Job Description
About Our Job
Why Denver Public Library?
Denver – one of the nation's top places to live, work and play – needs the best people working for the residents of Denver. Denver Public Library (DPL) is one of the few places in the city where all people, from all backgrounds and life circumstances, are welcome free of charge. We have 26 branch libraries, in addition to our downtown Central location, which is undergoing a $70M renovation to reimagine our customer-friendly and innovative spaces.
In November 2022, Denver’s voters acknowledged the library’s value to the community through the Strong Library Strong Denver ballot measure that dedicated an additional $32+ million per year of funding. This funding not only supports our vision of a strong community where everyone thrives, it will support our largest asset – our staff, so that they may continue to embody our core values of – Welcoming, Curiosity, Connection, Equity and Stewardship.
Position Overview
Under the leadership of the City Librarian, the Chief Public Services Officer (CPSO) oversees public service delivery across 27 (soon to be 29) locations, our mobile services unit, and collection services as well as provides direction to those responsible for system-wide programs and services (approximately 400 staff). We are looking for a progressive and seasoned leader to guide the delivery of high-quality, equitable, responsive, and inclusive library services for community members. You, along with the Chiefs of Operations (COO) and Equity & Strategy (CESO), as the Executive Leadership Team (ELT), will spearhead a culture of collaboration, connectedness and accountability by prioritizing work that is aligned with strategic objectives and outcomes.
As the CPSO, you will work closely with the COO to envision and oversee major capital projects including library renovations, new library construction, and other capital enhancements. Likewise, you will work with the CESO to collect and assess relevant data to inform decision-making, including staffing and service delivery models. The CPSO will create and nurture an environment that is equitable and inclusive, and fosters the DPL spirit of innovation, learning and productivity. You will have the opportunity and privilege to cultivate an environment that provides safe spaces that allow our staff and customers to show up fully as they are, be cared for and thrive.
Additionally, you will act as a representative of the City Librarian—something that calls for quick thinking, humility, maturity, and situational sensitivity.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Examples of duties, responsibilities, and specific areas of oversight include, but are not limited to, the following:
● Establishes the vision for public services and directs the development and implementation of public service divisional goals, policies and annual work plans; manages the allocation of resources and service levels to efficiently and effectively meet customer needs
● Oversees the operation of public service divisions’ functions, activities and programs as well as public service staff members, including performance goals and evaluation
● Ensures the organizational structure, staff assignments, service levels and administrative systems accomplish the library’s mission and objectives in an effective and efficient manner; directs the identification and analysis of opportunities for service enhancements
● Directs the development and implementation of the operational public services budget; monitors expenditures to ensure adherence to the approved budget
● Works collaboratively with the City Librarian and ELT to conduct long-range planning initiatives including strategic planning, facilities master planning and implementation of the library’s equity, diversity, inclusion and engagement plans
● In partnership with the COO, administers major capital projects including library renovations and/or new construction; coordinates associated community engagement activities tied to capital projects and enhancements
● Acts as a strategic partner on the ELT and works closely with the City Librarian and colleagues to ensure that operational expectations and benchmarks are established and met
● Works with organizations and agencies to envision and coordinate plans to collaborate, innovate, and improve and develop services and resources for the community
● Consults, collaborates and coordinates with DPL departments, Mayoral administration and other City departments, as needed, in addressing service needs of functional areas; may represent the library to provide information to City Council, boards or commissions, committees and representatives from federal, state and local agencies, organizations and community leaders.
About You
Position Qualifications
REQUIRED:
● Possession of a Master’s degree in Library and Information Studies (MLS/MLIS) from a college or university accredited by the American Library Association
● Minimum of seven (7) years of executive or senior level management level experience providing oversight of major library programs, services, and/or other functional areas within a complex library system
● Experience in applying the principles, practices and philosophy of public library science and administration, and elements of strategic planning
● Demonstrates experience with project and change management, organizational development, facilitation, coaching, consulting, written communication, and analytical skills
● Knowledge of public libraries and their role within a community, with particular emphasis on the library’s role in intellectual freedom
● A strong understanding of and experience with equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility principles as well as demonstrated experience applying those principles to public library programs, services and operations
● Has the ability to develop ideas and perform the implementation steps to achieve results and monitor progress
Experience demonstrating intercultural competencies and the ability to skillfully navigate cultural differences and similarities
● Demonstrates courageous leadership and an enthusiasm for risk taking and learning from failure
● A sense of humor and a positive and enthusiastic approach to public service and library leadership
● Ability to work full-time, including evenings and weekends as needed
● Ability to navigate uncertainty and ambiguity while prioritizing work efforts to achieve overall strategy
● Ability to satisfactorily pass a background check after the offer has been made
PREFERRED:
● Experience in a leadership capacity at a large urban library or similar complex multi-facility nonprofit or government organization
● Spanish speaking or bilingual preferred
Other things to know:
Hiring pay scale: $125,176 - $168,988
Please submit your resume by the end of business on October 10, 2023 in order to be considered for this position. Resumes will be reviewed as they are received.
About Everything Else
Job Profile
LA1770 Executive
To view the full job profile including position specifications, physical demands, and probationary period, click here.
Position Type
Unlimited
Library Hiring Range
$125,176.00 - $168,988.00
Starting Pay
$125, 176 - $168,988
Agency
Denver Public Library
Assessment Requirement
The City and County of Denver provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, genetic information, age, or any other status protected under federal, state, and/or local law.
The Community