Job Description
Distinguishing Features of Work
If you are forward thinking, influential, and community-driven, and you value public service that makes a meaningful difference in the lives of customers and potential customers, you may be the ideal candidate for this position. The Wichita Public Library has an immediate opening for an energetic, service-minded division manager responsible for youth, teen, and adult community engagement and programs, in addition to the Children’s and Adult Programming Sections at the Advanced Learning Library. The Education and Engagement Division has a strong commitment to providing extraordinary customer service in a variety of ways. The Wichita Public Library serves 389,000 citizens through 7 branch locations. WPL is committed to advancing several multi-year initiatives:
- Embody equity, diversity and inclusion in our services, staff, programs and collections
- Grow cardholders and reconnect with our community outside of the Library
- Foster a culture that engages, develops and inspires staff in service to our community
DESCRIPTION OF DUTIES/ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
To be a successful member of our team you have a passion to strengthen educational and enrichment services to the public that are centered in collective impact through partnerships; have vision, skills to implement, and data to evaluate service efforts to advance library initiatives; work with patience, courtesy and empathy during all customer interactions; communicate effectively and timely; and think quickly, logically and critically to expedite effective service responses to changing informational and enrichment needs. This position cares for services to all-ages, and ensures that effective learning principles are integrated into the design. Success for this position looks like growth in partnerships, strong service impacts, and ability to build confidence and purpose among staff and the public with learning and engagement opportunities. In addition, you must enjoy interacting directly with people of all ages from backgrounds and be adept at understanding the diverse needs of Library customers. It is important that you have the ability to thrive in a constantly changing work environment, and are able to identify and implement process improvements.
Examples of Work Performed
- Coordinates, plans and supervises systemwide programming and the work within the Education and Engagement Division
- Analyzes and reports on division operations
- Serves on the Leadership Team to develop service strategies and supports needed for staff and customers
- Cultivates collaboration and program development with community partners
- Manages grant and budget distributions
- Develops and advances annual service workplan for youth, teens, and adults that advances library initiatives
- Examples are not intended to be all-inclusive.
- Other related duties may be assigned as needed.
Requirements of Work
A skilled Leader:
- Creative, flexible, community-oriented and strong commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
- Able to prioritize day to day work as well as plan for the future.
- Maintain outstanding communication and supervisory skills.
- Fosters staff cooperation and teamwork, commitment, and motivation by inspiring and coaching staff to accomplish goals.
- Sets programming and partnership priorities through consensus and collaboration.
- Effective in storytelling that communicates library value.
- Exemplifies excellent public service, stewardship and social skills.
- Builds effective and positive relationships with partners across service industries in alignment with the library’s mission.
- Has a vision and understanding of library service with an eye to both the future and the contemporary needs of the public.
Technologically savvy:
- Maintains a strong knowledge of current trends and emerging technologies, including electronic devices such as e-readers and tablets.
- Possesses a strong working knowledge and use of Microsoft operating system and software, Internet software and media applications, digital technologies, android, iOS, and other software.
- Possesses ILS systems experience, preferably Polaris.
Professionalism:
- Maintains current knowledge of the Library profession and applies awareness to work.
- Actively participates in committee and team work.
- Collaborates effectively with other Library and City agencies and administrators.
- Represents the Library in a positive and professional manner.
- An employee shall not pose a direct threat to the health or safety of other individuals in the workplace.
Required Experience and Training
Graduation from an American Library Association accredited institution with a master's degree in library science and a minimum of three years experience in library administration or supervision of professional library staff. Equivalent combination of education, experience and training may be considered. Offers of employment are contingent upon passing a pre-employment physical, which includes drug screening. Must also pass a KBI background investigation. Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need of a sponsorship.