Assistant Director

Job Title:

Assistant Director

Reports To:

Executive Director

Department:

Administration

Travel Required:

Yes

Location:

Main Library

Position Type:

Full-Time

Classification:

Exempt

Certification Required:

Yes

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Under the direct supervision of the Executive Director, the Assistant Director is responsible for supervising the day-to-day operations of the library and acts in place of the Executive Director in his/her absence. Participates in the development, recommendation, and administration of library policies, procedures, and processes. Works collaboratively with all departments, the community, and/or external agencies. Supervises higher management level positions and serves on the leadership team.

Administration & Personnel Duties

• Functions in the capacity of the Executive Director in his/her absence or as assigned.
• Assists the Executive Director with higher administrative tasks such as preparing reports, submitting documents, attending meetings and trainings, supervising staff, and other duties as assigned.
• Regularly meets with the Executive Director to review and discuss the revision and implementation of library policies, collection development, technology applications, facilities maintenance and improvements, marketing, and workplace safety and security.
• Participates in developing, interpreting, and implementing the library’s strategic plan.
• Assists in the preparation of bid specifications and evaluates vendor performance.
• Assists with the preparation of the annual budget and monitors specific budgets as needed.
• Provides direct supervision, evaluation, and management of higher-level managers, including training, evaluating, disciplining, and mediating conflicts.
• Works with the Executive Director and other key staff to ensure effective hiring, onboarding, training, and development of staff.
• Attends all regular department meetings and committee meetings as necessary.
• Attends all Board of Trustees meetings and takes library board minutes if necessary.
• Attends library conferences and events to ensure continual professional development and share information with staff.
• Acts as a community liaison to promote library services and programs through tours, demonstrations, presentations, and displays.
• Represents the Library in the community and at professional meetings as needed.
• Communicates with department managers to ensure mandatory training is completed by staff.
• Assists in overseeing proper documentation of training taken by staff and assists in maintaining training records.
• Works with management and committees to ensure that all departmental, safety, and training procedure manuals and instructions are up to date, including OSHA-required documents, procedures, and guidelines.
• Evaluates and approves time sheets and leave requests.
• Oversees committees and ensures that they all have staff volunteers, meet regularly, and receive reports from those committees to share with the rest of the library staff.

Operations Duties

• Ensures the day-to-day activities and operations of the library are carried out and supports the mission, vision, and long-range plan goals set by the Board of Trustees.
• Oversees the library’s notary services, heads notary meetings, and ensures staff coverage for this service.
• Acts as the backup scheduler for 4-week and daily desk schedules.
• Assists with approving and maintaining the meeting room schedules.
• Models customer service expectations and leadership skills; promotes open communication
• Responds to and resolves patron concerns or problems.
• Works cooperatively with all managers and administrators to ensure quality library service to patrons.
• Assists with the evaluation of library programs and services.
• Assists with collection development of print, digital, and non-traditional items.
• Participates in material reconsiderations.
• Oversees the opening and closing procedures of the library.
• Performs public service desk duties as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Expected Hours of Work:

Work schedule may include early mornings, evenings, and/or weekends, and require flexibility to serve on-call as needed. Must work at least 37.5 hours a week. On-site attendance is required.

Required Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree or an equivalent combination of education, certification, training, and/or experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.
• Master’s degree in one of the following professions preferred: Library and Information Science Degree from an ALA-accredited school program, Masters in Business Administration, Or Masters in Education.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of experience of progressively increasing levels of administrative and management responsibilities.
• Five years of professional library experience preferred.
• Must be able to obtain a Professional I or II KDLA certification.
• Valid driver’s license for transportation needs.
• HR experience preferred.

Required Skills

• Ability to exercise initiative, leadership, independent judgment, and maintain professionalism and confidentiality in uncomfortable situations.
• Ability to organize, plan, set priorities, manage, and use time effectively to meet deadlines while working with frequent interruptions.
• Knowledge of professional library issues, theories, principles, and practices and the ability to put them into action.
• Strong commitment to excellent customer service.
• Ability to adapt, remain flexible, and flourish in a changing environment while maintaining a positive attitude.
• Ability to analyze and solve complex problems and resolve disputes and grievances by evaluating alternatives and developing solutions.
• Commitment to the fullest implementation of the philosophical principles of public library service as outlined in the ALA Freedom to Read Statement and professional literature
• Possess strong analytical, time management, interpersonal, and organizational skills as well as the ability to anticipate future needs.
• Ability to communicate effectively with others, orally and in writing, including through email.
• Knowledge of supervisory methods, including work delegation, scheduling, evaluating performance, and maintaining morale.
• Practice ethical staff management.
• Ability to learn and operate library automated systems with a high degree of efficiency.
• Proficiency in using MS Office applications: Word, Excel
• Ability to establish and maintain effective and positive working relationships with co-workers, patrons, user groups, community organizations, volunteer groups of varying personalities, cultures, and ages, and to serve the public courteously in a variety of situations.
• Foster an environment that attracts and invites patrons to use the library.

Physical Demands

• Moving up to 50lbs. carts and handling moderately heavy boxes of books when the occasion requires.
• Ability to balance, stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, reach, stand, walk, push, pull, lift, grasp, talk, type, pick, pinch, hear, and perform repetitive motions.
• Ability to stand and sit for long periods of time.
• Movement through facility locations and assisting patrons.
• Ability to handle books, materials, and equipment.
• Ability to reach above the head and below the knee to retrieve shelved items.
• Visual acuity sufficient to identify materials on shelving up to 90” and to read primarily typed or printed text in a variety of type sizes. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment

• Climate-controlled environment inside the building.
• Barrier-free work area.
• Typical office environment.

Please Note: This job description is intended to outline the general nature and level of work performed by individuals assigned to this position. It is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.