Chicago Public Library Foundation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

LIBRARY DIRECTOR - 8070

GRADE - 132

PAY RANGE - $116,313.60 - $165,817.60/SALARY - plus a comprehensive benefits package

GENERAL STATEMENT OF DUTIES:

Plans, organizes, and directs the operations and activities of the Public Library System; performs directly related work as required.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES OF THE CLASS:

The principal function of an employee in this class is to provide administrative oversight to all operations and activities of the Public Library. The work is performed under the supervision and direction of the Library Board of Trustees and the Board of Mayor and Aldermen but extensive leeway is granted for the exercise of independent judgement and initiative. Supervision is exercised over the work of all employees within the Public Library, in coordination with a management team involving the Deputy Library Director and employees in the classification of Librarian III. The nature of the work performed requires that an employee in this class establish and maintain effective working relationships with other library employees, the Board of Mayor and Aldermen, Friends groups, business and community groups, outside auditors, State and Federal officials, representatives of the media, and the public. The principal duties of this class are performed in a general office environment.

EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL WORK:

• Plans, organizes, directs, manages, and evaluates the work of library department managers in implementing the expressed goals, policies, and directives of the Public Library System;
• Develops policies and procedures designed to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of library operations and services;
• Directly supervises Deputy Library Director, Librarian III, Business Administrator, and Administrative Assistant III positions;
• Develops and administers the library budget; presents and defends budget requests during City budget process;
• Confers with library management team, Deputy Director, and Business Administrator to track policy implementation and receive specific recommendations and suggestions on library operations;
• Provides status reports to the Library Board of Trustees on library operations, and recommends any major shift in policies or procedures and recommendations for future development;
• Manages library system finances including the operating budget funded by the City, library fines, and trust fund endowments;
• Collaborates with the City and library foundation to secure grant funding for special projects including renovations or new initiatives;
• Provides financial reports required for compliance with City, State, and Federal requirements;
• Assists in processing bequests to the library foundation;
• Oversees the development and implementation of library operations within the City, including the operating budget, facilities, capital improvement, and personnel programs;
• Serves as the chief spokesperson for the Public Library System;
• Promotes a safe, welcoming, inclusive environment for the community both at library facilities and in online spaces;
• Monitors day to day facility custodial and maintenance standards and manages special projects such as repairs, restorations, system updates, and safety and security issues;
• Participates in development and fundraising with the Manchester City Library Foundation;
• Oversees special events and programs for the library;
• Oversees community outreach and marketing the library;
• Performs personnel-related functions including mentoring/staff development, hiring, and termination;
• Engages with community leaders to address social issues and provide information and research support;
• Establishes and maintains effective, collaborative professional and business relationships with community organizations, businesses, forums, and related government agencies;
• Performs special projects as requested;
• Provides guidance and demonstrations to new employees in similar positions;
• Keeps supervisors informed of work progress, issues, and potential solutions;
• Attends meetings and training to stay current on relevant practices and developments;
• Responds to citizen inquiries courteously and promptly;
• Coordinates regularly with others to enhance interdepartmental efficiency; and
• Performs additional duties as required by the classification.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Comprehensive knowledge of current principles and practices of urban public library functions, procedures, policies, and organization;
• Comprehensive knowledge of community wants, needs, and political processes and procedures that affect the public services offered by the library;
• Comprehensive knowledge of library and City personnel and financial policies and procedures;
• Comprehensive knowledge of the materials collections in the library system;
• Comprehensive knowledge of automated on-line library systems utilized by the library system;
• Skill in public speaking and presentations;
• Skill in leadership, motivation, and coordination of the work of others;
• Ability to provide administrative direction within an urban public library system;
• Ability to communicate effectively with others, both orally and in writing, using both technical and non-technical language;
• Ability to understand and follow oral and/or written policies, procedures and instructions;
• Ability to prepare and present accurate and reliable reports containing findings and recommendations;
• Ability to operate a personal computer using standard or customized software applications appropriate to assigned tasks;
• Ability to use logical and creative thought processes to develop original solutions;
• Ability to perform a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and speed under the pressure of time-sensitive deadlines;
• Ability and willingness to quickly learn and put to use new skills and knowledge brought about by rapidly changing information and/or technology;
• Ability to anticipate needs, problems, and respond proactively.
• Integrity, ingenuity, and inventiveness in the performance of assigned tasks.

ACCEPTABLE EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING:

• Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Master’s Degree in Library Science; and
• Six or more years of management experience in a public library environment; or
• Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work.

REQUIRED SPECIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

• None.

ESSENTIAL PHYSICAL ABILITIES:

• Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to communicate effectively;
• Sufficient vision or other powers of observation, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to review a wide variety of written material in electronic or hardcopy form;
• Sufficient manual dexterity, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to operate a personal computer and related equipment;
• Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to turn, reach and grasp repetitively;
• Sufficient strength and endurance, with or without reasonable accommodation to lift, carry, push, pull and move objects, through a full range of motion, up to 20 pounds occasionally, 10 pounds frequently and 5 pounds consistently;
• Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes, with or without reasonable accommodation, which permits the employee to monitor and supervise library operations at various locations on a regular basis, and to attend library system, City, community, and public meetings at various locations.