Library Director, Somerville Public Library, Somerville, MA

Posted October 19, 2014

Apply Dates: 10/14/2014 – 11/15/2014

Department: Libraries

Description/Duties:

The City of Somerville, a vibrant and diverse community of 70,000, is looking for a creative and dynamic director and community leader. The incumbent is responsible for the main library, two neighborhood branches and one e-branch. The incumbent will oversee and actively direct all operations of the Library, including Adult Services, Young Adult Services, Children’s Services, Circulation, Technical Services, Reference. Excellent leadership and communication skills are required. Previous experience with and/or enthusiasm for managing a facilities expansion program are a plus.

The principal duties of the position include, but are not limited to: Policies and planning. Develop and implement strategic plans, establish long- and short-term goals and objectives for the Library; present and interpret strategic plans to Mayor and Board of Alderman. Direct future building programs, additions or building enhancements. Analyze for improvements in operations, procedures, services, staff organization. Monitor preventative building maintenance program. Oversee automation of Library operations and serve as City’s representative to vendors. Community leadership: Serve as liaison to the public, including presenting to Chamber of Commerce and local service organizations. Recommend and direct public relations activities and programs, including coordination with public schools on the Somerville Reads program. Provide information regarding Library policies, procedures and services, handle complaints and challenges. Library leadership: Develop strong Board of Trustees as community liaison and advocate. Work with Friends of the Library to enhance library programs. Implement Library Foundation to receive major gifts. Personnel management: Administer personnel policies, directly or through department heads. Develop, assign, train, discipline and evaluate staff. Play a major role in recruiting, interviewing and selection of all Library personnel. Budget/Finance: Develop, recommend and maintain annual Library budget; present and interpret budget proposals to Mayor, Board of Trustees and Board of Aldermen. Administer approved funds, special grant funds and special accounts, authorize expenditures; oversee all grants and grant applications. Monitor judicious expenditures of endowed funds. Collections and services: Develop strategic plan for library programming and community partnerships. Develop Library’s current services, recommend and implement new ones. Serve as the City’s representative and maintain standing for the Minuteman Library Network. Develop and direct the implementation of the Library’s book, audio-visual and non-traditional materials selection policy.

Requirements:

Qualifications:

Master’s degree in Library and Information Science from an ALA-accredited program. Minimum of 5 years of professional public library experience, with demonstrated knowledge of public library administration and managerial experience. Demonstrated increased responsibilities, preferably in a medium to large public library system. Organization and strategic planning experience. Fiscal and budgetary management. Experience working with unions preferred. Spanish and/or Portuguese advantageous.

Technology management and interest in Web 2.0 tools. Innovative approaches to problem solving. Strong skills in fostering community relations, including advocacy skills to lobby for aid and promote library services.

Excellent leadership qualities required, with the ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships between diverse groups, including:  staff, patrons, Trustees, City officials, union representatives and community organizations.

Application Procedure:

Send resume along with a cover letter by November 15, 2014, to

City Hall Personnel Office
93 Highland Avenue
Somerville, MA 02143
Fax:  617-666-4426
TTY:  1-866-808-4851
Email: [email protected]

THE CITY OF SOMERVILLE IS AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. WOMEN, MINORITIES, VETERANS AND PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES ARE ENCOURAGED TO APPLY. CITY OF SOMERVILLE RESIDENTS ARE ESPECIALLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.

Salary: $80,000 – $95,651 per year; paid weekly at $1.538.46 – $1,839.44; plus benefits package

Hours per Week: Full Time 40 hours per week