Located in Central Maryland between Washington D.C. and Baltimore, FCPL is a rapidly developing system of nine libraries and two bookmobiles. Our mission is to facilitate the public's freedom to explore, to invent, and to transform. FCPL connects people to ideas and to each other, helping to foster individual and community growth.Exempt; full-time; 40 hours per week (varied workdays and hours within the FCPL operating schedule); full benefits; position is subject to system-wide reassignment
NOTE: Above base salary pay will be considered on a case by case basis and will be determined based upon the qualifications of the successful candidate.
This professional management position is located at the C. Burr Artz Public Library. This position assures that children, their families, and caregivers experience the joy of reading in a friendly, creative, and dynamic Children's Department. Supervision is given to professional and paraprofessional Children's Services staff; supervision is received from the Branch Administrator.
TOTAL COMPENSATION PACKAGE:
Frederick County offers an extensive compensation package to reflect how much we value our employees. The following is what you can expect in your first year as a full time benefited Frederick County Government employee.

• 11 days of Vacation leave with increase after 2 years of employment
• 15 days of Sick leave with unlimited annual carryover 
• 11 paid scheduled holidays, plus 2 additional floating holidays
• Day 1 coverage of comprehensive Medical Insurance Plan option to include generous County HSA contribution (if enrolled in the high-deductible plan). This is part of a full range of benefits including Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending
• 100% County paid 2x annual salary Group Term Life Insurance benefit
• Work/Life balance programs include: Employee Assistance Program and Employee Wellness Program
• Generous Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Participation in the Maryland State Retirement and Pension System 
  • Vesting after 5 years of service (effective 07/01/2024)
  • Additional service credit for eligible previous public service, military service, etc
• Other employee paid benefits such as Deferred Compensation Plan, Legal Resources, Supplemental Life Insurance, etc.

For more information, visit our benefits page on the Frederick County Government job opportunities webpage. 

• Manage all operations of the Children's Department
• Assign responsibilities, direct, evaluate and provide leadership to Children's Services staff
• Provide specialized reference and research service related to children
• Initiate new and original initiatives for Children's programming and services and provide leadership to staff for the same
• Build relationships and partnerships with community organizations, businesses, and leaders for financial and advocacy support
• Write grants to obtain additional funding support for special projects
• Develop and deliver age-appropriate programs, workshops and training to support patron needs
• Market children's collections and services through traditional methods and social media
• Create content for the children's section of FCPL's Website and Intranet and oversee creation of the same
• Develop, recommend and monitor the services, policies and procedures of Children's Services working with other Children's Services Supervisors and in collaboration with the Youth Services Coordinator
• Develop strategic directions for the Children's Department in alignment with FCPL strategic plan
• Lead or participate in system-wide planning for Children's Services or any other area as assigned
• Develop and present Children's Services training to FCPL staff
• Oversee staff development of informational brochures, book lists and other printed media 
• Provide reference, information and readers advisory services to patrons of varied ages, abilities and skill levels
• Manage departmental scheduling and statistics; compile and prepare reports, data and other written work
• Keep abreast and implement use of current technologies to enhance personal and branch efficiency as well as patron services
• Understand, support and interpret departmental, FCPL and systems policies and procedures to staff and the general public
• As needed, serve as Librarian-in-charge
• Serve on Branch Management Team including representing interests of Children's Services
• Actively support the values of Frederick County Public Libraries
• Represent the Library on internal and external committees and in meetings relating to children's services; participate on system-wide and branch teams
• Actively participate in local, state and national library associations; attend seminars, workshops and continuing education activities; maintain professional affiliations to keep abreast of current and emerging trends, innovation, technology, services, early literacy, spaces and other related areas of library planning and services
• Perform other related duties as required

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Any single position may not be assigned all duties listed above, nor do the examples cover all duties that may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.The qualifications/requirements, knowledge/skills/abilities and physical requirements or working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. 
 

• Master of Library Science (MLS) degree from an American Library Association accredited program
• Minimum 3 years of professional or para-professional library work experience that includes at least 2 years in Children's Services
• Minimum 2 year of work experience supervising and/or directing the work of others
• Professional Public Librarian certification from the Maryland State Department of Education or ability to obtain this certification within 6 months after hire with MLS degree, current certification must then be maintained

OR

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university
• Minimum 5 years of professional or para-professional library work experience that includes at least 2 years in Children's Services
• Minimum 2 year of work experience supervising and/or directing the work of others
• Ability to obtain and maintain Library Associate certification from the MD State Department of Education, plus willingness and ability to attend training sessions as applicable
• NOTE: A related Master's degree may substitute for a portion of the professional or para-professional library work experience

KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES:

• Knowledge of the principles, practices and procedures used in a public library system
• Knowledge of marketing principles with ability to effectively apply them to a library setting
• Working knowledge of readers' interest and of books and authors, especially in children's literature
• Working knowledge of general and specialized reference materials and sources, and the most effective means to access information
• Working knowledge of social media tools and techniques, with the ability to effectively communicate in an online environment to engage customers via social media
• Knowledge of standard computer applications and devices including tablets/mobile devices, software applications and downloadable e-format materials
• Ability to effectively supervise, direct and evaluate the work of others including strong and effective training and development skills
• Ability to demonstrate effective leadership, positive attitude, flexibility, initiative and creativity in performing job duties
• Ability to effectively handle multiple priorities, assignments, and unanticipated emergencies with minimum supervision
• Ability to work effectively independent, cooperatively, and as part of a team
• Strong internal and external customer service ability including ability to exhibit patience, tact and courtesy working collaboratively in a team environment
• Ability to effectively create and analyze information, including written, statistical, and numerical data
• Ability to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems
• Ability to create and market high-quality programming in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment
• Ability to effectively organize work, determine priorities, make decisions and complete assigned duties with minimal supervision
• Ability to effectively train staff and patrons in the use of technology and specialized children's resources
• Ability to effectively interpret FCPL policies and procedures to patrons, community groups and professional groups
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with customers, co-workers and the general public, including the ability to effectively build relationships and partnerships with community organizations, businesses, schools and similar entities
• Ability to demonstrate flexibility, positivity, and good judgment
• Strong and effective spoken and written (English) communication skills, including the ability to effectively represent FCPL in the community through public speaking skills

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS / WORKING CONDITIONS:

• While working in this position, the employee is frequently walking and sitting; and occasionally driving
• While working in this position, the employee is almost constantly working indoors
• During outreach programs and events the employee is frequently working outdoors; working in hot temperatures (above 100 degrees) working in cold temperatures (below 32 degrees) and walking on uneven ground

• Ability to provide own transportation as needed to meetings/workshops, trainings, FCPL branches, etc.
• Available for varied workdays and hours within FCPL operating schedule, and other hours as needed for meetings and FCPL commitments

EXAMINATION PROCESS (may include)
1) An evaluation of training and experience
2) One or more interviews
3) A pre-employment fingerprint supported background investigation