Associate Director, Portland Public Library, Portland, ME
Posted May 11, 2015
Portland Public Library (PPL) is seeking a dynamic, experienced library professional eager to bring thoughtful and transformative energy and operations expertise to the position of Associate Director.
Scope and Nature of the Position
The Associate Director is the second ranking position working very closely with the Executive Director, other senior library leadership, internal and external library colleagues, and designated Trustee committees to develop library strategy, coordinate library operations, and maximize the Library’s impact on our vibrant and diverse community.
The day to day responsibilities of the Associate Director focus on the delivery and assessment of library operations through coordination and leadership of library staff and partners focused on the community constituencies we serve through our physical spaces, bookmobile and “Portable Library”, and our virtual service environment. This work is structured through organizational Teams which the Associate Director facilitates at the highest level. The position also participates in the development and implementation of infrastructure and other strategic initiatives.
The Associate Library Director is also a key contributor to the establishment of a positive and healthy organizational culture focused on the mission of the library. In addition, the Associate Director actively represents the library in statewide collaborative conversations and pursuits. The position also serves as staff liaison and provides support to the Board of Director Planning Committee.
Finally, the Associate Director leads the library system in the absence of the Executive Director.
The Associate Director reports directly to the Executive Director. Four Team Coordinators and two Administration staff members report to this position.
Skills and Talents Required
The Associate Director must possess broad and deep knowledge of library organizational practices including the library’s physical and digital spaces, programming and outreach into the community, customer service and the prudent and creative deployment of resources and technology. Additionally, the Associate Director must have strong analytical acumen and a keen understanding and interest in library trends in order to express the business priorities and key projects of the library and provide the leadership, decision-making, and guidance to execute its strategic initiatives.
The Associate Director must possess a collaborative leadership style and be an inspiration and resource to library colleagues who span the full range of professional tenure and responsibility, in strong planning and follow-through, service ethics, and constructive communication.
An MLS in Library and Information Services from an ALA-accredited institution, or equivalent, is required with five or more years of senior level management in library services and related areas. Familiarity with a union environment and collective bargaining agreement is helpful.
Key areas of responsibility:
- Partner with Executive Director to develop library vision and strategy
- Provide direction for Library Services
- Lead Library Services teams to plan and implement services, pursue new initiatives, manage collections, develop policy and process, achieve goals, and assess service quality
- Lead development of Library’s physical and digital engagement with the community
- Assume Executive Director duties when ED absent or unavailable
- Research and incorporate library trends and innovations
- Foster collaborative work environment and healthy organizational culture
- Leverage statewide collaborative opportunities
About Portland Public Library
Chartered in 1867, Portland Public Library is one of the oldest cultural institutions in Maine’s largest and most diverse city, which is also home to a working waterfront, a dedicated foodie culture, and a vibrant arts and cultural scene. Our mission is “Building a City of Readers,” envisioning a future where the Library is the civic and cultural center inspiring imagination, curiosity, awareness, and learning to support literate, informed, and engaged citizens.
The Library consists of a main location downtown, three branches, a 2-year-old bookmobile, and a unique offsite Shared Collections Management Center developed in partnership with the Maine Historical Society. The library system is actively transforming its spaces and services, including a 2010 renovation of its downtown Main Library, with two branch renovations planned within the next 2 years. PPL houses extensive physical and electronic collections, including important city historical archives. The Library stages educational, community, and cultural events, in addition to providing computing services and Internet access to the public, and hosted 675,000 patron visits in 2014.
Compensation
Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience. Excellent benefits package.
Please send a resume and cover letter describing your relevant qualifications and specific interests in the position to [email protected]. Review begins immediately and continues until position is filled.