African-American Department Manager

The Enoch Pratt Free Library has an immediate opening for a Manager of the African American Department at our Central branch.  The Pratt Library has one of the largest and best-regarded African American Departments in a public library in the United States. We are looking for a manager for this department who is both passionate about public service and an expert in a relevant field. The African-American Department Manager is responsible for all aspects of the planning, management, and coordination of city and statewide activities for the department.

This is a managerial position under the direction of the Deputy Director of Public Services for the State Library Resource Center (SLRC).

This on-site position will work a flexible schedule, including days, evenings, and Saturdays.  

Department: State Library Resource Center

Location:  400 Cathedral Street Baltimore, MD 21201

Salary: $83,530 to $108,501 per year

Job Type: On-site Full-Time, Benefits Included

Summary of Duties:

The summary of duties below is not exhaustive.  Additional duties are dependent upon the needs of the hiring division.

• Demonstrate a global view of Library service in the Library role as a major urban public library and as the State Library Resource Center (SLRC) of Maryland.

• Ensure that the values in the Diversity and Equity statements of the Library are carried out with all staff members and customers.

• Monitor and evaluate staff performance as scheduled and create an atmosphere conducive to staff development.

• Monitor trends in areas of technology and public library best practices that will impact service.

• Prepare necessary reports, monitor and analyze statistics, and respond to trends,

• Participate on Library and statewide committees, and manage internal and external department communications.

• Work with department staff in evaluating and recommending the acquisition of new and replacement titles and formats for the collection in coordination with the Library’s Collection Management Division and SLRC Management Team. 

• Implement the Library’s Strategic Plan Initiatives and the State Library Resource Center’s (SLRC) Annual Plan.

• Provide excellent customer service with adherence to the Library’s mission.

• Design, implement, and evaluate relevant department programming and outreach to a broad and diverse statewide customer base.

• Provide research, reference, and reader’s advisory assistance on general and specialized subjects for walk-ins, telephone, or electronic customers or referral to the appropriate departments or collections.

• Develop relevant training for local and statewide public library staff.

• Planning and project management related to the Library’s and the SLRC Strategic Plan.

• Interpret library policies for customers and staff.

• Represent the library in statewide meetings, conferences, and other venues.

• Participate in the Library’s hiring process, interviewing, and recommending staff for available Library positions.

• Participate in continuing education activities as required and in compliance with State Librarians Certification activities.

• Assist Institutional Advancement team with donor relations and reporting.

• Provide recommendation for Brown Lecture Series.

• Develop African-American related exhibits at the Central branch and for SLRC program initiatives.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Masters in Library Science (MLS or MLIS) from an American Library Association (ALA) accredited college or university.

• Public Librarian Certificate, or requirements necessary to apply for a Maryland Public Librarian Certificate, within 90 days of starting employment.

• Background in African America History, African American Studies, or other relevant subject areas.  

• 4 years of library or museum experience.

• Two years of increasingly responsible planning, programming, and supervisory experience in a public library, museum, or other educational setting.

• Two years of management or supervisory experience.

• Experience in developing programs for information delivery.

• Ability to travel throughout Maryland with personal transportation.

• Physical Requirements: Physical exertion such as standing; or recurring activities such as bending, crouching, reaching; pushing loaded book trucks; or recurring lifting of moderately heavy items such as boxes of books or journals.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working within a union environment.

• Experience with public speaking or public presentations.

• Multicultural experience.

• Experience developing and facilitating workshops or educational programs.

• Public library experience.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Research skills utilizing tools and resources found in a large public library, academic library, or government library.

• Ability to work under pressure and to set priorities.

• Ability to work with others in a cooperative manner within a team environment and with individuals who possess varying degrees of technological aptitude.

• Effective communication, interpersonal, organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.

• Excellent customer service skills with a commitment to equitable customer service.

• Supervisory experience.

• Knowledge of the department’s subject areas.

• Commitment to continuing professional development and participation in professional activities.

• Knowledge of trends in areas of technology and public library best practices that will impact service.

• Ability to design, implement, and evaluate relevant department programming and outreach to a broad diverse statewide customer base.

Position of Trust: Those under final consideration for appointment will be required to authorize the release of and successfully complete a criminal conviction check.

Financial Disclosure: This position is required to complete a Financial Disclosure pursuant to Sections 7-7, 7-8, and 7-9 of the City Ethics Law.

Please Attach Your Resume To Be Considered.

THE ENOCH PRATT FREE LIBRARY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER