City of Austin - JOB DESCRIPTION

Assistant Director, Libraries

Under the direction of the Director of Libraries, this position is accountable for the effective delivery of public library services to the citizens of the City of Austin, ensuring the efficient management, operation, and strategic alignment of all Public Services Divisions. These divisions include Central Library Services, Branch Library Services, Cataloging & Collection Management, the Office of Programs and Partnerships, and the Austin History Center. The Assistant Director of Public Services works with the Director in planning, administering, and evaluating all Library resources and services, providing leadership and management of the Public Services Divisions.

1. Defines and communicates strategic vision for delivering library services to the community and directs the effective delivery of these services.
2. Directs the day-to-day operations of the Library's Public Services Divisions, directly supervising the managers of these divisions, and ensures continuous innovative improvements to systems and services.
3. Ensures that staff follows appropriate policies and procedures to select and maintain balanced library collections reflective of community interests and needs, and ensures compliance and adherence to the Library's mission and vision.
4. Ensures that high quality and engaging programs are developed and presented for customers of all ages.
5. Ensures that library staff participate in appropriate outreach opportunities to bring information regarding library materials, programs, and services to the community outside of library locations.
6. Supports the staff of the Austin History Center in their mission, ensuring that programs and exhibits highlight the resources of the Austin History Center and its role in preserving the history of the City of Austin.
7. Ensures all activities are performed in compliance with City of Austin and departmental policy, Local, State, and Federal regulations and laws governing activities.
8. Works with colleagues in other City departments to coordinate and avoid duplication of programs and achieve multiple outcomes.
9. Serves as the Executive Liaison to the Library Commission.
10. Builds relationships with and represents the Library to government, external agencies, regulatory bodies, the community, and the public.

Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for dismissal.

• Knowledge of library and information science principles and practices, including policies, procedures, services, materials selection and acquisition and classification, office and library equipment, and public relations.
• Knowledge of leadership, management, and supervision principles and practices.
• Knowledge of current budgeting and personnel management practices.
• Ability to learn and adapt to change.
• Ability to recognize and define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to follow written and verbal instructions.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to deal tactfully and courteously in person, over the telephone, and via email communication with people of all ages in a business and public service context as well as with professional colleagues.
• Ability to oversee library promotion and publicity, including the use of social media.
• Skill and proficiency in establishing and maintaining open and honest communication with City and Library staff.
• Skill in providing direction for employees to ensure efficient customer service.
• Skill in the application of supervisory and management practices.
• Skill in the analysis and interpretation of library issues.
• Skill in training, mentoring, and coaching staff.
• Skill in using computers and related software, including Microsoft Office products.
• Skill in operations forecasting and strategy design and implementation.
• Skill in projecting and formulating long-range goals for facility usage and expenditures.
• Skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with City officials, representatives of business and governments, City employees, and the general public.
• Ability to work with people of diverse backgrounds.

Graduation with a Master's degree from an American Library Association (ALA) accredited college or university, plus six (6) years of progressively responsible experience in the library field, including four (4) years of experience in an upper management capacity.