Youth Services Director - Hartford Public Library

Youth Services Director - Hartford Public Library. POSITION OVERVIEW: Reporting to the chief public services officer, the youth services director coordinates the delivery of services and programs to children and young adults; coordinates collection development and selects materials for purchase; ensures effective communication with other departments; assists customers in identifying and locating appropriate materials using electronic, print, and other resources; and trains customers in the use of all resources. The incumbent acknowledges and accepts the Library’s vision, mission and core values, respects the Library’s confidentiality policy and maintains the integrity of Hartford Public Library. The incumbent performs professional, managerial, and administrative work of a highly responsible nature in directing and coordinating the activities of the library program. With considerable independent judgment, discretion, and initiative, the director develops library collections, plans, and implements services and activities to meet present and anticipated community needs. Responsibilities: As a member of the public services senior leadership team, works closely with other leaders to integrate all ideas into clear vision for service delivery and enhancement. Supervises youth services professional and non-professional staff as assigned: interview and select job applicants; orient, train, evaluate, and discipline; assign work and conduct staff meetings. Develop, implement and evaluate programs, services, and special events to promote educational opportunities for youth. Monitor youth services budget; perform administrative record keeping and reporting, including financial and activity reports, and timesheets. Submit budget requests on an annual basis. Attend community meetings and act as a liaison between the library, public and private schools, other educational institutions, and City agencies. Pursue external grant opportunities and community partnerships as they become available. Provide leadership, development and supervision of selected managers throughout the department. Sets individual performance measurements for managers and holds them accountable. Responsibilities include coaching, managing, selecting, orienting and evaluating. Assists with problem solving. As a senior leader, coordinates high level and strategic planning for youth services. Attends state and national conferences to represent organization and to share and implement new ideas with Library staff. Assists with recruiting and interviewing of public service staff as appropriate. Takes lead in developing training programs and opportunities. Leads major strategic initiatives through project management. Coordinates the implementation of new services and ensures that staff is well trained on how to effectively meet the needs of customers. Leads and participates in system-wide task forces and committees, directs work groups, monitors assignments and their completion and works with all levels of staff, assuring alignment with strategic plan. Assists in the development of public service department metrics, performance measurement and goal setting. Coordinates, initiates, and approves paperwork and documentation to assure proper fiscal and regulatory control. Responsible for committee/task force work. Utilizes computer applications and library equipment, maintains current knowledge of system wide and location specific procedures, processes, policies and operations. Utilizes e-mail and voicemail to maintain open channels of communication. Performs additional duties as assigned. Requirements: Master’s of Library Science Degree from an ALA accredited institution of higher learning. 3-5 years progressively more responsible experience working preferably with public services with a concentration in youth services. 3-5 years management/supervisory experience; experience with collective bargaining helpful. Knowledge of information technologies. Knowledge of web based services. Familiarity with MS Office Products. Keyboarding/Windows proficiency. Demonstrated ability to develop training programs and train staff. Ability to establish and maintain system-wide collaborations with community agencies. Ability to operate library technology systems in addition to personal computer and other job related equipment. Ability to attend system-wide meetings and events, provide personal transportation as needed. Ability to effectively present in a variety of formal settings - one on one, group, peers, direct reports, etc. Command attention and manage group process. Hartford Public Library offers a comprehensive benefit package that includes Medical, Dental, Long-Term Disability, Pension, Life Insurance, free parking, vacation, sick leave and personal days. All interested candidates must submit a signed application. A full job description and application are available online at www.hplct.org or Administrative Offices, Hartford Public Library, 500 Main Street, Hartford, CT 06103. Applications must be received by 5:00pm on April 16, 2011 in order to be considered. Hartford Public Library is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Hartford Public Library requires a Criminal Background Check and Pre-employment Drug testing on applicants who are selected as a finalist for the position. Applicants will be provided a copy of any positive drug test results. A criminal record does not necessarily eliminate you from employment with Hartford Public Library. Each conviction will be reviewed with respect to the offense, circumstances, seriousness, and the position for which you apply.