Description

The Director of Public Services and Communications oversees the planning, management, implementation, and evaluation of YVL’s community libraries, programming, and communications. Ensuring that operations and public services effectively meet staff and community needs. This role involves developing and leading a collaborative, adaptable team, managing individual and team performance, and building strong relationships with colleagues and partners across Yakima Valley Libraries’ service area. This position requires a strategic, collaborative, thoughtful, and forward-thinking approach to navigate complex issues in a high-stress environment, aligning efforts with YVL’s overarching goals and objectives. This position is also poised to positively influence the culture and operational success of the library system by approaching their leadership with humility, creatively solving problems, actively seeking feedback, and cultivating positive workplace relationships.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The following duties are normal for this position. However, they are not to be construed as exclusive or all–inclusive. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty satisfactorily. Other duties may also be required or assigned.

1.       Leadership and Organizational Vision: Provides leadership, structure, and vision for YVL’s

libraries, programs, and communication initiatives. 

2.       Collaboration with Executive and Management Teams: Works with the Executive Director and management team to address public needs and improve library services.

3.       Development and Evaluation of Library Services: Continually assessing public needs and collaborating with administration, managers, and staff to create innovative program and service strategies. Participates in overall public services planning and provides data-driven recommendations to enhance existing services and develop new initiatives.

4.       Manage Staffing: Select, develop, motivate, evaluate, and direct staff, both directly and through supervisors. Develop staffing models and plans, provide staffing administration, support managers, engage in teambuilding, and maintain staffing records. Coordinate staffing activities with administration and human resources and develop and monitor staffing budgets.

5.       Manage and Develop Operational Systems: Assist managers in improving operational systems, analyze resource needs, and direct staff to meet Library objectives. Coordinate work plans with overall priorities, develop status reports, conduct studies, and assist with long-range planning.

6.       Manage Projects: Assist in setting and implementing project objectives, represent the Executive Director in meetings, ensure communication across regions and stakeholders, maintain project information, and develop and monitor project budgets.

7.       Manage Budgets: Assist in developing and coordinating budgets for operations, staffing, and projects. Monitor expenditures, create financial reports, assist with annual budget planning, and manage purchasing and resource planning for major projects.

8.       Represent the Library to the Public: Engage in community activities, build and maintain relationships with community partners, identify collaborative opportunities, and support staff in addressing public concerns.

9.       Professional Development: Stay updated on changes in the library profession, seek out best practices, analyze their potential application, and implement process improvements to enhance service delivery.

10.       Maintain Confidentiality: Protects and maintains the integrity of confidential information.

11.       Labor Management: Collaboratively work with HR and Union on labor strategy and proactive resolution of issues.

12.       Promote Inclusivity: Advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion throughout YVL Libraries.

13.       Program and Service Evaluation: Continuously assesses and adapts services to improve outcomes and advance initiatives.

14.       Committee and Board Meeting Participation: Attends management meetings, participates as Executive Sponsor in committees, and provides updates to the Library Board.

15.       Continuous Learning Environment: Fosters a culture of continual professional development and improvement among staff.

16.   Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

MINIMUM REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

•          Master of Library Science degree from an ALA-accredited library school
•          Seven (7) years’ experience in public libraries.
•          Five (5) years in Library administration at the program management or administrator level.
•          Three (3) years of experience in budget planning and administration.
•          Three (3) years’ experience developing productive partnerships across a public institution.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

•          Washington driver’s license.
•          Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred
•          Union environment experience preferred

REQUIRED JOB COMPETENCIES

1.       Leadership and Change Management: Demonstrates strong leadership and management skills, effectively guiding staff and library services through significant changes. Stays informed of current trends and issues in public library services.
2.      Knowledge of ALA Core Values and Code of Ethics: Extensive knowledge and support of the ALA Core Values and Code of Ethics.
3.       Intellectual Freedom and Library Bill of Rights: Knowledge and support of the principles of intellectual freedom and the Library Bill of Rights.
4.       Organizational Administration: Proficient in organizational administration, including staffing, budgeting, communications, and records management. Applies these principles effectively to ensure smooth library and department operations.
5.       Personnel and Labor Relations: Understands and applies principles, policies, and procedures related to personnel and labor relations, ensuring fair and effective management of staff.
6.       Communications: Guides strategic planning and communications with elected officials, the public, the media, and internal and external audiences, using various communication tools.
7.       Library Services Expertise: Experienced in implementing, providing, and evaluating a wide range of library services, including reference, information, outreach, and programming. Ensures high-quality service delivery across all library functions
8.        Library Access Services and Technologies: Skilled in managing and evaluating library access services, including collection management, library technologies, and operational processes. Familiar with library computer systems and applications, including circulation software and online databases.
9.       Interpersonal Communication: Exhibits excellent interpersonal skills, effectively engaging with a diverse customer and staff population. Demonstrates strong written and verbal communication abilities, including formal presentations and written reports.
10.    Problem-Solving and Decision-Making: Adept at analyzing and resolving complex problems, using independent judgment and discretion in a wide variety of situations
11.    Library Policies and Representation: Gains thorough knowledge of library policies, procedures, and programs, and represents the library positively to trustees, staff, and the public.
12. Team Dynamics and Supervision: Skilled in working with team dynamics, supervising, motivating, and negotiating with diverse individuals and groups to achieve library goals.
13.     Policy Development and Implementation: Assesses and recommends new policies, processes, and procedures within assigned areas, and effectively implements improvements to enhance library services.
14.       Commitment to Diversity: Committed to meeting the needs of a diverse community and staff,aligning actions with the library’s mission and strategic priorities.
15.       Relationship Building: Establishes and maintains positive working relationships with staff and the public, fostering a collaborative and supportive work environment.
16.        Time Management and Organization: Efficiently prioritizes and organizes workload, managing time effectively to stay on task despite interruptions.
17.       Effective Communication and Collaboration: Communicates effectively with diverse staff, ensuring that all relevant parties are informed of major issues and recommended changes.
18.       Technical Proficiency: Competent in operating relevant computer systems, including the integrated library system, and proficient in using necessary hardware, software, and office machines.
19.        Flexibility and Reliability: Able to work on any day the library is open, including evenings and weekends, and maintains a Washington driver’s license. Consistently attends work on a regular and dependable basis.

These competencies highlight the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for the role, focusing on key areas essential for success in the position.

POSITION DETAILS:

This position reports to the Executive Director, serves on the management team, and works in close partnership with the Director of Services and Resources.

Nothing in this job description limits management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. The duties listed above are intended only as illustrations of the various types of work that may be performed. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position. The job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.