JOB SUMMARY
This position serves as Public Services Operations Manager in the District of Columbia Public Library (DCPL) system. This position is located in the District of Columbia Public Library (DCPL) within the Public services Department. The Public Services Operations Manager ensures consistent, high-quality service across all library locations by managing floater staffing, directing hiring and onboarding, providing staff training, administering key operational systems, coordinating communications, supporting facilities’ needs, and maintaining service continuity. Operating under broad delegated authority, the incumbent reports to a Public Services Director on operational priorities and serves as the primary point of contact for operational communications, facilities coordination, and service continuity.
A MESSAGE FROM THE CHIEF OF PUBLIC SERVICES
Chief T. Alston | Public Service Announcement
MAJOR DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Manages Floater Staff, including scheduling, deployment, assignment coordination, and performance oversight to ensure consistent system-wide service coverage.
Serves as Hiring Manager for multiple public-facing positions; leads recruitment, interviews, selection, and onboard to build a qualified Public Services workforce.
Serves as PeopleSoft Super Approver, ensuring accurate and timely processing of personnel actions.
Coordinates and facilitates onboarding for new Public Services employees; represents the department during New Employee Orientation.
Designs and delivers training programs to strengthen staff competencies and ensure consistent operational practices across locations.
Leads implementation of department-wide operational initiatives; monitors progress, identifies barriers, and recommends solutions.
Provides operational analysis, implementation support, and recommendations to the Public Services Director on department-wide priorities.
Identifies operational gaps and develops evidence-based solutions to improve service delivery and organizational effectiveness.
Develops and disseminates operational updates to Public Services staff, ensuring clear and timely communication.
Serves as Weekend On-Call Public Services Administrator, ensuring uninterrupted weekend operations.
Tracks delayed openings and closures and communicates updates to staff and stakeholders.
Monitors urgent Service Desk issues across IT, Facilities, AV, and Operations; coordinates with responsible departments to drive resolution.
Serves on the Health & Safety Committee to support safe library environments.
Administers core operational systems, including Incident Tracker, Communico, Ask DCPL, and WhenToWork; ensures system integrity, staff training, and consistent use.
Communicates training and professional development opportunities; aggregates staff responses for departmental planning.
Communicates transfer opportunities and consolidates staff preferences to support workforce planning.
Coordinates communications regarding building openings, closures, and construction impacts; serves as primary Public Services contact for Capital Projects.
Performs other related duties as assigned.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
Master's degree in Library Information Science from an ALA-accredited institution, Business Administration, organizational Leadership, Management, Public Policy, Education, Public Administration, Social Services, Nonprofit Management, Human Services Administration, Communications or Community Development
Five (5) years of progressively responsible management experience in a large urban public library system.
At least three (3) years of supervisory or management experience leading professional staff, supervisors, or managers.
A demonstrated track record of providing operational oversight, delivering innovative public services, and leading cross-functional initiatives in a complex organizational environment.
Knowledge of budget formulation and execution, personnel practices, administrative procedures, and management techniques in order to assist in managing the department budget, communicate, advise on, and ensure compliance with personnel regulations and rules, develop or modify operating procedures, and analyze and review activities and programs.
Skill in operating a personal computer and related peripheral equipment in a networked environment.
Skill in use of Microsoft Office applications and conducting Internet searches.
Expert knowledge of analytical, evaluative, and research methods and techniques.
Ability to communicate in writing as well as orally in order to articulate library policy and administrative regulations to the general public, develop and relay needed policy and procedure changes, present information and recommendations in a concise, easily understood, and positive manner, coordinate activities of the department, and to promote innovation in public library service.
Preferred Qualifications
An MLIS from an ALA-accredited institution
Experience overseeing multiple library branches or service locations
Experience directing system-wide public service operations
Experience working in a unionized public-sector environment
Experience leading and implementing system-wide initiatives
LICENSES AND CERTIFICATIONS
None
WORKING CONDITIONS/ENVIRONMENT
The work is performed in an office setting.
DISTRICT REFERENCE CHECK
All applicants who are current or former District of Columbia Government employees will be subject to a background examination prior to the issuance of a conditional offer of employment. This review will include coordination with District agencies where the applicant is currently or was previously employed. The purpose of this examination is to verify the applicant’s employment standing and determine eligibility for rehire, reassignment, or promotion within the District government. Applicants found not to be in good standing may be deemed ineligible for further consideration.
By applying to this vacancy announcement, you hereby authorize the District of Columbia Public Library to conduct a background examination and reference check, including coordination with any District agencies where you are currently or were previously employed, to verify your employment standing and assess your eligibility for continued employment consideration.
GENERAL SUITABILITY SCREENING
This position is subject to general suitability screening; verification of employment history, reference checks and degree/license, as applicable. The appointee to the position may be offered employment contingent upon receipt of a satisfactory general suitability screening.
ENHANCED SUITABILITY SCREENING
The position for which the individual is applying has been identified and designated as security sensitive suitability screening; If tentatively selected for the position, a criminal background check, traffic record check, consumer credit check, and mandatory drug and alcohol test will be conducted (as appropriate); and the appointee to the position may be offered employment contingent upon receipt of a satisfactory enhanced suitability screening.
OTHER SIGNIFICANT FACTS
Type of Appointment: Management Supervisory Service (MSS).
MSS At-Will Statement: Positions in the Management Supervisory Service (MSS) serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority and may be terminated at any time with or without cause.
Tour of Duty/Schedule: This position primarily works during standard business hours with flexibility to perform duties during evenings and weekends to support operational needs.
Department: Public Services | Neighborhood Libraries;
Collective Bargaining Unit: This position is not covered under a collective bargaining agreement.
Promotion Potential – None
Appointed Salary: The selected incumbent will be appointed at the appropriate salary rate of MSS 13
Budgeted Salary – This position is budgeted for the minimum salary of $115,000 to the maximum salary of $125,000.
Must be authorized to work in the U.S.
IMPORTANT NOTE: We appreciate every applicant’s interest. However, only those who meet the qualifications and are considered by the hiring committee or interview panel will be contacted for the next steps in the recruitment process.
RESIDENCY REQUIREMENT
Applicants claiming residency preference will be required to maintain residency in the District of Columbia for a minimum of seven (7) years. Failure to do so may result in forfeiture of employment.
If the position you are applying for is in the Career, Management Supervisory, or Educational Service at an annual salary of one hundred fifty thousand dollars ($150,000) or more, you must establish residency in the District of Columbia within one hundred eighty (180) days of the effective date of the appointment and continue to maintain residency within the District of Columbia throughout the duration of the appointment.
EMPLOYMENT BENEFITS
Selectee will be eligible for health and life insurance, annual (vacation) and sick leave and will be covered under the District of Columbia government's retirement plan. However, if selectee was previously employed in the District of Columbia government under an appointment for which he/she was eligible for Civil Service Retirement (CSR), contributions to CSR will resume upon re-employment.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY
The District of Columbia Government does not discriminate or retaliate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, gender identity and expression, national origin, family responsibilities, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, homeless status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, participation in a legally protected activity, parental status, matriculation, personal appearance, credit information, status as a victim or family member of a victim of domestic violence, sexual offense, or stalking, military service, or other non-merit factor.
