Associate Director, Portland Public Library, Portland, ME
Posted November 29, 2021
Description:
Portland Public Library (PPL) is seeking a dynamic, forward-thinking, enthusiastic change leader who is eager to bring thoughtful, transformative energy and solid library operations expertise to the position of Associate Director.
PPL offers free shared resources – books, film, history, big ideas – in a welcoming environment to foster meaningful connection and positive change in our dynamic City. PPL believes we are stronger the more fully we align our work and our resources toward equity, accessibility, inclusion, and representation of diverse experiences and perspectives. To succeed as a Library team member requires commitment to curiosity, inclusiveness, collaboration, and creativity. We enthusiastically invite you to apply.
Scope and Nature of the Position
As a key member of the Library’s Senior Leadership Team and reporting to the Executive Director, a major area of focus for the Associate Director is the assessment, review, advance and delivery of the Library’s Strategy and operations plans. The Associate Director will be a critical leader for Library staff and will help deepen relationships with our Board of Trustees and community partners.
The Associate Director will be deeply involved in complex decision making, working closely with PPL’s senior leadership, internal and external library colleagues, and designated Trustee committees. Much of this effort is focused on the constituencies we serve through our physical spaces, bookmobile, community outreach, and virtual services in collaboration with departments, staff workgroups, and other stakeholders which the Associate Director facilitates at the highest level.
This position participates in the development and implementation of key strategic initiatives and actively leads to foster an inclusive, equitable, and healthy organizational culture focused on the Vision, Mission, and Values of the Library and the needs of a diverse community of communities.
The Associate Director represents PPL in statewide collaborative conversations and pursuits in coordination with the Executive Director.
The position oversees and serves as an advocate for public services and operations, provides support to the Board of Trustees’ Planning Committee, and leads the library in the absence of the Executive Director.
Key Responsibilities:
- Partner with the Executive Director to develop and deliver PPL’s vision and to ensure strategic alignment with the Library’s initiatives and partnerships
- Provide leadership and direction for Library Services Teams to plan and implement services, pursue new initiatives, manage collections, develop policy and process, achieve goals, and assess service quality
- Inspire, mentor, and motivate others through empathy, listening, questioning, and communicating while promoting a culture of trust and respect.
- Research, evaluate and incorporate library trends to ensure the delivery of high-quality services to Portland’s diverse community
- Assume Executive Director duties in the Executive Director’s absence
- Leverage statewide collaborative opportunities
- Advocate for developing and delivering a superior patron experience
Skills and Talents Required:
- A strong analytical acumen and a keen understanding of and interest in current and emerging library trends and best practices coupled with the ability to articulate PPL’s business priorities and key services
- Decisive leadership and thoughtful coaching and guidance to staff as they implement strategic initiatives
- A collaborative leadership style and be an inspiration and resource to colleagues
- Knowledge of and enthusiasm for developing alternative service models to best serve patron needs
- An excellent grasp of information technologies and their application
- Detailed knowledge of project management including the ability to estimate the scope and complete projects within a set time frame and budget
- Experience developing and implementing effective collection management guidelines
- Outstanding public speaking and presentation skills
- Knowledge of advancement/development practices and grant management
To succeed, you will be required to have:
- An MLS in Library and Information Services from an ALA-accredited institution, or equivalent, is required.
- Five or more years of progressively responsible leadership in library services and related areas, preferably in a culturally diverse, urban environment.
- Familiarity with a union environment and collective bargaining agreement is helpful.
Compensation and Benefits:
Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience. This is a 40 hrs/wk position and the salary band begins at $75,000 per/ year. Outstanding benefits package.
How to Apply:
Please send a resume and cover letter describing your relevant qualifications and specific interests in the position along with three reference contacts to [email protected].
Initial consideration will begin on November 29, 2021, and this posting will remain open until filled.