Library - Director (Escondido Public Library)

Description

The Library Director supports the Library Systems & Services (LS&S) mission, vision, and values through strong leadership and a commitment to exceptional customer service. This position is responsible for the overall management and operations of the Escondido Public Library, ensuring contract requirements are met and the library continues to serve as a valuable resource within the community.

The Library Director leads and supports a team of library staff, builds strong relationships with local officials and community partners, and manages the overall customer relationship.  This position reports to the Vice President, Operations.

Position Details:

• Location: Escondido Public Library
• Full-time, 40 hours per week
• Exempt
• On-site position; this is not a remote position

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITES

An individual must be able to perform each essential duty and responsibility satisfactorily.

• Leads with integrity, honesty, and professionalism while promoting the culture, values, and mission of LS&S.
• Oversees the day-to-day operations of the Escondido Library and ensures contract and operational requirements are met.
• Evaluates library operations and key performance indicators to identify concerns, opportunities, and areas for improvement.
• Leads, coaches, and develops library staff to achieve operational goals and provide excellent customer service and patron experiences.
• Manages day-to-day staffing needs while consulting with and keeping the Vice President, Operations informed.
• Evaluates employee performance, provides ongoing feedback, and supports employee development.
• Develops and implements action plans to meet operational and organizational goals.
• Stays current on library trends, issues, technology, and community needs that may impact library services and programming.
• Plans and executes local, regional, and company initiatives and follows up to ensure accountability and results.
• Utilizes available tools, resources, and best practices to support effective library operations.
• Reviews financial reports, library usage data, demographics, trends, and other information to identify and address operational needs.
• Oversees the selection, acquisition, and processing of library materials in accordance with collection development policies and budget requirements.
• Manages and maintains positive relationships with local officials, governing bodies, library boards, and other key stakeholders.
• Regularly seeks feedback from clients, stakeholders, and patrons to better understand and respond to community needs.
• Maintains a positive, healthy, and safe work environment in accordance with applicable laws, regulations, and company policies.
• Oversees the implementation and consistent application of human resources policies, procedures, and practices.
• Understands and administers the American Library Association’s Library Bill of Rights, Freedom to Read Statement, and Freedom to View Statement, while supporting client requirements related to materials available at the library.
• Follows all legal and policy requirements related to patron privacy and the custodianship of patron records.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

JOB REQUIREMENTS 

Candidates should possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities listed below and meet the required education, training, and/or work experience.

• MLS/MLIS or equivalent required.
• Four years of supervisory or leadership experience preferred.
• Five years of progressively responsible library management and/or administrative experience, or equivalent experience, preferred.
• Experience analyzing and applying financial reports and library-related data, including usage, demographics, and trends, preferred.
• Working knowledge of library programming, budgeting, and financial management.
• Experience working directly with patrons, responding to requests, and addressing patron questions, concerns, and feedback.
• Regular and reliable attendance is required.

CORE COMPETENCIES

The Library Director should demonstrate the following:

• Remains flexible and effective in a changing work environment.
• Demonstrates integrity and ensures decisions and actions align with organizational values and standards.
•  Develops and maintains positive working relationships with staff, clients, community partners, and other stakeholders.
• Communicates clearly, professionally, and effectively through verbal and written communication.
• Identifies new ideas and opportunities to improve library operations, programs, and services.
• Understands and responds to the needs of internal and external clients while working within organizational guidelines.
•  Builds a collaborative environment and works effectively with others to achieve shared goals.
• Positively influences, develops, and supports others to achieve organizational goals.
• Assesses situations, priorities, and risks and makes timely, sound decisions.
• Effectively manages priorities, deadlines, information, and multiple responsibilities.
• Establishes goals, develops action plans, monitors progress, and evaluates results.
• Identifies issues, gathers relevant information, evaluates solutions, and takes appropriate action.
• Considers organizational goals, community needs, trends, and changing conditions when making decisions.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Work is primarily performed in a public library and office environment with regular interaction with staff, patrons, and community members.
• Requires the ability to use a computer and other standard office equipment for extended periods.
• Requires vision, with or without correction, sufficient to read printed and electronic materials.
• Requires the ability to sit and/or stand for extended periods and maintain focus while working on a computer or reviewing detailed documents.
• Requires mobility to stand, walk, stoop, reach, and bend as needed to perform job duties.
• Requires sufficient hand and arm mobility and dexterity to grasp and handle books, materials, and office equipment.
• Requires the ability to occasionally lift, push, and/or pull items weighing up to 25 pounds, including books, files, and other library materials.
• May require working evenings and/or weekends based on operational needs.

Benefits

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• Tuition Assistance
• Retirement Plan (401k)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & Public Holidays)
• Short Term & Long-Term Disability
• Training & Development
• Wellness Resources

EEO STATEMENT

The company and its subsidiaries are an equal opportunity employer and celebrate the population of differences and does not discriminate in its hiring/hiring practices, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Nothing in this job specification restricts management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. 

Critical features of this job are described under various headings above. They may be subject to change at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons. The above statements are strictly intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as a complete list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of employees in this position.

This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. 

To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. 

Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.