Operations Administrator-Norfolk Public Library

Library Operations Administrator

The City of Norfolk's Department of Libraries is currently seeking a Library Operations Administrator. The Library Operations Administrator is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing personnel, operations, and public service delivery across a multi-branch public library system. This position ensures high-quality services, effective staff leadership, strong community partnerships, and alignment with the library's mission, vision, and Strategic Directions. The Administrator provides system-wide operational oversight, supports innovation, and serves as a key advisor to senior leadership.

The Norfolk Public Library became the first free public library in Virginia in 1904, and its collection includes classic and popular items from the late 19th century to today. The Norfolk Public Library provides equal opportunity access to information, high quality book and multimedia materials, programs, exhibits and on-line resources to meet the needs of our diverse community for life-long learning, cultural enrichment and intellectual stimulation. To fulfill its mission, the library employs knowledgeable, well-trained staff committed to excellent service and civility.

Essential Functions

Leadership & Administration

• Oversee daily operations of all library branches, including employee relations and administrative functions.
• Recruit, hire, onboard, train, supervise, and evaluate branch managers and staff.
• Mentor and empower leadership teams; ensure staff are trained, supported, and provided growth opportunities.
• Develop, implement, and assess short- and long-range strategic and operational plans.
• Establish division-wide goals, policies, and procedures; monitor performance and drive continuous improvement.
• Serve as an advisor to the NPL Central Team and act on behalf of senior leadership when needed.
• Assist the Director with branches' development and operational planning.
• Compile statistics and prepare required reports for Library Administration.
• Participate in strategic planning committees and cross-departmental initiatives.
• Maintain positive working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Represent the library at meetings, presentations, and community events.
• Assist with updating and maintaining the Operations & Procedures Manual.

Library Operations & Public Service Delivery

• Provide leadership and coordination of operations across all branches.
• Ensure consistent, high-quality public service, programming, and equitable access to collections.
• Establish and monitor performance standards using data-driven approaches.
• Oversee facilities operations, including maintenance, safety, and coordination on capital projects with Business & Fiscal Management.
• Direct public service staffing for anchor and neighborhood branches.

Programs, Collections & Innovation

• Collaborate with the Programming Division to develop and deliver diverse programs and community events.
• Support system-wide initiatives such as Family Place, YOUmedia, and adult programming.
• Work with the Support Services Administrator on collection development, materials management, and digital resources.
• Promote and coordinate innovative technologies and services to enhance user experience.

Budgeting & Financial Management

• Collaborate with leadership and Business & Fiscal Management on branch budget development.
• Monitor branch expenditures to ensure fiscal responsibility.
• Identify funding opportunities and support grant development, partnerships, and fundraising initiatives.

Community Engagement & Partnerships

• Serve as a visible ambassador for the library at public forums, city meetings, and professional organizations.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with community organizations, educational institutions, and government agencies.
• Engage with neighborhood civic leagues to develop services responsive to community needs.
• Represent the library at outreach events including parades, festivals, and community gatherings.
• Communicate library initiatives effectively to stakeholders, media, and the public.

Policy, Compliance & Evaluation

• Develop, interpret, and update policies to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.
• Liaise with oversight agencies and professional organizations.
• Monitor and evaluate system-wide performance using data-driven methods.
• Maintain current knowledge of library best practices and emerging trends.

Personnel Management

• Supervise librarians, professional staff, and support staff, including scheduling, training, and performance evaluation.
• Direct and support personnel administration activities, including interviewing, hiring, evaluations, disciplinary actions, and approval of time-off requests.
• Provide system-wide and regional professional development workshops focused on public library services.
• Plan and oversee staff structure, training, and development initiatives.
• Hold delegated authority for hiring, training, assigning, evaluating, and disciplining lower-level supervisors and managers.
• Participate in professional development activities to enhance service delivery.

Education/Experience

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Business administration, Public Administration, Library Science (MLS/MLIS), or a related field from an accredited institution.
• Four or more years of progressively responsible leadership experience in library management, preferably in a large, urban public library system.
• Strong leadership, strategic planning, and organizational management abilities.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex, multi-site operations and large teams.
• Strong analytical and decision-making skills with the ability to adapt to changing priorities.
• Professionalism, sound judgment, and a positive attitude.

• Four years of management experience with demonstrated strength in employee relations.
• Three years of supervisory experience.
• Experience working with diverse communities and stakeholder groups.

Additional Information

• Requires flexibility to attend meetings, programs, and community events, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
• Work is performed in office and public service environments across multiple library locations.

Additional Information & Requirements

Required: A master's degree in library science (MLS/MLIS), Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field from an accredited institution