Monday, December 04, 2017

Head of Youth Services - Fairfield Public Library

Head of Youth Services - Fairfield Public Library. Salary: $73,757 - $102,734. Closing Date: December 30, 2017.
     Position Definition: Dream…Discover…Innovate…Create… We are seeking an enthusiastic, creative and experienced leader to manage the Children’s Department at the Main and Branch Libraries. The successful candidate will continue to expand upon the outstanding programs and services offered to our patrons, birth to teen, as well as their teachers and caregivers. You must be knowledgeable about current youth and family issues and understand technology trends. You will attend community meetings and collaborate with outside groups such as school, town agencies, youth groups and parenting organizations to name a few. You will be expected to develop partnerships that extend the library’s reach in the community. The ideal candidate must have demonstrated knowledge of all aspects of children’s collections including emerging trends, and a commitment to excellence in customer service. Management experience is a must as the position requires supervision of a staff of approximately 20 full and part time workers in two locations. This position is a member of the Library’s leadership team and you will take an active role in the implementation of our Strategic Plan while fostering a positive teamwork atmosphere.
     Examples of duties: Direct supervision of Children’s Service Staff - hires, trains, mentors, manages and maintains all scheduling for full and part time employees; delivers employee performance reviews and expectations, along with providing continuous training for all staff. Proactively develops and executes innovative programs based on best practice and emerging technologies. Oversees maintenance of children’s department, including ordering and appearance of collections within the allocated budget and subsequent reporting on the use of collections and funds. Collaborates with internal departments and actively seeks partnerships outside the library with schools, parents, caregivers and other youth serving agencies. Actively participates in management team- attends meetings, conferences and addresses large groups including outreach to major library stakeholders. Provides references and readers’ advisory services and carries out additional responsibilities at the request of the Town Librarian.
     Required knowledge, skills and abilities: Experience managing digital collections; communicates effectively verbally and in writing; enjoys interacting with children, providing reference and readers’ advisory services; utilizes statistical information to make informed business decisions. Thorough knowledge and interest in new and emerging children’s materials and librarian practices with a penchant for seeking out innovative best practices using new technology. Significant experience working with budgets; proven leadership and training with three or more years management experience. Grant writing is a plus.
     Minimum Qualifications: This position requires an MLS from an American Library Association accredited university along with 3-4 years’ experience working as a professional librarian in Children’s Services, with a minimum of 3 years of supervisory experience. This is a full time (35 hours) union position, and includes mandatory one evening a week and one Saturday a month.
     All interested candidates should submit a completed application, along with a cover letter and resume by December 30, 2017 to Town of Fairfield, Human Resources Department, Sullivan Independence Hall, 725 Old Post Road, Fairfield, CT 06824; (203) 256-3057.