Library Services Director Jobs in Seattle, WA (NOW HIRING)

King County Library System (KCLS) is looking for a qualified and service-minded Librarian Services Manager (official title: Librarian and Information Services Manager).

As a Librarian Services Manager you will have the opportunity to advance the KCLS mission, vision and values by supervising, mentoring, and supporting librarian staff in all specialties for service delivery in the library, in the community, and online. In this leadership role, you will collaborate closely with Operations Managers and Assistant Operations Managers in your region to provide managerial support and subject matter expertise to ensure the delivery of effective and efficient library and information services for a region consistent with KCLS standards, policies, and service directives. In this role, you will support staff in navigating patron behavior incidents and maintaining a welcoming library environment. The Librarian Services Manager plays an integral role in creating and implementing strategies and supporting programming. As a member of the KCLS Team, your background in library service will directly inform your ability to apply a working knowledge of management/supervisory principles and practice, model, and champion Intellectual Freedom, and thrive in sometimes challenging situations. You will model cultivating positive relationships with patrons, library staff, and management and work to ensure that the library is proactively responsive to local community needs and interests. This is a regional role; therefore, the schedule may require working in multiple locations across the region based on business needs.

Schedule:

Tuesday, 12:15pm-8:15pm at Kent Panther Lake Library

Wednesday, 12:15pm-8:15pm at Kent Panther Lake or Southcenter Libraries

Thursday, 10:15am-6:15pm at Kent Panther Lake Library

Friday, 10:15am-6:15pm at Kent Panther Lake Library

Saturday, 10:15am-6:15pm at Kent Panther Lake Library

This is a tentative schedule subject to change based on business needs, including hours and locations. Evening and weekend shifts are required.

Due to planned remodeling, the Kent Library will be closed until 2027. This position will be based in the Kent Panther Lake Library until Kent reopens.

The Cedar Region includes the following libraries:

• Fairwood
• Kent
• Kent Panther Lake
• Maple Valley
• Southcenter

REQUIRED: Applicants must attach a current resume and cover letter which addresses relevant work experience, education and training as it relates to this position.

About King County Library System (KCLS): KCLS has a vision of a world where knowledge allows diverse communities to prosper and grow. In order to support this vision, we create opportunities through meaningful connections by acting as the knowledge sharing center for over 1.5 million diverse patrons, providing an unparalleled collection of library materials, resources, technology, services, and programs. Approximately 1,000 engaged and passionate staff provide service in 50 community library locations and patron engagement using direct outreach, programs, and virtual assistance. Our service area includes cities, towns, tribal lands, and unincorporated districts of King County, with the exception of the city of Seattle. From a 2021-2022 comprehensive Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Assessment Demographics and Language Report, of the more than 1.5 million residents who live within the KCLS service area, almost half identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color (BIPOC). Moreover, roughly one-third of the KCLS community speaks a language other than English as their first language. The King County Library System values the diverse perspectives, lived experiences, and cultures of all qualified individuals. We seek applicants that reflect the diversity of the communities we serve and encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply, including BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and other people of color), immigrants, refugees, women, LGBTQIA+, individuals with disabilities, veterans, etc. KCLS welcomes reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities as an opportunity to assist qualified individuals to participate in the job application or interview process and/or perform the essential functions of the position upon hire. Need an accommodation to apply or interview? Call (425) 369-3224 or email employment@kcls.org . KCLS ensures equal opportunities and consideration for all job applicants, without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. KCLS does not tolerate discrimination or harassment during any stage of employment, including in recruiting, hiring, promotion, termination, leave of absence, compensation, or training.

Essential Duties/Major Responsibilities:

1. Hires, trains, mentors, evaluates, coaches and disciplines assigned employees across the region.
2. Coordinates assigned staff activities and functions across region, including communicating and implementing policies and procedures, programs and projects.
3. Advocates on behalf of staff and patrons' needs and interests at region and system levels.
4. Contributes to the overall management of the region as a member of the Region Management Team.
5. Fosters a cooperative work environment.
6. Participates in region goal setting and strategic planning. Develops and implements goals and plans for region's programs, services, events and collections.
7. Coordinates with the system service coordinators for delivery of services.
8. Manages and approves payroll time entries and leave requests.
9. Coordinates with members of Region Management Team about direct reports' work schedules to support library operational and service needs.
10. Tracks and monitors assigned budgets and produces reports.
11. Promotes, educates, and supports principles of Intellectual Freedom with staff and patrons. Resolves related concerns or redirects to appropriate source.

Secondary Duties:

1. Resolves staff and patron incidents, problems, concerns and conflicts. Ensures the Code of Conduct is followed or redirects to appropriate source.
2. May be responsible for safe and efficient operations in an assigned facility.
3. Participates in activities such as staff meetings, committee work and training.
4. Engages with the community and special population groups.
5. Initiates, participates and collaborates in the library profession beyond KCLS. Maintains professional expertise in order to provide relevant public service.
6. Performs other related duties, as assigned.

Core Competencies:

Customer Focus

Primarily focused on customer needs, able to deliver high quality, value added services. Constantly strives to find new ways to increase customer satisfaction and understanding, foster equitable services, and forge meaningful connections.

Valuing Diversity

Manages relationships with all kinds and classes of people inclusively and equitably; respects, values, and encourages the unique dimension each employee adds to the organization and each member of the community brings to the whole. Seeks opportunities to learn from differences.

Ethics, Values, and Judgment

Exercises best judgment, trustworthiness, and professional standards of conduct; consistently demonstrates organizational values, moral principles, and accountability in behavior, character and action. Defends intellectual freedom and patron confidentiality.

Professional & Technical Knowledge

Demonstrates proficiency in professional and technical skills/ and or knowledge in position related areas; purposely keeps up with current developments and trends in areas of expertise, in order to foster personal success and connections for others.

Coaching and Counseling

Facilitates the development of other's knowledge, abilities, and skills to fulfill job and role responsibilities more effectively. Provides timely feedback, guidance, and encouragement to help others achieve better performance and goals; builds confidence of others.

Managerial Courage

Tactfully provides direct and actionable feedback in a timely manner, is open and direct but not intimidating; deals head-on with people and problems even in the most difficult situations.

Vision and Strategic Thinking

Supports, promotes, and ensures alignment with the organization's vision, mission, and values; holds big picture view while setting priorities, often uses breakthrough strategies to find the way forward.

Building Effective Teams

Blends people into cohesive teams that apply their diverse skills and perspectives to achieve common goals; creates and supports strong morale and a healthy work environment.

Accountability

Holds self, direct reports, and others accountable for achieving intended outcomes; follows up and monitors progress to ensure that things stay on track; models organizational values and norms.

Desired Minimum Qualifications: