Public Services Director

The Boulder Public Library District (BPLD) is committed to advancing equity in our diverse community by providing accessible programs, print and digital materials, tools and technology, and educational opportunities. Across our five current locations, we are proud to offer resources such as a makerspace, art galleries, outdoor learning areas, a multimedia local history archive, community literacy programs, and a theater. Boulder Public Library strives to be a safe and welcoming place to all staff and patrons, alike. Through outreach, community partnerships, and volunteer-driven programs, we seek to adapt our services to those who may experience barriers to visiting our physical locations.

We circulate more than 1.5 million items annually, but we believe that a library is more than a place to borrow free materials. As a vital civic space, we provide opportunities for our more than 500,000 yearly visitors to study, host meetings, be introduced to new people or experiences, and connect to essential local services.

Our employees are part of a vibrant, uplifting workplace culture that honors the joy and commitment of meaningful public service, while still caring for the needs of the individual. Our work is highly collaborative, adaptive, inquisitive, and is always on-going. We are passionate individuals with diverse backgrounds, interests, and experiences and we are dedicated to our mission of connecting people, ideas and information to transform lives and strengthen our community.

Job Summary: The Public Services Director at Boulder Public Library District (BPLD) collaborates closely with other departments and assists the Executive Library Director with the vision and mission of the library. Upholding high standards of public service, they plan, direct, and organize public services, coordinate service activities and manage the Public Services department which includes the branch libraries, the Programs and Events department which includes the local history archive, and Literacy and Outreach department. Along with the department managers, the Director leads these departments in the library’s strategic direction. The Public Services Director serves as a member of the leadership team. As the second highest ranking employee, the Director may assume responsibility for the Library when the Executive Library Director is not available.

This is a 40-hour per week, exempt role.

Essential Functions:

• Directs strategic outcomes for library services, programs, and operations, including monitoring and evaluating the impact of current public services, programs and events and literacy activities.
• Responds to evolving needs of patrons by developing and overseeing the implementation of goals for changes in services, resources, and programs based on statistical data.
• Analyzes personnel requirements to meet those goals and develops recommendations and plans for future needs in the areas of staffing, funding, and additional service requirements. Delegates to department managers the responsibility of rolling out new processes and motivating staff to achieve new goals and strategic imperatives.
• Advises the Executive Library Director in areas such as resource allocation, budget development and long-range planning related to services, programs, events, and literacy activities aligned with the mission.
• Hires, supervises, evaluates, and coaches department managers on personnel and resource management.
• Develops policies and service standards and oversees the development of procedures, processes to guide operational functions and staff who work directly with patrons.
• Performs professional administrative work, managing, planning, and organizing, directing, and assessing system-wide library services, programs, events, and literacy functions. Oversees contract performance and coordinates procurement processes with Administration staff.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Fosters effective working relationships with governing board, library patrons, volunteers, vendors, and support/stakeholder groups.
• May oversee, serve as lead, or assist in coordinating and supervising capital or special projects as assigned.
• Participates in related organizations, conferences, and training to enhance skills and remain current in library and customer service practices.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Education and experience: Master's degree in library and information science or related field and a minimum of six to eight years library or related experience including supervisory or managerial responsibilities, managing multiple branches, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• General skills: Demonstrated knowledge of library public services best practice and experience designing systems, policies and procedures that improve accessibility to library materials, programs, and services.
• Prior work experience with: Strategic planning, budget and expense management, procurement, and project management.
• Technical Experience: Experience analyzing and interpreting anecdotal and statistical data to inform program and service improvement. Proficiency with MS Office suite.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Spanish language skills and/or experience working with patrons from a variety of ethnic and cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Working Conditions:

Work primarily in an office setting. Work may include extended periods of time viewing a computer monitor and operating a keyboard. Requires sufficient manual dexterity that permits the employee to operate a computer, office, and library equipment. Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes which permit the employee to work in a multilevel facility. Seeing, hearing, and speaking required.

This recruiting process is a collaboration between Bradbury Miller, a Library-specific recruiter and the Boulder Public Library District (BPLD). Please apply directly to Bradbury Miller here , and expect that someone from either organization will connect with you via email to discuss phone or in-person interviews.