Library Director

The City of Kodiak is recruiting for a Library Director in the Kodiak Public Library Department. The Department is looking for an experienced team player who has the desire to be part of a progressive community library working hard to serve the needs of our community.

The Library Director is an executive level position, under general administrative supervision, responsible for planning, organizing, and overseeing the operations, maintenance and programming of the library. This position provides leadership in developing policies, budgets, and long-term strategies to enhance the quality of life for residents by ensuring accessible, safe, and inclusive, literacy and recreational opportunities. The Director works with community stakeholders, staff, and other City departments to foster partnerships, manage special events, and promote sustainable use of the library.

The Library Department provides a variety of services and programs to support and enrich the lives of the residents of Kodiak. The Director oversees the management, development, and operations of the Department, driving initiatives that enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors. The Director must perform these duties in a manner that reflects favorably on the City and the Department, and maintains a level of professional expertise that promotes efficient use of the resources available to the Department.

• Develops and administers departmental policies and procedures pertaining to library programs, events, and services. Oversees, plans, organizes, directs, manages, and evaluates the programs, staff, and functions of the Department.
• Develops and implements department policies, procedures, programs, goals and objectives including responsibility for long range planning, financial management, and strategic plan implementation and management.
• Manages, supervises and oversees staff to include: prioritizing and assigning work; conducting performance evaluations; ensuring staff are trained; ensuring performance deficiencies are corrected; ensuring employees follow policies and procedures, and maintaining a healthy and safe working environment; and making hiring, termination, and disciplinary recommendations.
• Establishes, within City policy, appropriate service and staffing levels; monitors and evaluates the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; allocates resources accordingly.
• Collaborate with City officials, community stakeholders, and local organizations to enhance recreational services and ensure the department’s alignment with the City’s long-term goals.
• Prepares and informs the public regarding the rules, regulations and fees governing the use of the library facility and services.
• Oversees and participates in the development and administration of the Department budget to ensure efficient and sustainable operations; approves the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; approves expenditures and implements budgetary adjustments as appropriate and necessary.
• Prepares and presents staff reports and other necessary correspondence.
• Represents the Library Department to other departments, elected officials, and outside agencies; coordinates assigned activities with those of other departments and outside agencies and organizations.
• Responds to citizen’s requests and complaints concerning library programs and the facility.
• Attends and participates in professional group meetings; maintains awareness of new trends and developments in the field of libraries; incorporates new developments as appropriate.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

High school diploma or General Education Development (GED) along with a Bachelor’s Degree in education, public administration, information management, or a related field, a Master's degree (Master of Library Science or Master of Library and Information Science) is preferred; a minimum of seven to 10 years of progressively responsible professional library experience; including at least three to five years of executive management experience; with three years of supervisory experience; or, an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above.

Licensing Requirements: 

• Valid Alaska Driver’s License or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire
• First Aid/CPR Certification

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES (Generally describes the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time to successfully perform the assigned duties.):

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices related to library science and library management;
• Principles and procedures of grant and contract administration;
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, rules, policies, procedures and regulations;
• Principles of municipal budget preparation, monitoring, and control;
• Principles and practices of organization, administration, personnel management, employee relations, supervision, training, and organizational development of a library;
• Principles and practices of collection management;
• Occupational hazards and standard safety practices;
• Principles and practices of public relations;
• Principles and procedures of record keeping;
• Office procedures, methods, and equipment including computers and applicable specialized software programs and applications such as word processing, spreadsheets and databases.

Skill in:

• Developing, evaluating, recommending, and implementing processes and procedures;
• Analyzing complex issues, evaluating alternatives, and reaching sound conclusions;
• Maintaining community and public relations;
• Communication, interpersonal skills as applied to interaction with subordinates, coworkers, supervisor, the general public, etc. sufficient to exchange or convey information and to give and receive work direction

Ability to:

• Managing changing priorities as necessary to achieve City goals;
• Develop and administer departmental goals, objectives, and procedures;
• Analyze and assess programs, policies, operational needs and make appropriate adjustments;
• Select, supervise, train, and evaluate staff; implement progressive discipline when necessary;
• Analyze problems, identify alternative solutions, project consequences of proposed actions, and implement recommendations in support of goals;
• Understand, interpret, and apply general and specific administrative and departmental policies and procedures as well as applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations;
• Respond tactfully, clearly, concisely, and appropriately to inquiries from the public, City staff, or other agencies;
• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods and techniques;
• Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing;
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Positions in this class typically require: reaching, standing, walking, finger dexterity, grasping, lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, stooping, bending, kneeling, crouching, reaching, twisting, feeling, talking, hearing, seeing and repetitive motions.

Functions of this position require sufficient physical ability and mobility to work in a library setting; to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; to operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard; and to verbally communicate to exchange information. Regularly interacts with the general public including contacts of a complex or occasionally adversarial nature.

Light Work: Exerting up to 25 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds of force frequently, and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects. If the use of arm and/or leg controls require exertion of forces greater than that for Sedentary Work and the worker sits most of the time, the job is rated for Light Work.

WORKING CONDITIONS:
Work performed in routine office environment with some out-of-office duties required. Non-traditional work hours may be necessary. May be required to attend City Council or other public meetings as assigned. Some travel may be required.