Library Director

Please see attached brochure:  Library Director Brochure  

*Posting will remain open until filled.

The Director of the Great Falls Public Library provides overall Library leadership and delivers exceptional service to the whole community by developing and inspiring staff, championing best practices, and leading budgeting and long-term planning efforts in support of the Library’s Strategic Plan.  The Director is responsible for the operation of the Great Falls Public Library including acquisitions, technical services, youth services, community engagement, facilities management, technology, circulation, reference, and public services.  Work varies frequently requiring complex decisions, interpretive judgment, significant discretion, and independent action. Contacts are varied and continual, requiring a high degree of tact, diplomacy, and judgment.  This position works under the direction of the Great Falls Public Library Board of Trustees.   

Leadership

• Collaborates with the Library Board to develop a strategic plan for incorporating community feedback and a vision for the future including a building remodel.
• Partners with the Library Board to develop Library policies based on best practices and community needs.  
• Builds a positive Library culture that embodies the Great Falls Public Library guiding principles of respect, open access, growth and innovation, and excellent stewardship.
• Promotes continuous improvement of Library services that adapt to community needs.
• Works closely with the Foundation as it develops and leads a multi-pronged capital campaign to raise the funding for the Library remodel, including the Library Board and City Officials as appropriate.
• As a liaison, establishes collaborative partnerships with external organizations, including the community, board of trustees, library foundation, and city and county commissions.
• Builds strategic collaborative partnerships to provide excellent, cost-effective service.
• Inspires staff excellence through mentorship, training, collaborative goal setting, and accountability.

Service

• Supervises the day-to-day operations of the Library
• Engages with staff and community partners to implement the library strategic plan.  
• Leads Library staff to prioritize effective customer service and ensure that Library policies are enforced in an equitable and positive manner.  
• Guides staff to develop Library collections, services, and programs to meet the diverse needs of the community 
• Directs staff in developing Library technology and digital resources to meet the diverse needs of the community.
• Mentors staff to build community awareness and use of Library programs and services.  
• Ensures that the Library is well-maintained, clean, and energy efficient and provides a safe and welcoming space for the entire community 

Administration

• Crafts and oversees the annual library budget, ensuring it aligns with the Library Board's approval and vision.
• Compiles and delivers insightful reports to the Montana State Library, the County Commission, the City Commission, and other key oversight entities.
• Supports the regular meetings of the Library Board and provides timely and relevant information for effective oversight and decision-making.  
  1. Legislative and regulatory activities that will affect the library.
  2. Statistical measures of Library performance.
  3. Updates on Library services, projects and activities.
  4. Best practices and industry trends.
• Oversees the Library participation in eRate and other governmental technology programs.
• Coordinates with City Departments (Fiscal, HR, IT, Public Works) to ensure that the Library operates smoothly within the City of Great Falls system. 

• A Master’s degree in Library/Information Science from an ALA accredited library school, required.  A combination of training, education and experience equivalent to a Master’s degree in Library Science would be considered.
• Certification in the Montana Certification Program for Library Directors, Staff and Trustees is required.  Employee will have up to four years to complete certification.

• Experience in researching a wide variety of topics from policy, to operations, to facility management.
• Proficiency in office and library software.  Experience with New World software, is desired.

NECESSARY SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS

Candidate must possess or have the ability to obtain a valid Montana driver’s license.

• Extensive knowledge of the principles and practices of library management and administration.
• Strong leadership and management skills with a high degree of integrity and ethical standards.
• Excellent organizational, problem-solving, process management and facilitation skills.
• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion and trust.
• Strong commitment to public service and dedication to Library values as defined in the Library Bill of Rights, the ALA Freedom to Read Statement and the ALA Freedom to View Statement.
• Thorough knowledge of principles of effective personnel management, labor relations and employee performance measurement. 
• Experience with employee engagement, recruiting, training, disciplining and terminating employees within a union environment.
• Ability to address and respond to operational challenges commonly experienced in an urban library environment. 
• Ability to promote consensus and collaboration in building relationships across the city and county with colleagues, coworkers, board, trustee and community members.
• Knowledge of facility management including contracting, bidding, and project management.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability and willingness to communicate openly and transparently with the City of Great Falls, Library Board, Library Foundation employees and community.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing situations and to vary work schedule; must be willing and able to work nights and weekends.  Willingness to fill in, as needed, to work various library desks.
• Ability to maintain certifications and a professional development plan.

CORE COMPETENCIES

• Library Service and organization
• Library Collection Development
• Customer Service
• Leadership Skills
• Sound Business Acumen including budgeting
• Management Skills
• Conflict Resolution
• Excellent Communication Skills (oral and written)
• Public Relations & Interpersonal Skills
• Organizational Skills
• Library Technology 

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

This position supervises a library staff composed of part-time and full-time positions.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Work is performed in a library environment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, bend, twist, pinch, grasp, reach, pull and perform similar body movements. Must have the ability to perform moderate physical work and to lift and carry up to occasionally 50 pounds at a time; the possession of hand/eye coordination sufficient to operate a computer, typewriter, microfilm reader, printer and copier; ability to operate a motor vehicle; the ability to talk and hear in person or by telephone; and the ability to see and read materials.  

EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK

The work week is Sunday through Saturday.  The 40-hour work schedule is typically performed Monday through Friday.  There may be occasions which require work beyond the standard 40-hour work schedule and include evenings and weekends. This position is an exempt position and is ineligible for overtime. 

TRAVEL

Travel is primarily local during the business day. Occasional travel may be required to attend off-site training and educational opportunities.