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Director of Libraries, Framingham Public Library, Framingham, M

Posted April 24, 2020

Position Purpose

Performs supervisory, administrative and professional work in planning, organizing and directing all Library services and activities, responsible for the daily operations of the Library system; develops and implements library policies, operating practices and projects; and provides leadership for improving public library services to the community.  Performs all other related work as required.

 Essential Functions

(The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position.)

  • Plans, organizes, and manages the services of the Framingham Public Library system.
  • Establishes goals and measures accomplishments against recognized standards.
  • Develops the services of the Library to meet the present and future needs of the community effectively.  
  • Studies community and area trends and evaluates their effect on the Library.
  • Works closely with Board of Library Trustees on policies and long- and short-term goals.
  • Advises, consults, and confers with other libraries and library professionals, officials (at local, state, and national levels), citizens, and diverse community groups regarding Library services and operations.
  • Directs public relations to promote and publicize the Library in the community.
  • Recruits, selects, and oversees the training and continued development of Library personnel.
  • Evaluates the performance of Library department heads and supervises the evaluation of other employees.
  • Supervises the keeping of records and the preparation of reports.
  • Prepares and presents Library budgets.
  • Actively seeks grants, gifts, and other new sources of non-tax funding for projects that enhance Library operations. Prepares grants and oversees grant writing.
  • Supervises maintenance of facilities and works closely with City officials to ensure excellent condition of interiors and exteriors of two Library buildings, parking areas, and a Bookmobile.
  • Works with the Trustees, Building Committee to plan and carry out building projects, inside and outside. 
  • Works closely with City officials to ensure the Library complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act.
  • Fosters good working relationships with the Mayor, City Council and City Department Heads.
  • Serves as a liaison to various municipal, civic and community organizations, speaks to groups and individuals to provide information and/or advocate for the Library.
  • Works with the boards and administrators of the Literacy Unlimited Program and Homework Center to ensure that the programs are financially able to fulfill their missions.
  • Assists Friends of the Library, Literacy Unlimited of Framingham Foundation Inc., and the Framingham Library Foundation in their support of Library services and operations.
  • Maintains and enhances collaborative partnerships with Framingham State University and Framingham Public Schools, among others.
  • Trains staff on handling emergences as spelled out in the Employee Emergency Procedures. Updates this document when needed. 

Recommended Minimum Qualifications

Education, Training and Experience

  • Master’s Degree in Library Science; seven to ten (7-10) years of library administration and supervisory experience; or any equivalent combination of education and experience.  Public library experience preferred. State Certification of Librarianship from the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners and, possession of a valid Class D Motor Vehicle Operator’s License. 

Knowledge, Ability and Skill

  • Knowledge: Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of professional library work; thorough knowledge of emerging library trends, services, and technologies.  
  • Ability:   Ability to work closely with the Board of Library Trustees, to manage Library operations, implement policies and programs, and to establish long and short term goals. Ability to supervise staff in an effective and supportive manner.  Ability to establish and maintain working relationships with organizations, departments and officials.
  • Skills: Excellent planning and organizational skills. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.   Skill in leadership, motivation, building relationships, assessing the needs of the community, and developing programs and services to meet the needs of the community.  Skills in negotiation, communication, business administration, personnel management and budget administration.

Physical Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

Regularly required to walk, stand, sit, talk, and hear; operate objects, tools, or controls; pick up paper, files and other common office objects.  Ability to view computer screens and work with details for extended periods of time.  Must be able to communicate written and orally.  Vision and hearing at or correctable to normal ranges.

Supervision

Supervision Scope: Performs highly responsible work of a complex nature which involves the exercise of independent judgment and initiative in planning and overseeing the administration of the City libraries and in the development and delivery of Library services to meet individual and community needs. 

Supervision Received:  Work is performed under the administrative direction of the Board of Library Trustees, Mayor, and Chief Operating Officer.

Supervision Given: Provides supervision of Library full time and part time employees, developing job direction, assigning tasks, instructions and monitoring performance.

Job Environment

  • Work is performed under typical office and library conditions; the noise level is moderate; will be required to work outside of normal business hours. The position requires attendance at evening meetings, and the employee is on call to respond to emergency situations.
  • Operates computer, telephone, facsimile machine, copier, calculator and other standard office equipment.
  • Employee has frequent contact with the general public, other library directors, schools, City departments, the Library Trustees, civic leaders, the news media and representatives from professional organizations.  Contacts are in person, by telephone, and by email and involve an information exchange dialogue.
  • Has access to all department-related confidential information, including personnel record, bid documents and patron records.
  • Errors could result in adverse public relations, injuries to other employees, damage to the library building and equipment, reduction in the level of Library service and have legal and/or financial repercussions for the City.

Salary

  • $102,395 – $120,000

Hours

  • Monday – Friday 8:30am to 5:00pm (37.5 hours)
  • Night Meetings and Occasional Weekends

Closing Date

  • May 4, 2020

How to Apply

 Please visit our website: www.framinghamma.gov/jobs

The City of Framingham is an Affirmative Action Equal Opportunity Employer.

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