Assistant Director of Library Services, Weymouth Public Library, Weymouth, MA

Posted November 30, 2023

The Weymouth Public Libraries is in need of a proven professional and self-starting library leader interested in being a key member of a progressive, dynamic library system. We seek an innovative, collaborative, flexible, and service-oriented professional librarian to help lead the Weymouth Public Libraries.

Supervision:

Works under the administrative direction of the Director of Library Services. Generally establishes own work plan and priorities, using and/or modifying established procedures, to complete the work in accordance with established departmental policies and standards. Assumes responsibility for library activities in absence of Director.

Performs professional library duties of a complex and responsible nature involving the administration of library operations, and assisting the Director of Library Services in designated areas of administration, planning and daily operations.

Provides functional supervision to 19 full-time employees and 9 part-time employees.

Job Environment:

Work is performed under typical office and library conditions. The work environment is moderately quiet. Occasionally required to work outside of normal business hours. In addition, may be required to work on weekends and evenings when staffing levels and staffing situations dictate. Employee is on-call 24 hours a day in the event of facility issues.

Daily contact with library patrons, other town departments, vendors, and other library organizations by phone, in person, and in writing. Excellent customer service skills required.

Has access to department-related confidential information, including personnel records, patron registration records, and bid documents.

Essential Functions:

Staff:

Coordinates and prepares all operational schedules for library staff
Ensures staff compliance and familiarity with established procedures
Coordinates training and professional development amongst staff
Monitors current best practices in librarianship and reviews, updates, or develops procedures and training for staff that reinforce current standards of service
Participates in various aspects of hiring process, including interviewing of potential candidates
Assists Director as needed with preparation of weekly payroll
Assists in union negotiations

Planning/Policies:

Assists in strategic planning, including submission of Annual Action Plan and Long-Range Plan to the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners
Reviews, updates, or creates library policies in collaboration with director, staff, trustees, patrons, or other town departments as needed

Budget/Reports:

Assists Director in preparation of annual budget
Prepares Annual Report Information Survey and Financial Report for the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners
Tracks and analyzes monthly and quarterly statistical reports
Researches grant opportunities and oversees grant process from application to evaluation

Marketing/Public Relations:

Leads effort to maintain consistent branding across all marketing avenues—digital and print
Assists Director with press releases and other written outreach to media representatives
Assists Director in overall marketing and public relations strategies

Programming:

Oversees and develops special adult programming in collaboration with the Head of Reference and Adult Services
Assesses current programming and evaluates community needs to guide planning of future events
Advises on teen and children’s programming as needed

Patrons and Community Outreach:

Provides back up and assists staff at public services desks when needed
Handles escalated patron issues; works with other town departments to resolve if necessary
Advocates for the library through community outreach and participation in community events and organizations
Liaises with the Friends of Weymouth Libraries

Collection Development:

Keep informed of trends and provides insights pertaining to digital collections

Facilities:

Assists Director and Head of Custodial Services with facility maintenance issues

Qualifications:Education and Experience:

Master’s Degree in Library Science from an ALA-accredited school with five years progressively responsible experience in professional library work; demonstrated successful supervisory experience required. Experience in library automation and networks, library administration, and a library union environment; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Knowledge: Thorough knowledge of library principles, practices, and current trends and resources in reference. Knowledge of and comfort with emerging library/information technology skills and trends. Knowledge of the organization and management of library operations. Knowledge of evaluation tools and data analysis. Familiarity with library automation. Knowledge of facility management

Ability: A strong public service commitment. Ability to direct the work of professional and nonprofessional staff. Ability to meet and deal with people appropriately and effectively. Ability to initiate ideas and manage projects. Ability to communicate well both orally and in writing. Ability to operate a keyboard, computer, telephone and standard office equipment. Ability to move between tasks with patience, flexibility and ease.

Skill: Excellent organizational, planning, and problem-solving skills. Must be comfortable with and have a history of public speaking and presentation experience.

Physical Requirements: Light physical effort required in carrying and shelving books, and in performing other typical library functions. Frequent standing, walking, bending, reaching, and climbing. Ability to operate a keyboard at an efficient speed. Frequently required to sit and talk or hear, use hands to finger, handle, feel, or operate objects, tools, or controls; and reach with arms and hands. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move materials weighing up to 20 pounds.

Salary: Starting salary $87,853.24 annually. Full range for the position is $87,853.24-$108,277.20.

How to apply:

Applications will be accepted through Wednesday, December 13, 2023. Applicants interested in the position can send their resume and Town of Weymouth employment application either by fax to 781-682-3561, by email to [email protected], or by mail or in person to Human Resources, 182 Green Street, N. Weymouth, MA 02191. The job posting, job description, and the Town of Weymouth employment application can be found at

https://www.weymouth.ma.us/human-resources/pages/working-for-the-town-of-weymouth-employment-opportunities. A cover letter explaining your interest in and qualifications for the position is encouraged.

All candidates that are offered a position with the Town must successfully complete a background investigation, which may include a pre-employment physical, pre-placement drug test and a CORI/SORI search.