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Library Branch Manager

Public Library
10 months ago
Full-time
On-site
New Haven, Connecticut, United States

Introduction

The New Haven Free Public Library is seeking an innovative, community-focused, and dynamic professional to serve as Library Branch Manager for our Fair Haven Branch. This leadership position plays a vital role in shaping library services at one of our major branch locations, ensuring that the branch reflects and responds to the diverse needs of the surrounding community. As the Branch Manager, you will oversee daily operations, mentor and supervise staff, develop and implement community-centered programs and services, and cultivate partnerships with local organizations, schools, and stakeholders. If you are passionate about public service, thrive in a collaborative environment, and are committed to providing equitable access to information and resources, we invite you to bring your expertise and energy to our team.

More info about our Library HERE and HERE.

PRIMARY FUNCTIONS

This is professional library work in the supervision of a major branch library of the New Haven Free Public Library system as a librarian. The Branch Manager is responsible for identifying and responding to the needs of the community. This involves interaction with community representatives, neighborhood associations, professional and business organizations, schools, and social agencies serving the community. As the site manager, the Branch Manager directs the day-to-day library operations of the Branch and serves as coach, mentor, and mediator with staff. Work is performed with latitude for professional judgement and is reviewed through meetings and evaluation of results, reporting to a higher-level Library Administrator (IV or above).

Branch Managers supervise all aspects of daily Branch operations including staff scheduling, directing third party vendors for maintenance and security, collection, equipment, budget, onboarding of new staff, staff training and development, staff performance, programs, and related services. 

Position is 37.50 hrs/week, and will include evening and weekend hours as needed to support Library hours and programming.

TYPICAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Manages, supervises, and participates in all daily service and support operations of the Library Branch.
  • Develops goals, plans, programs, and services for a Branch Library.
  • Prepares, monitors, and maintains programming budget for the Branch.
  • Oversees management and selection of print and non-print materials for a Branch.
  • Must collaborate and engage with citizens and community agencies to maintain awareness of demographic trends and social, economic, and political issues of the community.
  • Develops marketing plans on a regular basis for the branch to create outreach opportunities and partnerships with local organizations and businesses.
  • Develops and delivers programs that promote use of the Library such as: book discussion clubs, author talks, writing groups, computer classes, tours, and community outreach like a read aloud class visit, attending a community management team meeting or other event created by or for the community.
  • Coaches, mentors, manages performance, and addresses branch staff concerns in a timely manner; guides and directs department staff on Library services.
  • Represents the Library in community organizations in the service area.
  • Works closely with other Branch Managers and Library management to assure services are responsive to patron and community needs. Ability to problem-solve issues related to patron concerns and Library services.
  • Facilitates ongoing professional development for staff through workshops, training sessions and mentoring.
  • Ensures and enforces Library and City policies, procedures, and guidelines for staff and the public while ensuring compliance with all local, state and federal laws and regulations.

EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

  • A Master’s degree in Library Science and at least three to five years’ experience in professional library work, including at least one year of supervisory experience in a library setting.
  • Considerable knowledge of the principles and practices of integrated Library Science.
  • Considerable knowledge of the objectives of Library service to the community.

KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

  • Knowledge of the principles, practices and procedures of library service, Library resources and collections.
  • Knowledge of emerging trends in Library and Information Science.
  • Ability to demonstrate strong leadership and management skills in order to efficiently plan, organize, supervise, and manage the staff of a major Branch Library.
  • Ability to monitor progress and manage resources to accomplish objectives.
  • Ability to demonstrate strong public relations and customer service skills and communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
  • Ability to make sound, independent judgments within established policies and procedures in carrying out assigned duties, prioritizing responsibilities, and meeting deadlines.
  • Ability to use library related professional tools and software applications (MS Office, library catalog and digital databases).
  • Ability to understand and interpret Library policies and objectives to community groups, public officials, business and education leaders, the staff and to the public.
  • Ability to schedule and supervise the work of professional and support staff.
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees and the public.

NECESSARY SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Masters degree in Library Science from an American Library Association accredited library school.

SALARY, BARGAINING UNIT & TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

This is a General Fund, "Non Tested" position. 

This position is included in a collective bargaining agreement with Local 3144, American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees.

Bargaining agreements available to review HERE.

General Funded hires into this class are not covered by Social Security and will not pay Social Security taxes. They instead participate in the City Pension; the employee contribution rate is 10% of pay.

The City of New Haven does not sponsor employment visas. All applicants must have current authorization to work in the U.S. without employer-sponsored visa support.

Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of: (1) a pre-employment background check, (2) a pre-employment physical examination, including pre-employment drug screening accordance with the City’s Drug Free Workplace Policy*, and (3) a 90-day probationary period. Instructions and information on this pre-employment process are included in Conditional Offer of Employment.

Pursuant to the Federal Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988, The City of New Haven has a adopted a Drug Free Workplace Policy. The City of New Haven requires a pre-employment drug test, which includes screening for marijuana.

Selection Plan

Applications will be reviewed by the Department of Human Resources. Applicants must demonstrate within their submission that they meet the minimum requirements as listed within the job description; failure to do so may result in disqualification.

It is critical that you complete the application thoroughly, as the information you provide will be used to ascertain if you are eligible to move forward in the selection process. Your application and resume should indicate that you meet the minimum requirements as listed. This information may be used to determine the eligibility list. Submissions may be evaluated prior to the posted closing date.

Information regarding the employment and selection process can be found HERE.

Please note that the only method of communication with applicants for this position will be by email. You must provide a valid, working email address and you will need to monitor your email, including spam/junk folders, for correspondence from the New Haven Human Resources Department.

We reserve the right to extend an application deadline or close a job posting early to ensure we can attract and identify the best candidate(s) for a position.

Conclusion

To apply for this opportunity:
  • Complete your User Registration. You are encouraged to save your Applicant Profile for future use.
  • You MUST click on the job posting you are interested in, and click Apply or Apply Online from within that posting.
  • MAKE SURE the job you are applying for is named at the top of the page as you review your application!
  • Review or modify your application for that position
  • Click "Ready to Send App" or the "Send" tab; read page and click the attestation
  • Click "Send to City of New Haven"
  • You will be redirected to "CONFIRMATION OF EMPLOYMENT APPLICATION SUBMISSION"
  • You will also receive an email and text, if a number was provided, confirming your submission

  • If you do not receive this confirmation in the next 24 hours, your application has not been submitted - please contact us at NHJobs@newhavenct.gov

Please Note, your Profile is NOT an application for an open position. After you create your Applicant Profile, you must still click on a Job Title and complete the application as instructed for each position.