Library Director

BASIC FUNCTION:
This position is responsible for developing, administering, supervising, and coordinating the work of the library and staff, performing managerial duties related to personnel, budget, collection development, building maintenance, and library operations and services.

RESPONSIBILITIES: (This is a representation of the job responsibilities.)
Policies and Planning:

• Plans and supervises the operation of the public library; assists the Board of Trustees in the development of library policies and oversees the development of library programs and procedures. Responsible for the delivery of public services to the citizens using the public library, and for the efficient administration and management of the library facility.
• Responsible for long-range planning for library services in accordance with federal, state, and local guidelines; responsible for leading staff in the implementation of this plan.

Personnel:

• Oversees and monitors staffing levels; assigns personnel and develops work schedules.
• Responsible for the supervision of all staff. The Director is the direct supervisor of the Assistant Director, Supervisor of Youth Services, Office Manager, department heads, and custodian, and shares supervision of all other full-and part-time staff with the Assistant Director. The Director is available to all staff when needed and maintains a “door is always open” policy.
• Establishes and distributes responsibilities among staff in a clearly delineated manner.
• Approves vacation, personnel, sick, and schedule change requests; signs time sheets; keeps records of employee attendance; supervises the preparation of weekly work and desk schedules.
• In conjunction with the Human Resources Office, hire applicants for full- and part-time vacancies following established HR processes; works with the Human Resources Office on establishing staff training, and may oversee specific training of staff.
• Participate in union negotiations.
• Carries out annual employee evaluations; handles staff issues with the city’s Human Resource Office, which may involve the library union’s representative.

Community Relations:

• Promotes library services to the community, which includes participating in various civic organizations, speaking to groups interested in what services are provided, and meeting with individuals.
• Represents the library at meetings with the City Council and other boards and/or committees. Promotes the City’s interests in local, regional, state, and national libraries.
• Promotes and publicizes library activities; plans and executes library programs related to fund raising events, speakers, etc.; represents the library at ceremonial occasions in the community and at professional meetings. Attends a variety of state and regional professional meetings; serves on professional councils and committees, etc.; participates in the work of professional and local cooperative library organizations.
• Serves as liaison to the Minuteman Library Network, Library Board of Trustees, the Medford Public Library Foundation, and the Friends of the Library; attends board meetings; works with the Friends and Foundation to supplement budget funding; works with the Friends and Foundation on targeted fundraising projects.
• Serves as library liaison to community groups and organizations; actively seeks collaborative projects and grant opportunities with community organizations and businesses; represents the library at community events as needed.

Financial:

• Develops the department's operating and capital budget for presentation to the Trustees and the City, manages funds appropriately; responsible for budgets associated with grant awards and reporting of such funds.
• Responsible for overall fiscal management of the library. Manages the library finances, monitors current expenditures and revenue, forecasts future trends, and develops annual budgets and long-range financial plans.
• Works with the Medford Public Library Foundation and the Friends of the Library to supplement budget funding with targeted fundraising. Supervises the handling of gifts and donations; solicits donations and bequests when appropriate.
• Supervises business office; reviews and updates policies and procedures; works with the budget and procurement officers at city hall; approves purchase orders; with office support, manages accounts and expenditures. Communicates with vendors as necessary.
• Oversees inventory and supplies; works with the business office and departments to anticipate and budget for supply needs; works with the tech librarian to budget for technological equipment and updates.
• Analyzes markets and activities and anticipates project trends. Identifies and articulates key issues and contingencies to ensure stability of the library system.
• Performs other related duties as assigned by the Mayor.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE:

• Master of Library and Information Science from an ALA accredited library college or university, and at least 5 years of progressively responsible library work, including 3 years of related experience in an administrative and supervisory capacity,
• Required License:
  • Massachusetts Board of Library Certification

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of relevant Massachusetts General Laws related to essential functions; principles and practices of professional library services and the organization and management of library operations as well as information technology practices and procedures in support of library and reference functions; administrative and supervisory practices and techniques including budgetary and personnel management practices as well as facilities management; government; fundraising principles and donor relations; federal and state legislation governing freedom of speech, freedom of information and copyright, as applied to library policies and practices.
• Skills in leadership, motivation, building relationships, customer service, and developing programs and services to meet the needs of the community; organization, planning and technology skills are required as well as a broad interest in written, audio, and visual materials for persons of all ages; communicating with the public, particularly in mediating conflict.

ADDRESS ALL COVER LETTERS AND RESUMES TO:
Human Resources Dept.
City of Medford – Room 204
85 George P. Hassett Drive
Medford, MA 02155

Or send a cover letter and resume with the job title in the subject line to [email protected] For the full job description, please visit the City of Medford's website –

The City of Medford is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action/504 Employer. Residents of the City of Medford, Women, People of Color, Veterans and Persons with Disabilities are encouraged to apply.