Library Director

Description

Enjoy a 4 season lifestyle less than 10 miles from downtown Boston.  Established in 1636, Dedham is a thriving suburban town of 25,000 engaged, civic minded residents.  With its origins dating to 1794, the library first received public funding in 1872.  We are proud of our history, but looking towards our future.  This position offers rewarding and exciting career opportunities.  We are seeking a responsive and committed professional with a passion for public service to lead our team in the pursuit of excellence.

Statement of Duties:

The Library Director serves as administrator of the town's public library system. S/he is responsible for the implementation of library policies established by the Trustees and for leadership to improve public library services to the community. The Director performs managerial duties related to budget, collection development, building maintenance, library services, programming and personnel (including assisting the Town Manager and Human Resources Director in collective bargaining and grievance resolution).

Supervision Required:

The Director reports to the Trustees and interfaces regularly with the Town Manager.  Working from policies and objectives given by the Trustees, the Director is responsible for establishing short and long-range objectives and meeting performance standards. The Director consults with the Trustees and/or Town Manager when clarification, interpretation, or exception to policy may be required. The Director formulates program goals and coordinates efforts between the library and other town departments. An annual review will be conducted by the Trustees.

Supervisory Responsibility:

The Director is responsible for leading and working collaboratively with staff to deliver quality services and programming. The Director formulates program goals. The Director is responsible for analyzing library operations, allocating available funds and staff, and reporting periodically on her/his achievements. The Director is responsible for the hiring and supervision of employees and coordination of all staff development and training activities. The Director is currently responsible for the supervision of fourteen (14) full time employees and five (5) part- time employees belonging to two separate unions.

Confidentiality:

In accordance with state law, the Director has regular access to the confidential information of the department, including, but not limited to, collective bargaining negotiations, union grievances, official personnel files, and patron records.

Accountability:

Consequences of errors or poor judgment may include missed deadlines, adverse public relations, monetary loss, legal repercussions, labor/material costs, personal injury, endanger public health/safety, and jeopardize programs.

Judgment:

Work is based on administrative or organizational policies, general principles, and legislation or directives that pertain to the public library. Extensive judgment and ingenuity is required to develop new or modify existing methods for accomplishing objectives.

Complexity:

The work consists of employing many different concepts. Assignments typically concern such matters as studying trends, assessing services, and recommending improvements.

Work Environment:

Work is performed in a public library setting subject to frequent interruptions. Noise or physical surroundings may be distracting, but working conditions are generally pleasant.

Public Relations:

The Director serves as spokesperson for the library. The Director may be required to discuss controversial matters where tact is required.

Occupational Risk:

Risk exposure is similar to that found in a public library setting.

Essential Functions:

The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as illustrations of the various type of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.


Leads the operation of the public library, to provide prompt, courteous customer service to patrons. Monitors all operations and delegates as needed. Handles complaints in accordance with policy.

Organizes, trains, assigns and evaluates personnel. Develops and trains staff for progressively more responsible experience.   Plans continuing education for staff and Trustees.  Maintains professional, respectful, and collaborative relationships with employees. Monitors trends in salaries and working conditions and suggests changes when appropriate.

Stays current with developments in the library field. Studies community and national trends, and evaluates their relation to the library. Recommends plans for library growth that include measurable goals and objectives.

Advises, consults, and confers with Trustees, other library professionals, government officials, citizens and community groups regarding library services and operations.

Reviews usage data and input from library patrons to evaluate the library’s collections, programs, and technological applications, and to allocate the budget and other resources accordingly.

Collaborates with local schools and community groups to better serve residents.

Keeps Trustees informed and recommends policies for the Trustees' consideration. Provides documentation when appropriate.  Administers policies and maintains policy handbook; interprets policies to staff and public.

Provides an orientation for newly elected or appointed Trustees.

Prepares all needed library reports for local government, the MBLC, and other professional organizations. Helps prepare and present the library's annual operating budget to the Town Manager, Finance and Warrant Committee, and Town Meeting.

Actively seeks grants and prepares grant applications. Seeks gifts and other new sources of non-tax funding in support of library services and programs. Acknowledges gifts of money and library materials.

Oversees the repair, maintenance, and operation of the library's physical plant, including surrounding grounds.

Markets and promotes the library through various media including newspapers, online sources, social media, and public speaking.

Supports efforts of the Friends of the Library, Dedham Library Innovation Team, and other community organizations in their support of library services and operations.

Remains familiar with all local, state, and federal laws and regulations that affect public libraries. Maintains accreditation standards set by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, to the best of his/her ability.


       
Requirements

Education and Experience:
Must have a Master's Degree in Library Science from an accredited ALA certified institution; three years of progressively responsible experience in a public library including at least one year in a supervisory capacity, preferably in a union environment; a documented history of accomplishment; experience developing and managing a budget; or an equivalent combination of education and experience upon approval of the Board of Trustees.

Special Requirements:
A candidate for this position must have a Certificate of Librarianship from the State Library Board of Commissioners or the ability to obtain one immediately.

Knowledge, Abilities and Skill

Knowledge:
Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of professional library services and the organization and management of library operations. Demonstrated knowledge of current electronic media and technology for use in developing, promoting, presenting and evaluating library programs and services.  Knowledge of administrative and supervisory practices and techniques include budgetary and personnel management, as well as facilities management.

Abilities:
Proven ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with library staff, Trustees, and town departments; demonstrated ability to manage library operations, implement policies and programs, and communicate effectively in writing and orally to individuals and large groups. Ability to envision, lead, and advocate for the library.  Ability to maintain composure in stressful work situations.

Skills:
Skills in leadership, motivation, relationship building, staff development, customer service, and community-centered program/service development. Articulate, tactful, professional communication skills and strong interpersonal skills are required. Demonstrated proficiency in the effective use of new technologies and social media in support of library services.  Skill in pursuing and administering grants would be helpful. Proficient organizational and planning skills, as well as a broad interest in learning and literature.

Physical and Mental Requirements

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the position's essential functions.

Physical Skills: Minimal physical demands are required to perform the work. Work effort principally involves sitting to perform work tasks, with intermittent periods of stooping, walking, and standing. There may also be some occasional lifting of objects such as library books, equipment, photocopy, and computer paper.

Motor Skills:

Duties may involve assignments requiring application of hand and eye coordination with finger dexterity and motor coordination. Examples may include operating a personal computer or library equipment.

Visual Skills:

The Director is required to routinely read documents/ reports for analysis and understanding. The Director is not regularly required to determine color differences.

Other Requirements:

Must be able to attend evening and weekend programs and meetings of various boards and groups.

Salary:                                    $75,750 - $113,600, depending on experience and qualifications

Apply:                                    Open until filled, review begins on June 1.

Send cover letter and resume to:  Miriam Johnson, HR Director, Town of Dedham, Dedham, MA 02026

                                                Email to:  mjohnson@dedham-ma.gov