Assistant Department Director - Library Department

Are you looking for an opportunity to provide leadership in an innovative, customer-focused organization, apply your expertise to advance library impact, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of community members? The Wichita Public Library is seeking an energetic, service-minded professional to serve as Assistant Department Director.

The Wichita Public Library is committed to providing services to our 400,991 residents through seven unique locations, the Library is guided by three strategic priorities:

• Advance literacies for life to empower residents.
• Increase awareness of library resources to empower residents.
• Build partnerships to expand community impact.

The Wichita Public Library’s mission is to CONNECT. DISCOVER. LEARN. THRIVE.

Its vision is to be INCLUSIVE. RESPONSIVE. COLLABORATIVE. The Library believes that your library makes your community limitless.

Our Values

Trust and Service are core City of Wichita values that guide our interactions and decisions. As a social institution, the Wichita Public Library recognizes its responsibility to advance equity through library services and help ensure that all residents experience a sense of belonging.

The Library’s work is guided by the following values:

• Community: We embrace our role as a community builder and continually evolve our services to meet residents’ needs.
• Diversity: We respect, reflect, and value differences. Our services are inclusive and affirm the varied needs and interests of everyone.
• Opportunity: We support curiosity, exploration, and lifelong learning. We actively seek opportunities for staff and community members to learn, grow, and thrive.

This position involves complex administrative and managerial responsibilities in support of an urban, multi-branch library system. The Assistant Department Director develops and implements policies and procedures related to departmental administration, including finance, accounting, facilities, safety and security, performance measurement, and human resources support.

The position requires collaboration with the Director of Libraries, library staff, community members, Library Trustees, and library support organizations. The Assistant Department Director must maintain a comprehensive understanding of all Library Department programs and assume the responsibilities of the Director in the Director’s absence.

Work is guided by established goals, with performance evaluated based on progress toward achieving those goals.

Workdays and Hours: Monday to Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

The salary range for this position is $97,674 to $179,079 annually. The starting salary range is $97,674 to $140,293 annually, depending on the candidate’s qualifications and experience.

**Posting may close at any time **

• Develops short- and long-term strategic plans for the department in collaboration with the Director of Libraries and the Library Board.
• Directs and manages departmental fiscal activities, including accounting, budgeting, auditing, and financial analysis.
• Oversees departmental reporting and performance metrics to monitor progress toward short- and long-term goals.
• Collaborates with other City departments to support daily operations and achieve organizational objectives.
• Monitors compliance with City, department, and division policies and procedures.
• Assumes the responsibilities of the Director of Libraries in the Director’s absence.
• Responds to inquiries and complaints from residents and other members of the public.
• Oversees incident reporting and ensures compliance with safety requirements, training standards, and applicable rules and regulations to protect staff and the public.
• Provides leadership, guidance, and direction to supervisors in establishing goals and objectives and analyzing and resolving problems.
• Oversees staff training and development and supports human resources functions, including hiring, disciplinary actions, and employee separations.
• Oversees the development and delivery of an effective volunteer program.

The examples of work performed are not intended to be all-inclusive. The City of Wichita reserves the right to assign additional responsibilities as needed.

• Knowledge of effective library administration and management practices applicable to a large library system, including personnel management, strategic planning, purchasing, budgeting, and financial management.
• Knowledge of technology and software applications appropriate to assigned responsibilities.
• Knowledge of human resources principles and practices, including staff development, training, and volunteer management.
• Knowledge of public library services, programs, and diverse funding sources.
• Ability to analyze problems and situations and present relevant facts and recommendations clearly and concisely.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with professional staff, elected officials, residents, business representatives, and civic leaders.
• Ability to communicate the Wichita Public Library’s vision clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing, to staff, public officials, community groups, and members of the public.
• Ability to plan, direct, and coordinate the work of others effectively.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid Kansas driver’s license.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the position without posing a direct threat to the health or safety of others in the workplace.

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a major in Business Management or Public Administration OR a Master's degree in Library Science.
• Five (5) years of supervisory experience in public libraries.
• Three (3) years of management experience with budget authority.
• Valid Driver's License.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need of a sponsorship.  

• A Master’s degree from an accredited university.