Executive Director of Library Operations

The Executive Director of Library Operations, Riverside, serves as the Director and County Librarian for Riverside County Library System. The Executive Director must provide exceptional guidance and mentorship to library staff. The role emphasizes fostering vibrant libraries and inspiring staff with innovative ideas to enhance the library experience.

The Executive Director should excel at promoting the use of library services among the public and strategic partners. Excellent judgment, effective relationship management, and strong communication skills with diverse stakeholders are essential for success in this position.

The Executive Director of Operations must collaborate closely with LS&S clients, local officials, library boards, and community stakeholders. This collaboration aims to ensure that libraries are responsive to local public needs and priorities. This position requires frequent travel, approximately 70% or more, to various library locations, clients, and potential clients.

Vision and Strategic Leadership

• In collaboration with government partners, develop and implement a long-range vision for RCLS that aligns with community priorities.
• Lead implementation and ongoing evaluation of the 2024-2027 strategic plan in collaboration with stakeholders; integrate strategic goals into annual budgeting, operations, and staff work plans.
• In collaboration with government partners, lead future strategic planning efforts using internal resources to develop a multi-year plan.
• Lead a team of senior managers in delivering relevant and engaging services.
• Stay up to date with library, leadership, management, and customer service best practices, integrating innovative approaches into RCLS operations.

Organizational Culture

• Lead retention efforts, talent development, succession planning, and staff engagement. Establish rapport and positive relationships with staff at all levels.
• Encourage and create opportunities for training, continuing education, and professional development for all staff.
• Champion exceptional customer service, problem-solving, and continuous improvement throughout the organization.
• Cultivate a culture of collaboration, transparency, and mutual respect within and across management levels.
• Lead team-building initiatives that strengthen collaboration and communication, encouraging cross-departmental collaboration and knowledge sharing.
• Serve as a visible and accessible resource for staff, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to service excellence.

Financial Management

• Administer the annual operating and collections budgets; ensure sound fiscal stewardship and accountability, optimizing use of Library resources.
• Identify and pursue diverse funding opportunities, including grants, partnerships, and philanthropic support.
• Build strong relationships with Friends of the Library groups; support and facilitate the work of Friends groups.
• Support the ongoing growth and development of the Library Foundation.

Community Relations

• Serve as the public face of the Library; build relationships with community leaders and partner organizations.
• Actively participate in community organizations; make a concerted and visible effort to be an engaging presence in all of the communities RCLS serves.
• Increase visibility and support for the Library. Promote the Library’s role as a center for education, lifelong learning, and literacy.
• Oversee marketing and communication efforts.
• Act as the Library’s representative in local, regional, and statewide initiatives, partnerships, and consortia.

Administration

• Responsible for the successful operational management of RCLS and alignment with the organization’s mission and strategic priorities.
• Develop and implement procedures and quality standards, including measurable goals, objectives, and performance indicators aligned with the strategic plan.
• Routinely utilize LibraryIQ tools and data analytics to assess Library operations, communications, and collections.
• Maintain a balanced Library collection that is responsive to community interests and priorities.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations; implement library best practices.
• Prepare an annual report highlighting outputs, outcomes, and the impact of services.
• In collaboration with government partners, advise on policy, make policy recommendations, and oversee policy implementation and compliance.
• Ensure timely, transparent, and consistent communication with staff across all levels of the organization. Oversee development and implementation of internal communication strategies to ensure all staff are informed, aligned, and engaged.
• Oversee the Edward Dean Museum and Gardens.
• Additional duties as required.

Partner Relationship Management

• Establish and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with Riverside County partners.
• Serve as a point of escalation for patron and Riverside County partner concerns, collaborating to resolve issues promptly and efficiently.
• Prepare a monthly report for Riverside County partners; communicate proactively with County partners and provide regular reports, briefings, and data-driven updates.
• Ensure the Library fulfills the contractual scope of work.

• Master's Degree in Library Science or Library and Information Studies (MLS/MLIS required)
• Senior Managerial experience (5+ years) required.
• Proven experience in a management role with responsibilities for coaching and developing managers, managing customer relationships, and experience working onsite at client locations; experience in professional development and training preferred.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a talent for fostering relationships and driving team engagement.
• Strong Collaborator who builds trust and cohesion with their peer group and teams.
• Visionary with the ability to inspire and lead through change.
• Customer-focused leader with a commitment to excellence in service.
• Empathetic leader who supports others’ growth and respects diverse perspectives.
• Proactive problem-solver with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Mobile and flexible, with a willingness to travel frequently to customer locations.
• Experience analyzing and applying financial reports and data (usage, demographics, trends, etc.)
• Demonstrated success in a complex, fast-paced environment.
• Attend weekend or evening meetings and events as required, on call to respond to emergency situations.
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Excellent organization and time management skills
• Excellent attention to detail
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• A prominent level of reliability and dependability.
• Frequent travel to library locations, clients, and potential clients. Must have a reliable source of personal transportation.
• The position requires you to be located in Riverside County, CA, or within a 25-mile radius of Riverside County.