Job Description
The Kent District Library Rocks! Be a part of the Library Leadership as KDL’s next Director of Branch Services and Operations. KDL is looking for the candidate who will contribute, collaborate, and work through consensus leading the branches and all aspects of public services. The successful candidate will connect people to the services they need through planning and implementing innovative programs and services through the Design/Think process. Emphasizing convenience, flexibility, and transparency-the Director of Branch Services and Operations will be responsible for a key part of the Library’s Strategic Plan (http://www.kdl.org/kdl/pdf/2015-2017StrategicPlan.pdf) creating inclusive and friendly library environments and setting measurable outcomes for branch and public services. Information. Ideas. Excitement!—are the by-words for this 18-branch system serving the 400,000+ people in suburban/rural Kent County surrounding Grand Rapids. With a dedicated staff (205 FTEs), a large volunteer program, and the Friends of the Library and Foundation, Kent District Library (http://www.kdl.org/) utilizes its $21.3 million operating budget to loan approximately 5.9 million items annually and provides an array of programs and services to the community. KDL is an independent taxing entity funded by property taxes.
Additional Info & Requirements
Responsibilities. The Director of Branch Services and Operations reports to the Library Director and is a key member of the Library’s Leadership Team. Key responsibilities include: administration of all public service operations within the Library branches and serving as the liaison between the branches and the administration; assisting with the Library’s business plan; providing overall supervision, leadership, direction and guidance to public service managers in the planning and delivery of strategic initiatives and core services related to branch operations; ensuring staff is equipped with tools and resources necessary; assessing and evaluating branch performance; participating as a contributing member on KDL committees; and working with local, regional, state and national professional organizations. See the complete job description (http://www.gossagesager.com/KDLjobdesc.pdf) for additional details.
Qualifications. Minimum qualifications include a master’s degree in library science from an ALA accredited program, a minimum of six years progressively responsible professional library work (including a minimum of four years in an administrative or supervisory capacity) and currently hold or have the ability to qualify for the Library of Michigan Permanent Professional Certificate. Essential attributes and skills include: a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the principles, methods and practices of public library operations; demonstrated management and leadership skills necessary to plan and administer the services to meet KDL’s goals; the ability to work under general administrative direction with considerable latitude and independent judgment; excellent interpersonal skills; the ability to communicate well with both internal and external stakeholders; and a thorough knowledge of current trends, technology and “best practices” for public libraries. Success working effectively in a union environment and multi-branch experience are desirable.
Compensation. A starting salary of $80,000 (with placement dependent upon experience and qualifications) and a generous benefits package.
The Community
Located in Western Michigan, Kent County is the fourth largest population center in the state and is composed of twenty-seven townships, five villages and nine cities. The area combines a cosmopolitan lifestyle with life at the Lake Michigan shore. Residents enjoy an affordable cost of living, strong schools, world renown medical facilities, and many cultural amenities. In addition to local attractions, Kent County is just a few hours from the major metropolitan areas of Chicago and Detroit. Additional information on the Library District, the County and position can be found at KDL Links.
HR Info
For further information, contact Gossage Sager Associates/Bradbury Associates (http://www.gossagesager.com/) via email or call 816-531-2468. Apply via email with a meaningful cover letter and your resume as Word or PDF attachments to Jobeth Bradbury, jobethbradbury@gossagesager.com. The position closes March 1, 2016.