Job Description
The City of Littleton is searching for an experienced and collaborative library professional to become the next Library Director for Bemis Library. The Library Director is responsible for the administration and management of Bemis Library. The Library Director serves as a department director and a member of the City of Littleton’s executive leadership team. Work is performed with considerable independence under the general guidance and supervision of the Deputy City Manager.
The ideal candidate is an experienced library services professional who leads from a core of kindness and compassion, making effective engagement with library staff and patrons a top priority. They value diverse cultures and perspectives and are strongly committed to inclusion, equity, dignity and respect for all individuals. They utilize strong interpersonal skills to connect and partner with library staff, civic and professional organizations, and various City of Littleton departments. They are a fearless advocate for library services, seeking feedback and ideas from a highly-trained and engaged team and promoting continued professional development for all staff. Their communication style is one of clarity and transparency, eager to share information in a collaborative and timely manner.
The City of Littleton is a vibrant community south of Denver and is consistently voted as one of America’s Best Small Cities, and one of Colorado’s Top Five Places to Raise a Family. Home to a charming and historic downtown and a variety of shopping venues, restaurants, parks and trails, there is a lot to offer to the wonderful people who live and work here. The City of Littleton offers outstanding benefits and perks to our employees. For more information, please see the 2023 Benefit Guide.
The City of Littleton believes in attracting and retaining the best talent and our strategies include hiring in at market pay and creating career development opportunities. In addition to your application, please submit a cover letter that describes why you are the best candidate for this position with the City of Littleton.
Salary range: $130,000 - $150,000
This full-time position is non-exempt per FLSA and is eligible for overtime compensation.
Application Deadline: Applications will be accepted until finalists are identified or the position is filled, but preference will be given to complete applications received by April 10, 2023. Those who do not apply by this date may or may not be considered.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Directs and manages the programs and activities of Bemis Library.
- Provides staff support to the Library Boards, Fine Arts Board, and coordinates with the Friends of the Library and Museum, Library Administration, Adult Services, Youth Services, Circulation Services, Technical Services, and the Littleton Immigrant Resources Center.
- Maintains a collection that meets the needs of customers.
- Provides educational and enrichment opportunities for public visitors through varied programs of living history, exhibits, lectures, and special events.
- Serves as a representative of the library in meetings and interactions with public visitors and other members of the community.
- Plans, implements, and manages department programs and procedures to deliver high quality customer services.
- Responds to public requests for programs, information, and assistance. Customers include, but are not limited to, the general public and school groups, library associates, business and property owners, members of the business community, other city department managers and city employees, the City Manager and staff, members of the City Council and its boards and commissions, employees and officers of other government agencies and private companies, volunteers and court-assigned community service workers, and individuals from community groups and organizations.
- Provides staff support, prepares materials, and plans projects for the assigned Boards and the Friends of the Library and Museum.
- Prepares, manages, and administers the department budget. Responsible for the review and approval of department expenditures and the planning and coordination of budgeted activities requiring an expenditure of funds.
- Prepares written communications including agenda items scheduled for consideration at meetings of the City Council or other boards or commissions as necessary, proofreads and reviews written materials for accuracy, gives oral presentations of agenda items at meetings as required, participates as a city staff member in public meetings and hearings, and responds to questions from City Council members and the public.
- Performs other similar duties and projects as required.
- May serve as an Emergency Worker.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
- Encourages an environment of collaboration and teamwork.
- Selects, trains, and evaluates employees.
- Completes assigned supervisory training.
- Provides guidance and assists employees in the fulfillment of responsibilities.
- Assigns and directs work; addresses and resolves issues.
- Manages employee performance through meaningful, timely feedback and appraisals.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
- Bachelor's degree in Library Science, Business, Public Administration, or a closely related field, Master’s degree in Library Science strongly preferred; and
- Seven (7) years of progressively responsible related library operation and management experience, or local government management experience in a closely related area; or
- An equivalent combination of education, training and work experience that produces the knowledge, skill, and ability to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of the position may be considered.
- Must be able to pass a pre-employment criminal background check.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES:
- Requires expert knowledge of the principles, practices, and techniques of public library management, public library services and programming, program management and administration, budget and personnel planning and administration, and the skill and ability to apply that knowledge to perform the essential duties and responsibilities of the position.
- Requires advanced knowledge and understanding of the principles, practices and techniques of public management and administration; applicable state and federal laws, city charter and codes, relevant areas of municipal civil liability, city personnel policies and procedures, department operating policies and procedures, and the ability to apply that knowledge to perform essential job functions.
- Strong interpersonal and conflict resolution skills and ability to maintain effective working relationships at all levels.
- Strong supervisory and leadership skills.
- Ability to communicate effectively and professionally verbally and in writing to all levels of the organization.
- Ability to demonstrate integrity and build trust throughout the organization with both internal and external stakeholders and customers.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information in conformance with applicable federal and state rules and regulations.
- Strong organization skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities and competing deadlines.
- Ability to prepare, monitor, and maintain the departmental library budget.
- Monitor program compliance with related laws and regulations.
- Technology skills to include Microsoft Office 365 applications and ability to learn and utilize standard library related technology.
Benefits & Additional Compensation Info
The City of Littleton offers outstanding benefits and perks to our employees. For more information, please see the 2023 Benefit Guide.