- Salary
- $64k – $82k/yr
- Location
- Grand Rapids, MI, MI, US
- Department
- Operations
- Education
- Bachelor
- Source
- GovernmentJobs
Description

This full-time position manages daily operations at the Main Library, working in collaboration with other managers with the overall goal of helping patrons access library resources. This position participates in direct public service and circulation functions.
Supervisory functions include hiring, training, evaluating, scheduling, and directing the day-to-day work of a large team of part-time employees, with an emphasis of supervising the Library Assistant IIs in the Patron Services Department.
This position will act as Supervisor in Charge, participates in various standing committees, and contributes to the development and execution of goals in support of the GRPL's mission and strategic plan.
Supervisory functions include hiring, training, evaluating, scheduling, and directing the day-to-day work of a large team of part-time employees, with an emphasis of supervising the Library Assistant IIs in the Patron Services Department.
This position will act as Supervisor in Charge, participates in various standing committees, and contributes to the development and execution of goals in support of the GRPL's mission and strategic plan.
The schedule for this position is as follows:
| Monday | 12:00 - 9:00 pm |
| Tuesday | 8:30 am - 5:30 pm |
| Wednesday | 8:30 am - 5:30 pm |
| Thursday | 8:30 am - 5:30 pm |
| Alternating Friday/Saturday | 9:00 am - 6:00 pm |
| Sunday (occasionally required between Labor Day and Memorial Day) | 1:00 - 5:00 pm |
Core Competencies
Leadership & Management
- Hires, trains, evaluates, and schedules Patron Services Department part-time employees.
- Directs the day-to-day work of Patron Services staff to ensure efficient workflow, consistent customer service, and public access to resources.
- Mentors staff and provides ongoing feedback regarding performance and professional development.
- Communicates service changes to staff; advises and trains staff on new or updated procedures and expectations related to customer service, patron access, and materials handling.
- Provides and models engaging, consistent customer service.
- Assists patrons with access to library resources, including checking materials in and out, answering questions, issuing library cards, and resolving patron problems and complaints.
- Collaborates with other managers to ensure consistent, efficient, and effective public service and materials handling.
- Provides input and feedback on customer service procedures, circulation procedures, and GRPL policies.
- Works with other libraries to resolve issues related to GRPL materials or patrons.
Bachelor's degree 2 years of progressively responsible supervisory experience 2 years of circulation experience in a library
Ability to communicate effectively in Spanish Possession of a valid driver's license and vehicle insurance
Provide and model engaging and consistent customer service. Communicate effectively and professionally with diverse groups both verbally and in writing. Select, evaluate, train, mentor, and provide feedback to staff; keep up-to-date on GRPL policies, procedures, and documentation as they relate to circulation functions; communicate and train around these functions and relay accurate information as needed. Follow library policies and procedures as well as state laws governing library services, specifically those laws dealing with the confidentiality of patron records; apply library procedures, principles, and methods, as well as develop an understanding of work flow analysis and systemic improvements. Analyze and identify supervisory opportunities and challenges and implement solutions. Set priorities and meet deadlines; adaptability and judgment to reprioritize as needed. Perform standardized processes; follow procedures in processing forms and other communication. Understand systems and maintain an organized and effective work process; flexibility to review and improve upon processes as they become dated or new information becomes available. Prepare clear and concise reports. Establish and maintain positive working relationships with coworkers and the public; work collaboratively. Manage emotions in the workplace and maintain professional composure and judgement. Work with supervisor and process feedback regarding job performance.
General office procedures, processes and equipment; ability to operate a variety of office equipment, including computer workstations, typical electronic devices, and software.
- A cover letter is required
- Please attach a cover letter in pdf format that describes your interest in the position, your interest in working at GRPL, and how these might tie in with personal or professional goals
- All communication regarding this position will be done via email; it is your responsibility to ensure that your email address is up-to-date on your account profile
- To be eligible for this position, you must apply through the City of Grand Rapids Job Opportunities page
All inquiries related to this posting should be directed to:
Grand Rapids Public Library
111 Library St NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
616-988-5400 | [email protected]

GRPL proudly promotes diversity and inclusion in employment, and strives to maintain a workplace culture where respect and positive recognition of differences are cultivated.
Grand Rapids Public Library provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination of any type without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, veteran status, disability, height, weight, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. GRPL will make reasonable accommodations for employees and job applicants with disabilities.
This applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to recruiting, hiring, transfer, training, promotion, discipline, termination, leaves of absence, compensation, and benefits, as well as work-related events and activities.
Skills
Customer Service