Library Director
Dedham Public Library
Dedham

Enjoy a 4 season lifestyle less than 10 miles from downtown
Boston. Established in 1636, Dedham is a thriving suburban
town of 25,000 engaged, civic minded residents. With its
origins dating to 1794, the library first received public funding in
1872. We are proud of our history, but looking towards our
future. This position offers rewarding and exciting career
opportunities. We are seeking a responsive and committed
professional with a passion for public service to lead our team in the pursuit
of excellence.

  
Statement of Duties:

  
The Library Director serves as administrator of the town's public library
system. S/he is responsible for the implementation of library policies
established by the Trustees and for leadership to improve public library
services to the community. The Director performs managerial duties related to
budget, collection development, building maintenance, library services,
programming and personnel (including assisting the Town Manager and Human
Resources Director in collective bargaining and grievance resolution).

  
Supervision Required:

  
The Director reports to the Trustees and interfaces regularly with the Town
Manager. Working from policies and objectives given by the
Trustees, the Director is responsible for establishing short and long-range
objectives and meeting performance standards. The Director consults with the
Trustees and/or Town Manager when clarification, interpretation, or exception
to policy may be required. The Director formulates program goals and
coordinates efforts between the library and other town departments. An annual
review will be conducted by the Trustees.

  
Supervisory Responsibility:

  
The Director is responsible for leading and working collaboratively with staff
to deliver quality services and programming. The Director formulates program
goals. The Director is responsible for analyzing library operations,
allocating available funds and staff, and reporting periodically on her/his
achievements. The Director is responsible for the hiring and supervision of
employees and coordination of all staff development and training activities.
The Director is currently responsible for the supervision of fourteen (14)
full time employees and five (5) part- time employees belonging to two
separate unions.

  
Confidentiality:

  
In accordance with state law, the Director has regular access to the
confidential information of the department, including, but not limited to,
collective bargaining negotiations, union grievances, official personnel
files, and patron records.

  
Accountability:

  
Consequences of errors or poor judgment may include missed deadlines, adverse
public relations, monetary loss, legal repercussions, labor/material costs,
personal injury, endanger public health/safety, and jeopardize programs.

  
Judgment:

  
Work is based on administrative or organizational policies, general
principles, and legislation or directives that pertain to the public library.
Extensive judgment and ingenuity is required to develop new or modify existing
methods for accomplishing objectives.

  
Complexity:

  
The work consists of employing many different concepts. Assignments typically
concern such matters as studying trends, assessing services, and recommending
improvements.

  
Work Environment:

  
Work is performed in a public library setting subject to frequent
interruptions. Noise or physical surroundings may be distracting, but working
conditions are generally pleasant.

  
Public Relations:

  
The Director serves as spokesperson for the library. The Director may be
required to discuss controversial matters where tact is required.

  
Occupational Risk:

  
Risk exposure is similar to that found in a public library setting.

  
Essential Functions:

  
The essential functions or duties listed below are intended only as
illustrations of the various type of work that may be performed. The omission
of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if
the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.

  
  
Leads the operation of the public library, to provide prompt, courteous
customer service to patrons. Monitors all operations and delegates as needed.
Handles complaints in accordance with policy.

  
Organizes, trains, assigns and evaluates personnel. Develops and trains staff
for progressively more responsible
experience. Plans continuing education
for staff and Trustees. Maintains professional, respectful,
and collaborative relationships with employees. Monitors trends in salaries
and working conditions and suggests changes when appropriate.

  
Stays current with developments in the library field. Studies community and
national trends, and evaluates their relation to the library. Recommends plans
for library growth that include measurable goals and objectives.

  
Advises, consults, and confers with Trustees, other library professionals,
government officials, citizens and community groups regarding library services
and operations.

  
Reviews usage data and input from library patrons to evaluate the library's
collections, programs, and technological applications, and to allocate the
budget and other resources accordingly.

  
Collaborates with local schools and community groups to better serve
residents.

  
Keeps Trustees informed and recommends policies for the Trustees'
consideration. Provides documentation when appropriate.
Administers policies and maintains policy handbook; interprets policies to
staff and public.

  
Provides an orientation for newly elected or appointed Trustees.

  
Prepares all needed library reports for local government, the MBLC, and other
professional organizations. Helps prepare and present the library's annual
operating budget to the Town Manager, Finance and Warrant Committee, and Town
Meeting.

  
Actively seeks grants and prepares grant applications. Seeks gifts and other
new sources of non-tax funding in support of library services and programs.
Acknowledges gifts of money and library materials.

  
Oversees the repair, maintenance, and operation of the library's physical
plant, including surrounding grounds.

  
Markets and promotes the library through various media including newspapers,
online sources, social media, and public speaking.

  
Supports efforts of the Friends of the Library, Dedham Library Innovation
Team, and other community organizations in their support of library services
and operations.

  
Remains familiar with all local, state, and federal laws and regulations that
affect public libraries. Maintains accreditation standards set by the
Massachusetts Board of Library Commissioners, to the best of his/her ability.

  
  


Requirements

  
Education and Experience:

Must have a Master's Degree in Library Science from an accredited ALA
certified institution; three years of progressively responsible experience in
a public library including at least one year in a supervisory capacity,
preferably in a union environment; a documented history of accomplishment;
experience developing and managing a budget; or an equivalent combination of
education and experience upon approval of the Board of Trustees.

  
Special Requirements:

A candidate for this position must have a Certificate of Librarianship from
the State Library Board of Commissioners or the ability to obtain one
immediately.

  
Knowledge, Abilities and Skill

  
Knowledge:

Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of professional library
services and the organization and management of library operations.
Demonstrated knowledge of current electronic media and technology for use in
developing, promoting, presenting and evaluating library programs and
services. Knowledge of administrative and supervisory
practices and techniques include budgetary and personnel management, as well
as facilities management.

  
Abilities:

Proven ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with
library staff, Trustees, and town departments; demonstrated ability to manage
library operations, implement policies and programs, and communicate
effectively in writing and orally to individuals and large groups. Ability to
envision, lead, and advocate for the library. Ability to
maintain composure in stressful work situations.

  
Skills:

Skills in leadership, motivation, relationship building, staff development,
customer service, and community-centered program/service development.
Articulate, tactful, professional communication skills and strong
interpersonal skills are required. Demonstrated proficiency in the effective
use of new technologies and social media in support of library
services. Skill in pursuing and administering grants would
be helpful. Proficient organizational and planning skills, as well as a broad
interest in learning and literature.

  
Physical and Mental Requirements

  
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be
met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this
job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with
disabilities to perform the position's essential functions.

  
Physical Skills: Minimal physical demands are required to perform the work.
Work effort principally involves sitting to perform work tasks, with
intermittent periods of stooping, walking, and standing. There may also be
some occasional lifting of objects such as library books, equipment,
photocopy, and computer paper.

  
Motor Skills:

  
Duties may involve assignments requiring application of hand and eye
coordination with finger dexterity and motor coordination. Examples may
include operating a personal computer or library equipment.

  
Visual Skills:

  
The Director is required to routinely read documents/ reports for analysis and
understanding. The Director is not regularly required to determine color
differences.

  
Other Requirements:

  
Must be able to attend evening and weekend programs and meetings of various
boards and groups.

  
Salary: $75,750 - $113,600, depending
on experience and qualifications

  
Apply: Open until filled, review
begins on June 1.

  
Send cover letter and resume to: Miriam Johnson, HR
Director, Town of Dedham, Dedham, MA 02026

  
 Email to: mjohnson
@dedham-ma.gov



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