Director of Libraries

Overview We are seeking a dynamic and visionary Director of Libraries for Bossier Parish to lead and innovate within our library services. This pivotal role involves overseeing the strategic direction, operational management, and development of library collections, programs, and digital resources. The ideal candidate will possess a passion for information management, a keen eye for detail, and exceptional leadership skills to foster an engaging environment that promotes lifelong learning and community engagement. As a key leader, you will champion the integration of cutting-edge technology, uphold archival standards, and ensure exceptional customer service across all library platforms. This role offers an exciting opportunity to shape the future of library services and inspire a vibrant learning community. The Director of Libraries plans, organizes, directs, and manages all aspects of a medium-size library system that includes eight public locations (a main library, six branches and a History Center) and the Administrative Offices. This includes but is not limited to management of personnel, planning and administering budget, administering policies and procedures, etc. The Director serves as the official representative of the library system and works closely with a 5-member Board of Control and Parish officials.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS 1. LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT

• Leads and empowers employees to deliver effective, high-quality library service
• Resolves a wide range of issues and difficult situations
• Exercises critical thinking to execute decision-making skills in all areas of library operation
• Contributes to a productive workforce through effective recruitment and selection
• Understands and applies legal standards and requirements to establish effective strategies for performance management
• Sets long- and short-range goals, objectives and strategic plans
• Contributes effective strategies and decisions regarding library services and resources and aligns efforts with the vision and direction of the organization
• Supervises subordinate staff to include scheduling, training, working with staff to correct deficiencies, corrective action, and completing performance evaluations
• Develops and enforces policies and procedures based on the library's mission and user needs to guide efficient and effective library operations as well as to ensure safety and security
• Uses leadership skills to provide vision and guidance to library staff, board members and the community
• Applies change management to assure effective implementation of change and acceptance by all stakeholders
• Monitors and evaluates projects and uses the results for project improvement
• Understands and employs basic budget and finance concepts and terminology
• Establishes effective financial management processes, services, using sound business and financial judgment
• Manages the relationship and communication with the Library Board 2.

COMMUNICATION AND INTERPERSONAL

• Communicates competently with the public from diverse backgrounds
• Communicates effectively using both oral and written methods
• Develops and maintains positive and respectful relationships with staff and public
• Works effectively in teams with strong team building skills
• Demonstrates critical thinking, problem solving, decision making, and mediation skills and techniques
• Applies effective strategies to manage organizational politics, conflict and difficult staff behaviors 3.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Understands and acts in accordance with the basic values, ethics, policies, and procedures of library
• Pursues professional development and continuing education opportunities
• Interacts extensively in person, and over the telephone with patrons, system-wide staff, outside agencies, vendors, contractors and other libraries
• Keeps informed about issues, services, emerging technologies, research and innovations related to libraries and relate these ideas, procedures, or projects to the library's mission
• Tactfully handles issues and responds appropriately to situations
• Creates a welcoming and user-friendly physical environment that encourages all community members to use library services
• Creates and maintains a healthy and safe environment for library staff and users
• Facilitates staff meetings and training
• Other duties as assigned by Board of Control 4.

JOB STANDARDS

• Has professional commitment to develop high quality and high impact public library services, which promote individual and community success
• Demonstrates collaborative, straight-forward, team-oriented leadership and management methods
• Has ability to work from a team approach by building and maintaining effective and professional working relationships with all staff
• Models a positive, friendly and cooperative attitude to staff and public
• Anticipates and adapts to changes and challenges effectively
• Promotes a positive library image in the community
• Performs job in keeping with the policies and procedures of the Bossier Parish Police Jury and Bossier Parish Libraries
• Reports to work on time in accordance with assigned schedule and maintains a dependable attendance record
• Has ability to receive constructive criticism in an effort to improve job performance
• Has ability to operate general office equipment
• Has ability to lift and move heavy objects, stoop, bend, move books, and sit or stand for prolonged periods of time
• Has ability to perform essential job functions with or without accommodations and with minimal supervision

QUALIFICATIONS 1.

Master of Library Science from an ALA-accredited institution 2. Louisiana Board of Library Examiners Certification or the ability to obtain within the first year of employment 3. Must have at least 5 years of paid, full-time professional library experience which reflects increasing responsibility, including at least 3 years of paid, full-time experience in an administrative capacity 4. Must have strong computer and research skills 5. Ability to plan, organize, and prioritize work in order to accomplish quality work in an effective and efficient manner 6. Good problem-solving skills; ability to think around problems and come up with creative solutions 7. Ability to handle a constantly changing flow of traffic; remain productive during slow times, be able to multitask effectively during busy times, exercise patience and professionalism during stressful situations

THE BOSSIER PARISH POLICE JURY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. WE DO NOT DESCRIMINATE ON THE BASIS OF RACE, RELIGION, COLOR, SEX, AGE, NATIONAL ORIGIN OR DISABILITY.

Pay:

$76,577.95 - $134,279.89 per year

Benefits:

457(b) AD&D insurance Dental insurance Employee assistance program Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Professional development assistance Retirement plan Tuition reimbursement Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person