Assistant Library Director

The City of Livonia is an Equal Opportunity Employer

• Starting Salary: $90,272.00
• After Six Months of Successful Employment: $91,977.60
• After One Year of Successful Employment: $93,662.40
• Maximum salary is achieved after four years of employment.

The Assistant Library Director assists in overseeing operations, implementing policies and strategic initiatives, managing budgets and resource allocation, coordinating staff development and training, and supporting programs, collections, and community services to ensure high-quality library services for the Livonia community.  

Key Responsibilities:

Library Operations and Leadership:

• Serves as the Library Director's primary second-in-command, providing leadership and decision-making support across the library system
• Assists in overseeing daily and long-term operations across all service areas and the library system, supporting consistent, high-quality service
• Provides operational oversight and coordination of library facilities, working with city departments to ensure smooth operations at both locations
• Directly supervises staff as assigned to ensure consistent services and operational standards
• Leads workflow efficiency efforts across library departments, including Adult Services, Children's Services, Circulation, Technology Services, and other areas coordinating with department managers to ensure operational consistency and effective service delivery
• Complies and analyzes library data to support operational decisions, and prepares reports for the Library Director as needed
• Leads or participates in special initiatives to improve library operations, services, or community engagement

Policy & Strategic Implementation:

• Works closely with the Library Director to implement initiatives and contribute to long-range planning in order to achieve goals outlines in the library's strategic plan

• Implements system-wide policies and procedures in collaboration with the Library Director

• Provides input on operational improvements and workflow to align departments with strategic goals, City priorities, and library initiatives

• Assists in tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) for library services and reports progress to the Library Director to inform operational and service improvements

Building Oversight & Facilities Management:

• Assists with coordination among city departments regarding maintenance, safety protocols, and emergency preparedness

• Participates in capital improvement planning and design meetings, providing operational insight

Staff Training and Support:

• Assists the Library Director in coordinating and implementing professional development and training opportunities for staff

• Shares relevant learning and development opportunities with staff to support skill-building and knowledge across library services

• Fosters a positive, collaborative work environment by mentoring staff, providing constructive performance feedback, and assisting with professional goal-setting

• Oversees library department schedules to ensure adequate operational coverage of staff and Person-in-Charge responsibilities

Program Development and Implementation:

• Assists in planning, implementing, and evaluating library programs and services for diverse audiences in collaboration with the Library Director and staff. Provides recommendations for program adjustments based on community interests, date and feedback

Collections Management:

• Manages collection budget and resource allocation, distributing funds to staff for specific collections

• Oversees collection development, including selecting materials that meet the needs and interests of the community

• Assists the Library Director with acquisitions planning and collaborates with staff to review and assess collection needs, ensuring alignment with the library's strategic plan and priorities

Budget Support & Vendor Relations:

• Assists the Library Director with budget planning and management for operational initiatives, training, and facility support

• Oversees acquisitions of supplies and equipment that directly supports daily library operations

• Maintains relationships with vendors and service providers supporting daily library operations

Community Engagement & External Liaison:

• Represents the library in city, cooperative, and community meetings as appropriate

• Develops and maintains relationships with library cooperatives and strategic partners, supporting library services, shared initiatives, and community outreach

• Supports outreach efforts to promote library services and programs within the community

By the closing date of this announcement, applicants must:

1. Be a citizen of the United States or resident alien with the right to work in the United States; and
2. Possess a Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science from an ALA-accredited college or university; and
3. Possess or, ability to obtain by the date of hire, a Level 1 Professional Librarian Certification from the Library of Michigan; and
4. Have a minimum of eight or more years progressively responsible experience working as a professional librarian, including direct service to the public; and
5. Have four or more years of supervisory or management experience in a public library, including at least two years of direct supervisory experience overseeing professional librarian staff; and
6. Demonstrated experience in public library administration, including contributing to policy development, assisting with budgeting and financial planning, and allocating resources effectively; and
7. Demonstrated experience in staff development, training and team leadership; and
8. Demonstrated knowledge of public library operations, library technologies, collections management, programming, and community engagement; and 
9. Have strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills; and
10. Have the ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize work effectively, and adapt to evolving organizational needs.

Key Competencies:

• Leadership & Organizational Oversight: Provides strategic and operational leadership across the library system, supporting the Library Director in decision-making, aligning services with organizational goals, and ensuring consistent, high-quality library operations.

• Library Operations & Service Delivery Management: Oversees day-to-day and long-term library operations across departments to ensure efficient workflows, consistent service standards, and effective coordination of public services.

• Staff Supervision, Training & Development: Leads staff development by mentoring employees, coordinating training opportunities, providing performance feedback, and fostering a collaborative and accountable work environment.

• Strategic Planning & Policy Implementation: Supports the Library Director in the development and execution of library policies, strategic initiatives, and performance goals while ensuring alignment with city priorities and long-range planning efforts. 

• Budget, Resource & Facilities Coordination: Assists the Library Director in managing budgets, allocating resources, and coordinating facility and operational needs in collaboration with city departments and stakeholders to support effective library services.