Associate Head Librarian, Worcester Public Library, Worcester MA

Posted June 22, 2014

SALARY: $69,814.93 – $90,101.95 annually

Under the general direction of the Head Librarian is responsible for assisting in planning, directing, and overseeing the activities and operations of the Worcester Public Library.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

•  Serves as a member of the administrative team to develop overall strategy, manage tactical objectives, and short-and long-term planning for deployment of resources.
•  Assists in monitoring and evaluating the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures, assesses and monitors workload, and internal reporting relationships.
•  Acts as an official departmental representative to other City departments, City Manager’s Office, elected officials, and outside agencies.
• Assists in selecting, motivating, and evaluating department staff while coordinating training and staff education.
• Handles challenging safety and security issues in an urban setting.
• Guides direct reports while providing challenging development opportunities and serving as a mentor and coach.
• Actively assists in managing and participating in the development and administration of the department budget and estimates funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies.
• Works as a subject matter expert in the areas of digitization, electronic resources, current technology, and online applications.
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings and stays ahead of new library trends and innovations regarding services and operations.
• Responds to resolving sensitive inquiries and complaints from both internal and external customers.
• Assists in reviewing and signing all higher-level department communications and contracts.
• Administers support service functions of the library for Circulation, Information Technology, and Knowledge and Resource Access, and Lifelong Learning and Information Center.
• Performs other duties, as assigned, consistent with the functions of the work unit and level of administrative responsibility.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:
The ideal candidate will possess a combination of training, skills and experience, as demonstrated in past and current employment. Desirable experience, skills, and knowledge for this position include:

•  Principles and practices of library administration.
•  Ability to develop, implement and administer goals, objectives and procedures for providing effective and efficient services for the City.
•  Experience in planning, implementing, and evaluating program effectiveness.
•  Participating in development of library policy, planning, capital building projects.
•  Knowledge of leadership and management principles.
•  Ability to research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods, procedures, and techniques.
•  Experience in serving diverse populations.
•  Champions excellent customer service and customer experiences.
•  Ability to analyze problems, provide alternatives, and identify solutions in support of established goals.
•  Ability to direct and motivate staff using flexible problem solving skills.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education: Master’s degree in library science from an ALA accredited library school.

Experience: Five (5) years of progressive, administrative responsibility in the provision of public library services, e.g., as Library Director or senior level manager in a city library or state agency. Experience with computer applications.

Skills: Demonstrated management and leadership skills. Ability to interpret and apply library policy. Ability to work well with staff and public.

License: Ability to travel to required locations in a timely manner.

Acceptable Substitution: None.

To apply, please visit: www.worcesterma.gov/employment or send resume and cover letter on or before Friday, July 11, 2014 to: City of Worcester, 455 Main Street, Room 109, Worcester, MA 01608. EOE/AA employer.

The Worcester Public Library makes every effort to support ALA’s “Core Competences of Librarianship” as approved and adopted as policy by the ALA Council, January 27th 2009.