DIRECTOR OF LIBRARY INNOVATION AND PUBLIC SERVICES

DIRECTOR OF LIBRARY INNOVATION AND PUBLIC SERVICES
WORCESTER PUBLIC LIBRARY
CITY OF WORCESTER

The City of Worcester is seeking qualified applicants for the position of Director of Library Innovation and Public Services for the Worcester Public Library. Under the direction of the Executive Director, this position oversees Adult Services, Youth Services, Branch Services and Collections at the Worcester Public Library. Flexibility, project management, process management, supervision, communication, motivation, innovation and a passion for public libraries are key factors for the position. The position will lead a group of department heads and help the library make significant advancements in library services and adapt to new trends, programs, and services. This position serves on the executive team and works in close partnership with the Director for Administration and Operations. The ideal person in this position will possess excellent interpersonal, communication, and customer service skills and have experience working with diverse populations in an urban community.

Schedule will include evenings and weekend hours.

Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply.

ESSENTIAL ELEMENTS:

• Work collaboratively with other leadership team members to determine the library's strategic objectives, prioritize projects, and lead or participate in cross-departmental teams to research and recommend solutions for specific needs
• At the direction of the Executive Director, partner with the Director for Administration and Operations to support strategic objectives and ensure inclusive and robust library access to all community members
• Evaluate data to assess current levels of service; anticipate and respond to service opportunities; and identify and remove service barriers that exist system-wide and at specific locations
• Directly supervise the work of assigned Department Heads. Mentor, coach, and collaborate with Department Heads and cross-departmental workgroups to effectively carry out daily operations, set and achieve service improvement goals, and provide a high-quality, consistent approach to public service across the library system
• Establish and maintain effective lines of two-way communication, including one-on-one and group meetings, and regular in-person visits to branches
• Strategically collaborate to plan and coordinate professional development opportunities for staff, fostering individual growth, supporting personal career aspirations, and enhancing service quality.
• Assist in hiring, motivating, and evaluating department staff; provide or coordinate training and work with employees to correct deficiencies; assist in implementing and administering disciplinary and termination procedures
• Coordinate the development and implementation of policies, procedures, guidelines, and standards designed to ensure a positive and engaging experience for all public library patrons
• Ensure compliance with all applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulations, and ordinances as well as all Worcester Public Library policies, procedures, and collective bargaining agreements
• Participate in the development of the annual operating budget
• Forecast needs, approve and monitor expenditures, and ensure efficient and economical utilization of resources for assigned service area
• Develop and maintain positive and professional relationships with municipal and community organization stakeholders, proactively seek opportunities for partnership and collaboration
• Keep abreast of current developments in librarianship by attending workshops, conferences, and professional meetings, and by reading current literature
• Interpret library services and policies to patrons in a clear and courteous manner
• Contribute to creating an environment oriented to trust, open communication, creative thinking, and cohesive team effort
• Actively participate in staff development and training opportunities
• Perform other duties, as assigned, consistent with the functions of the work unit and level of responsibilities
• Working at multiple locations as assigned

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

• Cultivate a respectful, inclusive, and purpose driven work environment that values input from all employees, enhances employee performance, and ensures quality public service
• Use data and information in a clear and rational process to assess and understand issues, evaluate opinions, form conclusions, and make sound decisions
• Develop and successfully implement goals, objectives, plans, and programs
• Manage and prioritize multiple ongoing projects and ensure both long-term and short-term responsibilities are on track for timely completion
• Balance meeting individual and location-specific needs while being accountable to what is best for the overall organization
• Knowledge of effective leadership models and best practices for increasing employee engagement and addressing performance and disciplinary issues
• Knowledge of best practices for successful change management
• Knowledge of ILS software, Microsoft Suite, Google Suite, and emerging technologies
• Represent the library at local and regional community events and at professional library association workshops and conferences
• Knowledge of current and developing trends in public library programs, services, and service models
• Experience in serving diverse populations
• Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills and the ability to communicate with staff about concepts, ideas, and requirements
• Strong commitment to consistent excellent customer service to a diverse population in an urban environment
• Ability to learn and use library technologies
• Possess excellent interpersonal, communication, and customer service skills
• Knowledge of the principles and correct usage of the English language including grammar, punctuation, and spelling
• Ability to maintain confidentiality

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Master's degree in Library Science from a Graduate School of Library Science accredited by the American Library Association or approved by the Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners
• Experience managing within a complex multibranch library
• Experience working in an urban library environment serving diverse populations
• The ability to travel to required locations
• Ability to successfully pass CORI/SORI

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Three (3) years of experience managing within a complex multibranch library system
• Seven (7) years of professional library work experience after receipt of MLIS that includes public service responsibilities, of which five (5) years must be in a management capacity in an urban library setting
• Five (5) years of experience working in an urban library environment serving diverse populations, working within a municipal or county funding structure

SALARY RANGE: $91,395 - $120,261 annually, exempt, full-time, with an excellent benefits package.

The Worcester Public Library makes every effort to support ALA's "Core Competences of Librarianship" http://www.ala.org/educationcareers/careers/corecomp as approved and adopted as policy by the ALA Council, January 27th 2009 and, as an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer, values diversity and aims to have its workforce reflect the community.

To apply, please visit: www.worcesterma.gov/employment or send resume and cover letter to: City of Worcester, 455 Main Street, Room 109, Worcester, MA 01608. OPEN UNTIL FILLED, applications received prior to or on FRIDAY, JUNE 13, 2025, will receive preference. Preference is given to Worcester residents. The City of Worcester is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply. Direct inquiries to: City Hall, Human Resources, Room 109, 508-799-1030, Hiring@worcesterma.gov.

For a full job description please visit: www.mywpl.org/jobs-wpl