Supervising Librarian I with MLIS

Job Title: Supervising Librarian I with MLIS
Location: Chelan and Manson Branches

Division: Public Service

Department: Community Libraries

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Hours: Full-Time, 40 hours

Wage: Grade N, $68,268.89-$91,747.68

Position Summary: 
The Supervising Librarian is responsible for planning, coordinating, and managing the operations, programs, public services, and assigned staff at a mid-sized branch library that operates as a service hub in its region (typically serving a population of more than 10,000).

This engaged and hands-on leader develops strong local partnerships, provides tailored programming designed to meet local needs and opportunities, ensures all community members have access to robust library services, and leads a team of staff in meeting the daily operational needs of the library.

The Supervising Librarian positively impacts staff culture at their location by leading with empathy, setting clear guidelines and vision, giving direction and feedback, regularly coaching staff, addressing performance concerns, and maintaining an active and engaged presence. They actively support the strategic direction of the library system through proactive change management and the development of efficient systems and procedures that are aligned with all district-wide policies, procedures, guidelines, and initiatives. Creative problem solving, consistent leadership, and the courage to try new things, fail, modify, and improve are a requirement of the position.

This position represents NCW Libraries to the community-at-large and proactively engages with city representatives, the local Friends of the Library, partnering organizations, and community groups.

Core Competencies:

At NCW Libraries, we believe that the foundation of our success lies in the unique abilities and skills each team member brings to the table. The core competencies outlined below represent the key attributes and behaviors that are essential for excelling in this role. We seek individuals who embody these qualities and are committed to fostering a dynamic, innovative, and collaborative work environment. If you possess these competencies, we encourage you to apply and join us in driving NCW Libraries forward.

• Ethical Practice: Consistently demonstrates integrity through behavior, character, and action. Reliably applies good judgment that reflects organizational values.
• Professionalism: Completes work to a set standard, both as an individual and part of a team. Exhibits competence and proficiency and consistently demonstrates accountability.  Serves as a positive representative of the library district both at work and in the community.
• Building Respectful Relationships: Promotes confidentiality and trust, fosters a positive culture, and exhibits respect with all verbal and nonverbal communication.
  
• Effective Communication & Collaboration: Provides concise, timely, and accurate information through appropriate channels, internally and externally. Welcomes and offers constructive feedback. Listens actively and works effectively with others to achieve organizational goals and objectives
• Adaptability: Responds positively to organizational change and shows a willingness and flexibility to learn and develop. Able to assess and make decisions in the moment, even when lacking complete information. Remains calm during tense or challenging situations or periods of stress.
• Valuing Diversity & Promoting Inclusiveness: Values diverse perspectives, consistently exhibits inclusive behavior, and cultivates respect for all individuals, groups, and cultures. Approaches relationships and communication with staff and community with respect and recognizes opportunities for their own personal learning and growth.
  
• Library Advocacy & Intellectual Freedom: Promotes and supports the fundamental purpose of the public library, including mission, vision, and strategic directions of NCW Libraries. Understands and can articulate the library’s role in providing free and equal access to ideas, information, resources, and services, from all points of view, without restriction, to every individual.

Position Details:

This position reports to an Area Manager and supervises two or more Customer Service Technicians as well as all local substitute Library Assistants.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Works closely with branch staff to define and ensure the delivery of excellent customer service. Promotes and models this behavior in all internal and external customer interactions, which may include circulation support, reference, reader’s advisory, technology assistance, and more.
• Positively responds to all customer complaints whether received directly or referred by other district staff. Maintains a high level of professionalism and customer service while resolving patron code of conduct violations and when confronted with challenging patrons.
• Designs and implements new programs and outreach opportunities that are responsive to changing community needs and demographic trends, and that accomplish organizational goals and mission.
• Focuses on constant improvement of established programs and outreach opportunities by analyzing relevant data, staying informed of library trends, and pursuing regular professional development.
• Positions the library to be an active participant in community conversations by developing strong partnerships and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders.
• Promotes and supports principles of Intellectual Freedom with staff and patrons. Resolves related concerns and redirects to appropriate source as needed.
• Works with Collection Development department to inform, manage, right-size, and display materials that meet community needs and maximize circulation of materials.
• Ensures a consistent and high-quality user experience by managing all daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual operational needs, including staff schedules, scheduling substitutes, supply inventory, cash handling, equipment maintenance, and facility issues. Works with the appropriate support departments to resolve all anticipated and unexpected issues that could disrupt service.
• Responds to building maintenance and safety issues and emergencies as needed, including prompt and collaborative communication with the designated building-owner’s representative. Tracks issue resolution and elevates major concerns to supervisor and Facilities Manager.
• Works with Human Resources and Area Manager to recruit and hire qualified staff for open positions.
• Oversees onboarding of new staff, provides ongoing staff training, including upskilling staff for professional development opportunities, engages in regular check-ins with each staff member, and works to resolve employee grievances. Creates and shares consistent documentation of staff performance with the Area Manager. May provide progressive discipline to correct employee performance concerns in collaboration with Area Manager and Human Resources. 
• Ensures accuracy of staff and substitute timesheets and signs off on them for payroll. 
• Identifies opportunities to engage community volunteers in meaningful work that increases the capacity of the branch to serve the public. Manages volunteer schedules and ensures volunteers have sufficient training to be successful.
• Ensures that all NCW Libraries policies and procedures are being followed at the branch and provides input for improvement of policies and procedures that directly impact branch services and operations.
• Attends and participates in a variety of meetings, training sessions, workshops, conferences, and/or community events; chairs and/or serves on committees as assigned or appointed.
• Performs other duties as assigned, apparent, or required.
  

Required Qualifications

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university.
• Three years of related experience with a minimum of one year of supervisory experience.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred.
• Master’s degree in Library and Information Science.
• Washington Librarian certificate within 60 days of hire.
  

Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices, and techniques of modern library operation.
• ALA Code of Ethics, Library Bill of Rights, and Freedom to Read Statement.
• Principles and practices for effective and engaged management.
• ILS software, Microsoft Suite, Google Suite, computer scheduling software, and emerging technologies.

Ability to:

• Interpret, enforce, and hold staff and patrons accountable to NCW Libraries policies and procedures.
• Develop a positive, respectful atmosphere for all members of the branch team with an emphasis on collaboration and inclusion.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff across the district, outside agencies, community groups, library patrons, and the general public.
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, to a variety of audiences using a variety of mediums.
• Effectively use current and emerging technologies and assist others with basic troubleshooting of a wide variety of technology tools.
• Manage difficult or emergency situations calmly and professionally.
• Work quickly and accurately in independent and team settings, follow directions, meet deadlines, be self-directed and detail-oriented, recognize and set priorities, use initiative and problem-solving skills, and exercise sound judgment.
  

Work Environment & Physical Demands:

• Work is performed primarily in a busy public library setting with extended periods of standing, walking, sitting, working in front of a computer monitor, and engaging in conversations (in person and over the phone). Multiple interruptions, troubleshooting, and problem-solving are illustrative of the environmental requirements of the position.
• Regularly requires lifting or moving items of up to 25 pounds, and occasionally requires lifting or moving items of up to 50 pounds.
• Occasionally requires working off-site in a variety of indoor and outdoor settings.
• Some early morning, evening, and weekend work is required.
  

Equal Opportunity Employer:
NCW Libraries is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applicants from all walks of life and are committed to supporting diverse talent. We ensure all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need assistance or accommodation during the application process due to a disability, please contact us at HR@ncwlibraries.org.