Director of Central Library

Duties And Responsibilities

Reporting to the Chief Librarian and Senior Vice President, the Director of Central Library is responsible for planning, organizing and implementing the daily activities and operations of the library to meet and deliver quality library services to its diverse communities. This position is responsible for directing and managing Central Library’s staff, budgets, programing, collection development, and supporting QPL public service operations, while providing innovative public services to meet the needs of customers and the communities. The Director ensures that library services are in compliance with professional standards and legal requirements. Ensures the library’s technology and digital resources meet community needs. Builds and maintains relationships with community groups, schools, and other key stakeholders. Creates and maintains a safe and welcoming library environment. Performs other duties as assigned. Required to work evenings and weekends as needed. Performs other duties as assigned.

Library Management and Administration

• Plans, organizes, directs, evaluates and continuously improves the individual effectiveness of services, emerging technology, digital resources and programs for Central Library.
• Executes short and long-term objectives within the context of the Library’s strategic plan.
• Provides leadership that inspires and promotes staff involvement in organizational change.
• Consults with the Chief Librarian and Senior Vice President regarding areas of improvement and recommends changes as needed.
• Ensures effective communication and collaboration between Central and all other library departments as well as with customers and government and community agencies and groups.
• Oversees and ensures adherence to all applicable library’s policies, procedures and guidelines.
• Oversees the use and allocation of personnel, budget and other resources.
• Directs the deployment of staff and other resources to ensure that customers receive high-quality, responsive customer service.
• Ensures the library’s collections meet the needs of the community
• Assists in long range and short-term strategic planning including capital projects, community outreach activities and implementing and managing organizational change.
  
  

Staff Supervision and Professional Development

• Recruits, trains, leads and inspires a team of motivated professionals whose skills and interests are fully aligned with their job functions, ensuring a supportive team environment that enhances quality customer service.
• Sets goals and standards for the Central Library.
• Evaluates the work of the managers and supervisors.
• Provides coaching and mentoring for direct reports and indirect reports.
• Ensures operational effectiveness through continuous quality improvement.
• Ensures all staff within the department receive timely performance reviews that are accurate and in accordance with the Library’s Performance Management procedures.
  
  

The schedule for this position will include Saturdays and evenings.

Required Qualifications

• An ALA accredited Master’s Degree and a New York State Public Librarian’s Certificate required.
• A minimum of five years of library management experience required.
• Must be a strategic and innovative thinker with good judgement and ability to problem solve.
• Demonstrated experience in collection development.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both written and orally, and exceptional interpersonal skills.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to multi-task.
• Must be a team player with a collaborative work approach and ability to build relationships both internally and externally required.
• Proficient in MS Office Suite, including Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams, etc.
• The ability to lead by example, inspire staff and promote enthusiastic teamwork.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.
• Commitment to serving all communities in the most diverse area of the country.
  
  

Preferred Qualifications

• At least two years of experience with responsibility for multiple public libraries highly preferred.
• Experience in a large library system, consortium or state library preferred.
  
  

About Queens Public Library

Queens Public Library is a national and international leader in the delivery of public library service. Our mission is to transform lives by cultivating personal and intellectual growth and by building strong communities. Queens Public Library welcomes innovators and leaders to contribute to a long history and dynamic future of serving the most diverse county in the United States. Queens Public Library is a private, non-profit corporation serving 66 locations.

TO APPLY: Please send your resume and cover letter to ExecSearch@queenslibrary.org and reference “Director of Central Library” - QLWEB in the subject line. Resumes will only be accepted by email.

This is a non-union position. The starting annual salary range is $120,00 - $130,000.

The Queens Public Library is an Equal Opportunity Employer.