Under the general direction of the Director and Board of Directors, the Assistant Director will provide effective library service to the citizens of the City of Waxahachie and surrounding counties. Responsible for the overall operation of the library and supervision of all phases of library service offered to the public. Responsible for planning, developing, and coordinating services and resources, staff training and development, performance evaluations, and Human Resource policies.
Responsibilities - Assists the Director with the Following Duties
Library Operations and Leadership:
- Manages all library services (oversees day-to-day operations), including opening and closing the library as needed.
- Able and willing to assist in all departments.
- Analyzes and solves problems while exercising fair judgment.
- Plans and conducts library staff meetings to discuss and act on library issues.
- Keeps immediate supervisor and designated others fully and accurately informed concerning work progress, including present and potential work problems and suggestions for new or improved ways of addressing such problems.
- Provides advice, direction, and interpretation of library policies, mission, values, and strategic direction under the supervision of the Board of Directors as needed.
- Participates in system-wide management decisions, including labor relations and contract negotiations for the collective bargaining unit.
- Ensures appropriate safety training and compliance with all health and safety rules and processes.
Policy and Strategic Implementation:
- Able to implement and evaluate library services, programs, collections, policies, and procedures.
- Administers board policies; makes policy recommendations to the board; provides staff support and information to the board.
- Provides leadership for the visioning, strategic planning, development, and adoption of new programs, policies, and technology.
- Attends meetings, conferences, training sessions, and reviews publications to remain current on the principles, practices, and new developments in library management and technology changes, as budget allows.
Building Oversight and Facilities Management:
- Administers or delegates maintenance of library facilities and equipment; works with architects and planners on facility development.
- Negotiates for services and equipment.
- Recommends the purchase of technology and capital equipment necessary for the effective maintenance and implementation of services and programs within the library.
Staff Training and Support:
- Administers personnel regulations, interviews and appoints job applicants, rates staff performance, promotes and discharges employees.
- Provides opportunities for staff development and training, as budget allows.
- Assigns staff to monitor and be aware of technology trends, databases, and ILS liaisons.
- Works with technology and service representatives to ensure smooth service for library staff.
Program Development and Implementation:
- Analyzes the library’s public services, including programs and collections, including creating, approving, and budgeting all library programming; suggests and implements changes based on need and public interest.
- Approves programs and services.
- Attends marketing and community events as time permits.
- Assigns staff to collect and maintain records and statistical data needed for evaluation of services, as well as for monthly and annual reports, state accreditation, and adheres to federal and state requirements.
- Collects and maintains records and statistical data needed for evaluation of services, as well as for monthly reports, state accreditation, and federal requirements.
- Prepares and submits regular and special reports/surveys on public library operations.
Collections Management:
- Ensures maintenance of a viable collection of library materials that meets the needs of patrons in the service area.
- Assigns staff to examine and select materials to be discarded, repaired, or replaced.
Budget Support:
- Compiles and formulates the library operating budget for the City of Waxahachie, Board of Directors, and Accountant that is responsive to the Library’s Mission and Vision.
- Pays and tracks all expenditures and revenues for the Board of Directors.
- Administers donations, state and federal monies per the Board of Directors.
- Monitors budget to ensure all library departments are operating within budget constraints.
Community Engagement:
- Provide public relations services, participate in community events, assist in marketing the library, provide leadership in identifying community needs and building beneficial relationships with other agencies, including participation in city task forces and associations.
- Builds mutually beneficial relationships with other libraries, consortia, institutions, and agencies.
Minimal Requirements
- Master's degree in Library Science from an accredited American Library Association institution.
- Minimum of seven (7) years’ experience in library work. (At least five (5) years of administrative and supervisory level experience).
- Must be familiar with Integrated Library Systems as well as computers and their operations.
- Maintains active memberships in professional library associations and participates in their activities as time and budget permit.
Required Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:
- Knowledge of library policies, procedures, rules, regulations, and practices
- Excellent customer service skills, ability to eliminate friction with patrons while listening to their complaints, likes, or dislikes, etc.
- Detail oriented
- Ability to exercise discretion and independent judgment
- Broad knowledge of library needs and materials
- Ability to plan, develop, and organize activities
- Knowledge of computers and online databases
- Excellent communication skills (both oral and written)
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Ability to work well with a wide range of people
- Previous library experience, including library automated systems
- Filing and sorting skills
- Typing (35 w.p.m.)
Certificates and Licenses Required:
- Valid Texas Driver’s License with a good driving record.
- Other training as deemed necessary to fulfill the job responsibilities.
Pay: $62,400.00 - $65,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
