Associate Director for Public Services
$131,016–$167,053 year
On-site · Belcamp, Maryland, United States
Job Summary
The Associate Director for Public Services leads and oversees all library public service operations, staff, and programs, translating community needs into actionable objectives and initiatives. The role partners with senior leadership to drive operational excellence, fiscal stewardship, innovation, digital equity, and collaborative culture. Responsibilities include developing and executing public service programs, guiding policy and procedure updates, managing customer relations, directing strategic planning related to community needs, representing the library in external engagements, coordinating training and professional development, supervising staff and volunteers, managing operating budgets, and ensuring cross-department collaboration to deliver high-quality public library services. Requires an MLS/ALA-accredited degree, significant leadership and supervisory experience, program development and budget oversight, strong communication, and the ability to travel to branches. The position is full-time and based at the Administrative Office with responsibilities that include evening and weekend hours as needed.
Required Qualifications
- Master’s degree in library science from an ALA-accredited institution
- Ability to obtain State of Maryland certification as a Professional Librarian within six months of hire
- Eight years or more of related professional library experience in a public library setting, including a minimum of three years in a leadership or managerial position
- Five years of supervisory experience
- Ability to obtain and maintain a favorable criminal background report
- Ability to work both day, evening, and weekends hours
- Extensive knowledge of branch practices and procedures and knowledge of the principles, practices, and procedures of administrative management, and the ability to interpret same to staff and the public
- Ability to gain advanced knowledge of Harford County Public Library policies and procedures
- Ability to act as a representative of Harford County Public Library to the public
- Ability to assess community needs and develop, plan, implement, and executive library public service programs or effectively modify existing programs to meet these needs
- Ability to review, evaluate, and initiate appropriate action on technical reports, contracts, and documents concerning departmental matters
- Thorough understanding of the relationship of the facets of children’s, young adult and adult services and the concepts necessary to develop strong cross services relationships
- Ability to effectively coordinate, supervise, train and communicate with other staff members
- Ability to maintain effective working relationships with other professionals
- Ability to keep relevant parties informed of all major issues and programs and to recommend changes as appropriate
- Ability to prepare and maintain accurate records
- Ability to prioritize and multi-task
- Ability to operate relevant computer systems, including hardware and software, and office machines
- Ability to be adaptable, flexible and patient with customers and staff
- Strong communication skills, both verbal and written
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