities with colleagues to foster a culture of learning and innovation within the library.
• Other duties as assigned.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

An individual should possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed and meet the amount of education, training and/or work experience required.

• Master's degree in Library Science from an ALA-accredited program.
• Three years of progressively responsible experience in library management or administration.
• Five years of public library experience preferred.
• Strong leadership abilities with demonstrated experience in supervising and motivating staff.
• Excellent organizational, communication, interpersonal, and customer service skills.
• Knowledge of current trends, issues, and best practices in library services and operations.
• Familiarity with library technologies and digital resources.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders and community groups.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook)

Physical Requirements: 

• Must be able to move from place to place within the location; lift, push/pull, hold/carry items weighing up to (25) pounds and occasionally up to (40) pounds, such as files, books, stacks of paper, and other 
• materials. Ability to sit for long periods and to maintain focus on projects such as computer screens or detailed paperwork.

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Tuition Assistance
• Retirement Plan (401k)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Short Term & Long-Term Disability
• Training & Development
• Wellness Resources
• Salary range : $60,000 - $65,000

EEO STATEMENT

The company and its subsidiaries are an equal opportunity employer and celebrate the population of differences and does not discriminate in its hiring/hiring practices, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Nothing in this job specification restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. 

Critical features of this job are described under various headings above. They may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons. The above statements are strictly intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees in this position.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. 

To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. 

Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.