Director of Youth and Family Learning - Russell Library, Middletown, CT.
DESCRIPTION: The Director of Youth & Family
Services is responsible for the successful development and delivery of
services and programs to families, children (birth to 13), teens and
young adults throughout the Library; designs and executes the strategic
initiatives to address needs; coordinates collection development and
selects materials for purchase; ensures effective communication with
other departments. This position acknowledges and accepts the library’s
vision, mission and core values, respects the library’s confidentiality
policy and maintains the integrity of Russell Library. The Director of
Youth & Family Services performs professional, managerial, and
administrative work of a highly responsible nature in directing and
coordinating the activities of the library’s programs. With considerable
independent judgment, discretion, and initiative, this position
develops youth collections, plans, and implements services and
activities to meet present and anticipated community needs. This
position ensures the highest level of service is provided by staff to
all patrons. The incumbent works closely with Teen Services to ensure a
robust continuum of service to youth from birth to 18 years old.
QUALIFICATIONS AND COMPETENCIES: Masters’ Degree in
library science from a school accredited by the American Library
Association is required. Teaching experience is a plus. Minimum five to
seven years of increasingly responsible leadership experience in public
services, with a concentration in youth and family services is required.
Three to five years of management/supervisory experience is required.
Union environment experience is preferred. Ability to establish and
maintain system-wide collaborations with community agencies is required.
Solid project management skills are required. Thorough knowledge of the
principles, practices and techniques of modern library operation and
administration. Thorough knowledge of and background in various types of
informational materials in various formats including electronic. Strong
commitment to working within a team environment is required. Solid
working knowledge of all MS Office suite software is required. Adept at
process management; knows how to organize people and activities.
Knowledge of various technologies including social media is required.
Ability to set clear objectives and measure and monitor process,
progress and results, including fiscal control. Future oriented, can
articulate vision of possibilities and likelihood of their success. Has
broad knowledge and perspective. Ability to establish and maintain
effective working relationships with individuals and groups, both
professional and non-professional, co-workers, management personnel, the
public and others. Solid written and verbal communication, listening,
organization and priority setting skills. Strong public relations
skills. Ability to provide welcoming and effective customer service.
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and juggle multiple
priorities. Ability to think quickly, assess a situation and make a
sound decision. Ability to work a varied schedule inclusive of evenings
and weekends. Ability to create clear and concise reports, and to
deliver them orally to a wide variety of audiences. Valid driver’s
license is required. Ability to deal effectively with elected officials,
and other public constituencies.
COMPENSATION: This position offers a salary
commensurate with experience and education, and an accompanying health
& retirement package.
HOW TO APPLY: Applicants should submit a letter of
interest and resumé with application. A job description and applications
are available online at the Russell Library website: http://russelllibrary.org/about_us/employment.html.
PLEASE SUBMIT APPLICATIONS TO: mpoland@russelllibrary.org;
Matthew K. Poland, Library Director and Chief Executive Officer,
Russell Library, 123 Broad Street, Middletown, CT 06457. The position
will remain open until filled.
Russell Library requires a Criminal Background Check on
applicants who are selected as a finalist for the position. A criminal
record does not necessarily eliminate you from employment with Russell
Library. Each conviction will be reviewed with respect to the offense,
circumstances, seriousness and the position for which you apply. Russell
Library is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
