LibraryJobline

A visionary, entrepreneurial Library Director and leader exits. A new chapter begins. Maybe YOU will be the leader to take Douglas County Libraries to the next level! Douglas County Libraries has a great opportunity for a new Library Director. Located just south of Denver in beautiful Douglas County, our independent library district is funded by a 4.0 mill levy approved by Douglas County voters in 1996. We are an innovative, technologically advanced, fiscally responsible and financially stable, dynamic organization with more than 300 employees, 1,500 volunteers and seven library branch locations. We are regularly ranked by the \\\"Library Journal,\\\" as one of the top libraries in the United States, serving a population of between 250,000 and 500,000 people. We offer daily story times, award-winning programming, and an extensive library collection with many materials and services offered direct to patrons’ smartphone and tablet devices. Additionally, our District has made access to e-books a strategic priority in the last two years. Our e-book collection has grown by 140% in 2012, and includes more than 27,000 titles available for borrowing. We are leading the charge on behalf of all public libraries, blazing a trail toward acquiring e-book content for libraries. Now we are ready to conquer the next frontier. Will you be our next fearless leader? If you’d like to apply, read on! DESCRIPTION: Under the broad policy guidance and direction from the Library Board, the Library Director serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Douglas County Libraries. This position draws upon extensive knowledge of library operations and administration experience to effectively direct the overall operations of the District. The position is responsible for the overall functioning and administration of the District in accordance with established Board policies and Colorado Law regulating Library Districts. Work is performed using extensive independent judgment and initiative, under the general direction of the Board of Trustees. OPERATIONAL DUTIES • Plans, directs and coordinates the overall operations of the District by assuring development and adherence to effective organization and branch structures, while establishing an atmosphere of enthusiasm, innovation and cooperation which serves to motivate staff at optimum proficiency. • As stated in the District’s Bylaws and Policies Manual, the Board of Trustees is responsible for the employment and evaluation of the Library Director, who shall be the executive and administrative officer of the District acting on behalf of the Board. The Library Director, under the supervision and direction of the Board, shall perform (or delegate to appropriate staff members) all duties incident to the position of Library Director and such other duties as may be prescribed by the Board, including but not limited to the following: • Assists the Board in formulating basic programs and policies. • Implements programs, policies, and professional practices as adopted by the Board. • Prepares the proposed annual budget for the District for presentation to the Board. • Prepares monthly reports of activities of the District for presentation to the Board. • Administers library personnel, including employ, train, evaluate, compensate, motivate, and discharge staff in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations, the District Staff Handbook guidelines, and Board policies. • Responsible for public information, community relations, development, fund-raising and special projects as assigned by the Board. • Arranges for the care and maintenance of buildings, equipment and materials for the District. • Evaluates library services, technology, and operations and assists the Board with short term and long range planning. • Represents the District as appropriate, to all of its constituents and to professional and institutional organizations. • Responsible for any other reasonable duties, consistent with the foregoing, as may be prescribed by the Board. • The Library Director shall conduct all District business at the highest possible ethical standards and identify any real or potential conflicts of interest to the Board in a timely manner. ALSO: • Demonstrates a professional, emotionally intelligent, positive, cooperative, team-oriented working relationship with patrons, the public, staff, co-workers, and volunteers. • Maintains a high level of visibility within the District and local and professional communities. Maintains regular contact with branch managers, department managers and line staff. Interacts regularly with staff and patrons as situations require attention. • Monitors compliance with existing budgets, expenditures, purchases, financial services and collections. • In collaboration with the Board and the District’s leadership team, forms, initiates and leads efforts to implement and monitor progress of the District’s short and long term strategic goals. • Maintains the role and reputation of the library as the primary center for informational and reference services both to the local community and regionally. • Oversees collection development and maintenance. • Maintains the library\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'s position as a community resource center by assuring effective public programming within the District. • Draws upon an extensive knowledge and background in library computer automation to determine appropriate applications of computer, telecommunications and advanced technology as needed within the District. • Attends all monthly Board of Trustee meetings. If unable to attend, notifies the Board in advance and appoints an appropriate in charge to attend. • Maintains and/or continues to develop interlibrary cooperative relationships that increase the quality of services to the patrons. • Demonstrates and encourages compliance among all staff with The American Library Association\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'s \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\"Statement of Professional Ethics\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\" and \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\"Library Bill of Rights\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\" especially in the areas of the inclusion of diverse points of view within the library collection and protecting patron confidentiality. • Increases the District’s reputation and community support through the effective utilization of its volunteer program by assuring that volunteers are routinely included in the District\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'s overall communications and operations and by monitoring the performance of the volunteer program. • Stays current on the District’s policies, processes, procedures and technologies required to perform work duties. • Promotes the District’s culture of safety by following library safety policy guidelines and safety rules. Practices effective personal and branch safety. COMMUNITY LEAD AND LIAISON DUTIES • Serves as a strong advocate and representative of the District in linking with cultural groups, elected officials, civic groups, Friends of the Library groups, other library systems, the media, private sector and the general public. Establishes and maintains solid relationships with each of these important constituencies. • Regularly seeks opportunities to effectively and proactively respond to the needs of the community at large. Regularly seeks opportunities to collaborate with community members and leaders for the betterment of the community. • Increases community support to attain District goals. CREATIVE, ENTREPRENURIAL, VISIONARY • Leads ongoing efforts to create a creative, open, passionate, transparent, supportive and innovative work environment where taking chances and exploring the unknown is encouraged and rewarded. Leads by striving to act without self-interest in the pursuit of the District’s strategic goals. • Inspires energy among staff in support of the District’s mission and vision. Creates an environment of clarity, freedom and trust for staff as they pursue the District’s mission and vision. • Conceptualizes a future desired state for the District, articulates the vision clearly, and assembles all of the elements necessary to get there. WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work is generally performed in an office and library environment, at computer workstations, on multiple tasks, software programs, and projects. Work requires a considerable amount of public speaking (oral presentations, panel discussions, speeches) and writing. Extensive travel is required. Work requires constant sitting and computer work, moderate physical activity, close visual work; with limited proximity to automated handling equipment, limited exposure to moderate noise levels, residual dirt, dust, and occasional exposure to chemicals, mold or foreign substances. Work involves extensive interaction with the local community, the local and national public library community, patrons and staff, and moderate exposure to behavior issues. Work requires varied work hours, including weekends and evenings, which will change periodically.KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED: • Extensive knowledge of library science theory, applications and related technology as would be obtained through completion of a Masters level degree program in Library Science from an ALA accredited university. Branch management experience in a public library is required. Knowledge of business management principles and practices, business law, finance/accounting and human resources best practices are essential to provide effective direction for library staff, programs and finances. • Strong oral and written communication skills, collaborative skills, decision-making skills, problem-solving abilities, negotiation skills as well as sensitivity and tact (emotional intelligence) are necessary to establish and maintain effective interaction and understanding with staff, patrons, and the general community. • Work is characterized by independent planning, originality, innovation and imagination in directing District operations under the general guidelines of the Board of Trustees. Errors may affect broad aspects of the District functions and operations, finances, legal and risk liabilities as well as the public\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'s perceptions of the District. The Library Director may be removed by the Board whenever, in its judgment, the best interest of the District will be served thereby. • Must have the ability to learn and become proficient in functions and technology required to perform job duties, working effectively independently or as part of a team to complete tasks as assigned. • Must communicate effectively using English. Must read, write and understand English at a level appropriate to the position. • Computer Skills: Must demonstrate proficiency in computer use including Internet, email, Microsoft Office Products (or equivalent). Keyboard skills required at an equivalent of typing 50 words per minute with minimal errors. Must be able to learn and become proficient with equipment and software programs as required to effectively and efficiently perform assigned duties. • Physical Abilities: Must have the physical ability, stamina, mobility and manual dexterity to: Support all aspects of operating a seven-day-a-week library. Work at computer workstations, repetitively for extended periods. Regularly participate in meetings or events at various locations and hours. Access and transport relevant materials up to 35 pounds, and read a minimum 8 point font, regularly. On an occasional basis, tolerate residual smoke, dust, mold or foreign substances on materials The pioneer spirit, accompanied by the beauty of the mountains, foothills and plains, is gloriously evident in Douglas County. The County’s strength, as the centerpiece of the Denver/Colorado Springs development corridor, is a perfect blend of quality lifestyle and business environment. Through engagement, education, and entertainment, Douglas County Libraries transforms lives and builds community, and is a passionate advocate for literacy and lifelong learning. Douglas County Libraries, **USA\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'s #1 Library (Hennen American Public Library Ratings, 2009, 2010),** is a major contributor as to why Douglas County has been nationally recognized as a great place to live, work and raise a family.

Apply via our online application system at DouglasCountyLibraries.org. Hand delivered, faxed, mailed or emailed applications and resumes will not be accepted. EOE.