Library Associate Director, Kent Memorial Library, (Suffield, CT)

Posted October 14, 2024

The Town of Suffield is a quintessential New England town with a longstanding pledge to preserving its historic architecture and agricultural roots. The many people who serve Suffield through town government as employees and volunteers alike remain committed to developing and fostering a strong
sense of community among its residents.

The Town of Suffield is seeking a Library Associate Director for the Kent Memorial Library. This position assists the Library Director in the management, supervision, and administration of the Library to provide maximum services to library patrons in accordance with library policy. This position oversees teen and adult services in the Library. Helps develop adult and teen collections and programs. Serving
Suffield’s residents in a positive, customer-oriented manner.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Exhibits and maintains a thorough knowledge of library services and collections, including print and electronic resources.
2. Assists the Library Director in performing professional and administrative work including, but not limited to, staff scheduling, payroll and the payment of monthly bills.
3. Assumes the duties of the Library Director in their absence, and is on call for after-hours emergencies when the director cannot be reached.
4. Collaborates with the Library Director in planning, evaluating, and recommending library services, budgets, staffing, and facility improvements.
5. Assists in preparing statistics and information for reports to the state, town, and Library Commission.
6. Contributes to the strategic planning process.
7. Provides leadership and oversight of library staff to achieve the library’s strategic goals and objectives.
8. Oversees scheduling of meeting and program rooms.
9. Works collaboratively with staff to develop and maintain the library’s website and social media accounts.
10. Attends seminars, conferences, and other professional development opportunities to remain current on developments in relevant fields.
11. Maintains positive working relationships with local government officials, school officials, the community, and the public regarding program offerings and coordination of services.
12. Responds to inquiries and complaints pertaining to services and facilities in a prompt and courteous manner.

Minimum Qualifications:

1. A Master’s degree in Library Science from an ALA-accredited college or university is welcome but not required. A bachelor’s degree in management or a related field will also be considered.
2. 3-5 years of experience working with teens and adults within a public library system.
3. Relevant experience may be substituted for education attainment if deemed appropriate by the
   First Selectman. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
4. Excellent customer service skills.
5. Knowledge of readers’ advisory and reference questions. Possess good analytical skills and excellent computer and internet searching techniques.
6. Knowledge of website design and social media.
7. Knowledge of teen services and collections.
8. Ability to communicate effectively and work cooperatively with patrons of all ages, volunteers, community partners, colleagues, and supervisors.
9. Operational knowledge of media and equipment, including computers, printers, and audiovisual equipment.
10. Experience with MS Office. Knowledge of Integrated Library Systems (ILS); experience with Evergreen preferred.
11. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
12. Ability to work independently, be flexible, and adapt to a fast-paced work environment.
13. Ability to plan and organize work procedures successfully in a team environment.
14. Knowledge of interlibrary loan procedures.
15. Commitment to ongoing professional development.
    Special Requirements:
16. Valid, active Motor Vehicle Operator’s license preferred.
17. Must submit to pre-employment drug and alcohol testing and fitness for duty testing.

Hours:

This is a full-time, thirty-two (32) hours per week position. Regular evening and Saturday shifts are required. This position occasionally requires hours beyond those scheduled, including monthly evening commission meetings.

Compensation and Benefits:
Starting annual salary range of $48,000 – $51,100 commensurate with experience, benefits package to include: 13 Paid Holidays per Year • Paid Sick and Vacation Days • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance • Defined Contribution Plan with Town Match • Short-Term Disability, Long-Term Disability, and Life Insurance

How to Apply:

Applications can be found on the town website at suffieldct.gov/departments/hr.
Please submit an application, cover letter, and resume by email to [email protected] or by mail to
Town of Suffield, Human Resources Department, Attention: Shannon Foley, 83 Mountain Rd, Suffield, CT 06078 by closing date of posting.