Head of Adult Services and Community Engagement

Position Summary:  The responsibilities of the Department Head of Adult Services and Community Engagement are centered around an awareness of the future of the modern public library as dependent on its human connections in the community.

Qualifications:          

Minimum Qualifications

MLIS/MLS from an ALA accredited school of library/information science or a degree in Community Engagement or related field; two years of managerial experience, and at least two years of experience in community-focused work. Excellent oral and written communications skills are essential.

Knowledge, Skill & Ability

• Must be able to employ a visionary and community focused approach to the role of a public library and is able to initiate and thoroughly evaluate projects and experiments that expand the current understanding of public library services.
• Must have the ability to make independent judgments, and to counsel and mentor others.
• Proficiency in current and emerging technologies is essential. Ability to engage, embrace, and celebrate the culture, ethnic diversity, and community values of the New Britain area.
•  Bilingual language skills are highly desirable.

Responsibilities:   

• Selects, trains, motivates, and directs department personnel; strives to create a positive work environment for staff; evaluates and reviews work for acceptability and conformance with department standards, including program and project priorities and performance evaluations; works with employees to correct deficiencies; evaluates staff training needs and coordinates training and professional growth opportunities; recommends disciplinary action; approves personnel changes; responds to staff questions and concerns.
• Cultivates community connections and outreach and works directly with community organizations and individuals to develop programs and services that support the aspirations of our community and addresses the challenges and barriers that we are facing collectively, with a focus on connecting with underserved populations. Takes a lead role in coordinating these efforts library-wide.
• Takes the lead on developing a systematic, library-wide, approach to cataloging/documenting community partnerships and relationships through the creation and maintenance of a Community Asset Map.
• Coordinates programs and desk activities to meet current and future needs of the community; evaluates the effectiveness of Library programs and services.
• Participates in the development and administration of the library’s budget; directs the monitoring and approval of expenditures; directs and implements budgetary adjustments as necessary; coordinates acquisition and administration of grants.
• Responds to inquiries and complaints from library patrons, community members, and the general public; assists with resolutions and alternative recommendations; greets and assists internal and external customers in a friendly, prompt, and accessible manner; creates positive experiences for library patrons by effectively and efficiently performing tasks; presents a positive image of the library in attitude, communications, and appearance while performing duties in both public and staff areas.
• Ensures that long- and short-term goals for the department and individual staff members are in alignment with the library’s strategic plan.
• Prepares reports and statistical analyses, makes presentations to the Director, community organizations and others as required.
• Serves on the Director’s Management Team to plan and coordinate library-wide projects and programs, share information, and participate in strategic planning.
• Represents the library in New Britain and to the professional community.