Position:
Associate Director for Public Services
Grade:
160
Department:
Administration
FLSA:
Exempt
EEO 1:
First/Mid-Level
CBIZ Code:
N/A
EEO 4:
Officials & Administrators
Scheduled Hours:
37.5
Status:
Full-Time
Pay Type:
Salary
Revised:
06/26, 12/24, 12/19
Public Service:
No
Essential Personnel:
No
Location:
Administrative Office
The Harford County Public Library offers a competitive compensation and benefits package. Starting wage, depending on candidate qualifications, is between $131,016 and $167,053. This position is eligible for the following benefits: deferred compensation 457(b) retirement plan, pension plan, medical, dental and vision plans, employee assistance program, voluntary benefits, paid time off and more.
Position Summary:
The Associate Director for Public Services is a key member of the senior leadership team and serves as a strategic partner to the Chief Executive Officer in advancing Harford County Public Library’s mission to provide innovative, accessible, and community-driven library services. The Associate Director for Public Services provides executive oversight for the operations and management of all library public services to include development, planning and execution of library objectives. The Associate Director for Public Services provides oversight and direction for new programs and activities that support public service goals and takes the lead role in implementing new initiatives for public services, as well as the improvement or modification of existing systems, processes, and procedures. The Associate Director for Public Services acts as the liaison between department staff and other senior level management. The Associate Director for Public Services leads with vision and accountability, ensuring operational excellence, fiscal stewardship, innovation, digital equity, and a culture of collaboration and belong across the organization.
Essential Duties:
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Oversees all library public service operations, activities, and staff.
- Develops, plans and executes library objectives by translating into programs and activities that support public service goals.
- Promotes and facilitates teamwork between branch and other library department staff.
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Monitors, evaluates and provides guidance to Branch Managers and other staff under direct supervision.
- Serves as project manager for developing improvements to public services and oversees their implementation.
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Oversees the development and the updating of public services policies and procedures.
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Responds to and resolves customer concerns and complaints in relation to public services issues.
- Directors/Directs strategic planning initiatives pertaining to public services and assessing community needs and interests as they relate to public services.
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Represents the library before all relevant parties including speaking engagements; presentations; community boards and meetings; attends and participates in Library Board of Trustee meetings.
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Provides direction for training and professional development for public services.
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Oversees system-wide programming efforts.
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Oversees the development of and monitoring of public services operating budgets.
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Maintains open communication with branch personnel and managers to discuss problems and concerns.
- Works with the Senior Director, Human Resources and other appropriate staff to develop relevant training for all public service staff.
- Works with Administrative Managers and Administrators, as needed, to assess public services issues and develop an appropriate solution or plan of action.
- Takes a leadership role in implementing changes and in fulfilling the goals and objectives of the library.
Supervision Functions:
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Hires and supervises assigned staff, including other supervisory staff, as well as assigned volunteers.
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Oversees the training of staff and volunteers, as assigned.
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Administers the Performance Recognition System (PRS), the library’s performance evaluation system, in accordance with published guidelines.
- Approves annual leave and checks and tabulates timesheets for assigned staff.
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Prepares monthly reports, meeting agendas, and monthly schedules.
- Interprets and implements system wide policies and procedures.
- Schedules and facilitates department/team meetings.
- Ensures staff receive and understand system and department communications via written or electronic format.
- May act as supervisor of team or work group and/or may supervise volunteers.
Standard Functions:
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Serves on committees and participates in workshops, seminars, and training as requested.
- Represents Library at various outreach activities, as needed.
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Notifies Supervisor with suggested ways to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of personnel and procedures and system-wide goals and objectives.
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Maintains good public relations with the community through contacts with public officials, community leaders, volunteers, Friends of the Library, appropriate school personnel, and the public.
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Learns new skills and technologies to retain proficiency in areas of expertise.
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Is dependable and punctual.
- Maintains a positive, friendly, and cooperative attitude and provides consistent customer service.
- Upholds all library policies and procedures as defined in Harford County Public Library’s Policies and Procedures Manual.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Minimum Requirements:
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Master’s degree in library science from an ALA-accredited institution.
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Ability to obtain State of Maryland certification as a Professional Librarian within six months of hire.
- Eight years or more of related professional library experience in a public library setting, including a minimum of three years in a leadership or managerial position.
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Five years of supervisory experience.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a favorable criminal background report.
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Ability to work both day, evening, and weekends hours.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
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Extensive knowledge of branch practices and procedures and knowledge of the principles, practices, and procedures of administrative management, and the ability to interpret same to staff and the public.
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Ability to gain advanced knowledge of Harford County Public Library policies and procedures.
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Ability to act as a representative of Harford County Public Library to the public.
- Ability to assess community needs and develop, plan, implement, and executive library public service programs or effectively modify existing programs to meet these needs.
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Ability to review, evaluate, and initiate appropriate action on technical reports, contracts, and documents concerning departmental matters.
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Thorough understanding of the relationship of the facets of children’s, young adult and adult services and the concepts necessary to develop strong cross services relationships.
- Ability to effectively coordinate, supervise, train and communicate with other staff members.
- Ability to maintain effective working relationships with other professionals.
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Ability to keep relevant parties informed of all major issues and programs and to recommend changes as appropriate.
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Ability to prepare and maintain accurate records.
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Ability to prioritize and multi-task.
- Ability to operate relevant computer systems, including hardware and software, and office machines.
- Ability to be adaptable, flexible and patient with customers and staff.
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Strong communication skills, both verbal and written.
Work Environment:
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Work requires occasional physical effort in handling of light materials, up to 30 pounds, in a non-strenuous work environment. For example, set up and take down tables, chairs or other equipment for meetings or events, pushing/pulling of library carts.
- Requires sitting and use of computer and keyboard for extended periods of time.
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Observes safe workplace practices with uncluttered workspace, including office equipment, avoidance of trips and falls, proper lifting techniques and following fire regulations.
- Ability to travel to branch/outside locations is required.
Reporting Relationship:
This position reports to the Chief Executive Officer (Library Director). Directly supervises professional staff including Branch Managers and may supervise other public service staff. May supervise volunteers.
Work Week:
Work schedule includes day, evening and weekend hours.
In addition to the specific duties and responsibilities of this job, it is the responsibility of every employee to comply with the Harford County Public Library’s Values statement, customer service guidelines, and all other policies detailed in the Policies and Procedures Manual.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.
The above job description is not intended as, nor should it be construed as, exhaustive of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job. The library administration reserves the right to change, modify, delete, and supplement job duties based on the organization’s needs.
This and all library positions are eligible for system-wide transfer.
Harford County Public Library is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
