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Director of the State Archives, Library & Public Information, Rhode Island State Library, Providence, RI

Posted September 2, 2016

DEPARTMENT: SECRETARY OF STATE
DIVISION: ADMINISTRATION
OPENING DATE: 08/30/16
CLOSING DATE: 09/12/16 11:59 PM
SALARY: $43.82 – $49.70 Hourly; $79,753.00 – $90,456.00 Annually
PAY GRADE: 08636 A
JOB TYPE: Non-Union (99)
JOB NUMBER: 2121-10000- 00048

CLASS DEFINITION:

The Department of State is reorganizing three of its information divisions – the State Archives, the State Library, and the Public Information Division – to better respond to the evolving manner in which users access information about government records and publications, State laws, legislative sessions, agency regulations, and the structures of state government. The Director of the State Archives, Library & Public Information is a newly created position for a leader who is excited not only to reimagine how the three information divisions can better connect Rhode Islanders and their government, but also to manage the Department of State’s efforts to build our state’s first permanent archival facility. This new facility will be designed to preserve as well as increase Rhode Islanders’ access to the State’s historical assets. Through this new position and organizational changes, the Department of State is looking to ensure that the information we have on Rhode Island government and history is easily, readily available and used by all Rhode Islanders. 

The Director of State Archives, Library & Public Information is responsible for directing and coordinating the work of several information resource program areas:

  • the State Archives and Public Records
  • Administration of the State Library
  • the Administrative Rules office
  • the Office of Public Information

The Director of State Archives, Library & Public Information oversees these program areas with a total staff of 14 full-time equivalent positions, including the State Librarian, State Archivist & Public Records Administrator, Administrative Rules Coordinator, and Associate Director of Public Information, in a way that enables the Department of State to engage and empower all Rhode Islanders by making government more accessible and transparent, encouraging civic pride, enhancing commerce and ensuring that elections are fair, fast, and accurate. The successful candidate will be a creative, energetic, hard-working individual who is dedicated to connecting Rhode Islanders with accurate, timely, and responsive information about their government in a professional, non-partisan way. The Director of State Archives, Library & Public Information must demonstrate a passion for excellence and innovation with a track record of leading change, implementing emerging technologies and virtual services, and an enthusiastic vision for collaboration with the partners and constituents of the Department of State. S/he must also welcome the challenges and opportunities a building project presents.

The Director of State Archives, Library & Public Information reports to the Deputy Secretary of State/ Director of Administration. S/he is a member of the Department of State's leadership team and has considerable latitude for the exercise of discretion and independent judgment with respect to matters involving administration of the information resource program areas listed above.

ILLUSTRATIVE EXAMPLES OF WORK PERFORMED:

Administrative: Performs office work directly related to the general operations of the Division of State Archives, Library & Public Information:

  • Directs and coordinates the work of the following program areas: Archives and Public Records Administration; State Library; Administrative Rules; and Public Information. Provides constituents and patrons with access to state government records and publications, information about State laws, legislative sessions, agency regulations, and the organization of state government. Leads organizational change working closely with the State Librarian, State Archivist & Public Records Administrator, Administrative Rules Coordinator, and Deputy Director of Public Information. Fosters a respectful, innovative, team-based environment in the Division of State Archives, Library & Public Information.
  • Assists the Deputy Secretary of State/ Director of Administration in long-range planning, goalsetting, and policy development related to archives, library and public information services, including planning and building a state-of- the-art archival facility; assists with administration and special projects as requested.
  • Plans and implements new technology systems and initiatives in coordination with the Division of Information Technology at the Department of State and external partners, including the Rhode Island Office of Regulatory Reform.
  • Assists in preparing the budget for the Division of State Archives, Library & Public Information. Attends, promotes, and coordinates civic outreach and education events.
  • Collaborates and fosters strong relationships with the partners and constituents of the Department of State.
  • Performs other Department of State tasks and duties as necessary.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS FOR APPOINTMENT:

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Master’s degree in History, Library Science, Information Science/Management, Public Administration, or related field; and experience gained through employment in a governmental, educational, or special collection library or archives, or in a highly responsible administrative and supervisory position in a public agency or in private industry; or any combination of education and experience that shall be substantially equivalent to the previously described education and experience.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

A track record of leadership and innovation in the public or nonprofit sector in the preservation and promotion of historic and governmental information.

SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION:

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

  • Extensive knowledge of one or more of the subject areas for which the position is responsible.
  • Knowledge of computers, the internet, and collections management software systems.
  • Understanding of information needs of Division patrons.
  • Management, planning and supervisory skills, including the ability to function well as part of a management team that supports the overall goals of Department of State.
  • Strong customer relations skills and desire to meet and serve the needs of Division patrons.
  • Exceptional written and oral communications skills. The individual must be an inclusive collaborator and communicator able to prioritize workload effectively.
  • Proven ability to think analytically and to develop new or revised systems, procedures, and work flow.
  • Proven ability to make administrative decisions, interpret policies, and supervise staff.
  • Proven ability to motivate, develop, and direct people as they work.
  • Proven ability to establish and maintain positive partnerships with state, local and private sector entities, and to interact effectively with a wide variety of people.
  • Ability to multi-task and work in a dynamic, time-restricted environment. Ability to work under pressure with good humor. 
  • Proven ability to direct, plan, organize, staff, coordinate, budget, and evaluate the operations of the Division.
  • Ability to communicate in multiple languages preferred.

Interested candidates should submit their cover letter and resume to Deputy Secretary of State/Director of Administration, through www.Applv.RI.qov.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA) PROVISIONS:

  • Reasonable Accommodations: If an applicant is unable to perform any essential job functions because of his/her disability but can achieve the required results by means of a REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION, then the individual shall not be considered unqualified for the position.
  • Medical Information: Any medical exams required for this position will be performed after a conditional offer of employment has been made in accordance with the Rules/Regulations of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

CRIMINAL CONVICTIONS: Note: All interviewees will be required to complete a Criminal Record Supplemental Questionnaire (CS-14B) at the time of the first interview or anytime thereafter. Conviction is not necessarily a bar to employment. Each case is considered on its individual merits. Per RIGLS 28-5- 6(4), “CONVICTION means, for purposes of this chapter only, any verdict or finding of guilt after a criminal trial or any plea of guilty or nolo contendere to a criminal charge.”

APPLICATIONS MAY BE FILED ONLINE AT: Position #2121-10000- 00048 http://www.applv.ri.qov DIRECTOR OF STATE ARCHIVES, LIBRARY & PUBLIC INFORMATION, One Capitol Hill, Providence, RI 02908

[email protected]

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