POSITION SUMMARYThe Library Director leads the Englewood Public Library, providing strategic vision, operational excellence, and a commitment to community enrichment. This role oversees library operations, implements innovative programs, and ensures a welcoming and inclusive environment for all. As a senior leader, the Library Director cultivates collaboration among city departments, community stakeholders, and the Library Board to align services with community needs and city objectives.This position directly supports the city's strategic priorities by fostering literacy, lifelong learning, and community engagement through innovative library services.The position manages library staff, develops policies, and oversees the library's budget, programming, and facilities. The role represents the library at City Council meetings and participates in interlibrary activities across the state.The position requires the ability to work various shifts depending upon the needs of the library, including evenings and weekends. Must be able to adapt to schedule changes on short notice. REPORTING RELATIONSHIPSReports to: Director of Parks, Recreation, Library & Golf (PRLG)Direct Reports: Library Manager and SupervisorsKey Partnerships:
- Works collaboratively with key city departments, the Library Board, and community organizations to drive shared objectives.
- Engages with City Council, vendors, and grant providers to secure resources and support.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESThe description below is intended to represent only the key areas of responsibilities; specific job assignments, duties, and environmental conditions will vary depending on the business need of the department and the particular assignment.Strategic Leadership and Administration (25%)
- Ensures library initiatives contribute to the city's vision for equity, innovation, and community growth.
- Develops and implements library policies, strategic plans, and service standards aligned with city goals.
- Directs library operations, ensuring compliance with regulations and best practices.
- Develops and administers the Library's overall community awareness and public relations/marketing plan, including overseeing the Library's web and social media presence.
- Identifies, pursues, and manages opportunities for grant funding and private funding. Collaborates with the Finance Committee to seek outside funds and to prepare applications.
- Represent the library at City Council meetings and community forums.
Team Leadership and Development (20%)
- Recruits, hires, trains, and leads library staff, fostering professional growth and teamwork.
- Builds an engaged team that provides exceptional customer service.
- Provides leadership, motivation, and guidance to Librarian team and other work teams.
- Supports and encourages independent and creative freedom of the staff.
- Evaluates, counsels, disciplines, and terminates library staff in compliance with city policy.
Community Engagement and Partnerships (20%)
- Cultivates relationships with community organizations, schools, local businesses, and the public to enhance library services.
- Fosters a welcoming and inviting environment for patrons and staff.
- Serves as the point of contact for community inquiries and ensures positive patron experiences.
- Develops and prepares reports and recommendations for Department and library board. Includes summarizing data and statistics, analyzing findings.
- Ability to work with governing boards, community groups and elected officials, and prepare Presentations to various audiences.
Program Development and Execution (20%)
- Manages all aspects of collection development including policies, budgeting, selection, acquisitions, cataloging, circulation and weeding to provide cultural, educational, and recreational enrichment to library users and the community.
- Oversees the creation and implementation of diverse programming, events, and services that promote literacy, cultural inclusivity, lifelong learning, and community engagement.
- Directs the creation of engaging programming for youth, adults, and families to align with the Strategic Plan with an emphasis on digital and life literacy.
- Develops short-term and long-range goals and plans for collections, services, and programs in keeping with the Library's Strategic Plan; studies and plans development of library services to meet present and future community needs.
- Plans and organizes the use of Library space, including meeting rooms, to ensure best use resources and patron comfort.
- Monitors trends and integrate new technologies to enhance library services.
- Keeps current in new developments in the field through professional membership, attendance at conferences, networking with other professionals, research and reading. Uses this contemporary knowledge for programming, work systems, and service delivery improvements.
Budget and Resource Management (10%)
- Develops and manage the library's annual budget. Recommends revisions to operating procedures and/or expenditures.
- Pursues grants and sponsorships to support library programs and services.
- Ensures efficient use of resources, including technology, collections, and facilities.
Additional Duties as Assigned (5%)
- Performs other tasks to support the PRLG department's objectives.
- Serves as the Person in Charge (PIC) as available.
- Develops and conduct staff in-service training activities and team building events.
- Serves as a Library representative on consortium committees.
- Represents the Library at city, community, or professional events and meetings.
- Assumes the duties and responsibilities of direct reports in their absence or due to vacancy.
- May assume the duties of the PRLG Director during their absence.
PREPARATION AND TRAININGMinimum QualificationsEducation:
- Master's degree in Library and Information Science from an American Library Association (ALA)-accredited institution
Work Experience:
- Minimum of seven years of progressive experience in public library management.
- At least three years of supervisory experience.
- Experience assessing customer needs and community interests.
- Demonstrated knowledge of library materials and resources.
- Public library services and programming administration.
- Budget and personnel planning and administration.
Certifications and Licensure:
An equivalent combination of education and relevant job experience may be substituted.Preferred Qualifications
- Second master's degree in public administration, education, or related field preferred
- Public library experience
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIESAdvanced Knowledge
- Principles, best practices, and current and emerging trends in library service and administration.
- Supervisor staff and delegate responsibility in an effective manner.
- Public library services and programming administration.
- Computers, the internet, and commercially available library software
- Philosophy and techniques of library service.
- Budget and personnel planning and administration.
- Current trends and technological developments in public library services.
- Reader's advisory and reference services for all ages.
- Library user account practices.
Working Knowledge
- Dynamics of municipal government.
- Basic accounting principles and procedures.
- Automated library systems such as Sierra, Prospector, Online Line Computer Center (OCLC).
- Financial management software.
- Public relations and marketing
- Library and general office equipment.
- Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams, and Outlook.
Skills & Abilities
- Relationship Management: Builds and maintains effective relationships with diverse stakeholders through collaboration, trust, and clear communication. Demonstrates sound decision-making, policy interpretation, and leadership in supervising and motivating teams. Resolves conflicts and cultivates engagement by applying emotional intelligence and adaptability in dynamic environments.
- Leadership and Team Development: Inspires and motivates teams by fostering a positive, inclusive, and high-performing organizational culture of excellence. Provides clear direction, mentorship, and support to staff, promoting professional growth and accountability. Demonstrates adaptability and resilience, guiding teams through change and uncertainty.
- Strategic Thinking: Develops and implements forward-thinking strategies that align with organizational objectives and community priorities. Anticipates future challenges and leverages opportunities to position the library for long-term success. Translates data and insights into actionable strategies, ensuring sustainable growth and innovation. Balances immediate operational needs with the overarching vision, promoting adaptability and resilience within the organization.
- Communication Excellence: Communicates clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing, with diverse audiences, including patrons of all ages. Elicits information through active listening and empathy, even in challenging situations with upset or irate individuals. Demonstrates professionalism and composure, employing conflict resolution skills to foster positive outcomes. Represents the library in high-visibility roles, articulating its value and advocating for resources at community events, City Council meetings, and interagency collaborations.
- Decision-Making and Problem-Solving: Exercises sound judgment in complex or ambiguous situations, balancing risks and benefits to drive effective solutions. Anticipates and proactively addresses challenges, ensuring alignment with organizational goals. Utilizes a collaborative approach to problem-solving, engaging stakeholders to develop innovative outcomes.
- Analytical Skills: Analyzes library services, community needs, and operational data to identify trends, challenges, and opportunities for improvement. Evaluates programs and services to ensure alignment with organizational goals and adapts to changing policies or demographics. Prepares comprehensive reports with clear, actionable insights to inform decision-making and communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders. Applies critical thinking and problem-solving skills to address complex issues and improve operational efficiency.
- Financial and Resource Management: Leverages financial acumen to manage budgets, secure grants, and optimize resources, ensuring long=term sustainability and growth. Oversees budget preparation, monitoring, and allocation to ensure fiscal responsibility and alignment with priorities. Identifies funding opportunities, including grants and sponsorships, to enhance organizational resources. Ensures the efficient use of physical, financial, and human resources to achieve optimal results.
WORKING CONDITIONSWork is performed in a standard library environment, requiring standing for extended periods of time. Work may also be performed in a standard office environment, requiring sitting for extended periods of time. Must be able to perform occasional lifting (up to 25 lbs.). This job requires visual and physical capabilities to work on computers and associate equipment for extended periods of time.BENEFITSThe City of Englewood offers a comprehensive benefits package to eligible, full-time employees including paid time off, holidays, medical, dental, and vision.SALARY RANGE$109,000 - $163,000/Salary RangeAPPLICATION DEADLINEOpen until filled Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor's legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)