Abbot Library Assistant Director, Town of Sunapee, (Sunapee, NH)

Posted April 8, 2025

Job Description:

The Abbott Library in Sunapee, New Hampshire is seeking a dynamic and talented library professional with proven management experience and excellent library skills to provide leadership in its vibrant community library. This individual will work closely with the Library Director on the management of the library and will be responsible for the library in the Director’s absence.

The ideal candidate is strategic, flexible, positive, creative, patient, decisive, and technologically adroit. Additionally, the ideal candidate has demonstrated success aligning people, process, and technology; excellent leadership, communication, interpersonal and customer relationship skills; and is committed to excellent patron service. A finely tuned sense of humor is not required but highly beneficial.

Responsibilities:

Executes library policies and the directions of the Director in all areas of library operation:

Assumes responsibility for library operations in Director’s absence.
May assist the Director in a variety of strategic areas including developing new policies, budget preparation, long-range planning, preparing statistical and narrative reports, managing Automated Library System, and developing a procedure manual, emergency procedures, and other aids for staff and volunteers.
May assist the Director in community relations, selection and training of new staff, scheduling and evaluating staff, managing volunteer work, and following volunteer best practices.
May assist the Director with key operational and technology projects, including managing public and staff computer updates and security.
May assist the Director with grant writing and fundraising efforts.
Supervises and schedules volunteers.
Manages room reservation schedules

Collection Development:

Provides leadership of and recommendations in areas of collection development, in conjunction with staff.
Under the direction of the Director, manages the budgets related to collection development efforts.
Select new materials for library collections by evaluating review journals, publishers’ catalogs, and other online professional resources.
May approve or disapprove patrons’ requests for new materials by locating and evaluating reviews.
Prepares new materials for circulation by labeling items based on the library’s classification system.
Places audio-visual materials into the proper cases. Edits records within the local library collection.
Catalogs or assists in cataloging books and other materials.
Under the direction of the Director, analyze existing collections for weaknesses and order materials to upgrade subject areas.
Under the direction of the Director, determines whether to withdraw, replace, or rebind materials in the collection and work with library staff that assist with this process.
Assists in the purchasing of book processing supplies.

Programming:

Plans and implements adult programming, including lectures, movie screenings, interactive programs, musical acts, and hands-on experiences.
Manages program funds assigned to adult programming.
Schedules and leads adult drop-in groups.
Assists in planning and running monthly book discussion group(s).
Assists in promoting adult programs.

Qualifications:

Professional Experience:

Knowledge of library principles, methods, materials, and practices of library operation.
Knowledge of the theories, objectives, principles, and practices of public administration as applied to a public library.
Ability to administer the activities of a public library and oversee the work of others.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with superiors, subordinates, officials of other agencies and the general public.
Ability to effectively communicate in oral and written communications.
Ability to assess reader interest.
Ability to offer patrons basic and intermediate help with technology devices, software, and apps.
Ability to use audio-visual technology, office equipment and library systems.
Ability to perform routine work well; to follow instructions and to accept responsibility.
Ability to arrange books alphabetically and numerically.
A neat, clean, friendly, can-do attitude with other staff and patrons, and willingness to accommodate all patrons.
Commitment to expanding skills and knowledge through continuing education courses and workshops.
Sufficient general knowledge of everyday library procedures to permit running the library in the Library Director’s absence.

Education:

Master’s degree in library science or equivalent library experience is preferred and required for Labor Grade 12.
Prior experience working in a public library is preferred and required for Labor Grade 12.
Prior library managerial experience is preferred.

Hours and Compensation:

The Assistant Director, a full-time position will be paid according to the Town of Sunapee Labor Grade 11 or 12, depending on education and work experience.

How To Apply:

To see the full job description, visit the official job posting, linked here.

To apply, email a resume and cover letter to [email protected].

Applications received before April 25, 2025 will receive first consideration. The position will be open until it is filled.