Branch Operations Manager, O'Connell Branch

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: The Branch Operations Manager holds a pivotal leadership role, tasked with overseeing the daily functions of the O'Connell Branch while managing and mentoring the branch personnel. This position collaborates closely with the Branch Services Managers and the Assistant Director of Branch Services to define branch objectives; foster an environment that delivers personalized, precise, innovative, and pertinent services and programs to library patrons; and curate collections, programs, and services that align with community demands.

Leadership and Supervisory Duties:

• Administer branch services in alignment with the Library's mission and strategic goals, ensuring staff members provide top-tier assistance to library patrons. Develop, implement, and assess services tailored to neighborhood needs.
• Oversee all branch activities and supervise all assigned personnel. Prepare staff schedules and task assignments, ensuring adequate desk coverage in the best interest of library service.
• Assist in recruiting new branch personnel, participate in relevant hiring committees as needed, and provide training for new staff members.
• Conduct annual performance evaluations for branch staff, establish meaningful individual objectives, and support their achievement. Address and document performance concerns promptly.
• Supervise professional and paraprofessional staff at various levels, ensuring thoughtful leadership, mentorship, and development for each individual.
• Communicate and enforce library policies and procedures; address and resolve patron concerns. Lead branch staff in managing, resolving, and documenting violations of library patron behavior policies.
• Exhibit active frontline leadership. Advocate for library initiatives, collaborate with staff, inspire engagement, act as a mentor, and provide daily guidance, expertise, and direction.
• Participate as a member of the Library's leadership team. Engage in and may lead workgroups for planning and executing programs, projects, and initiatives.
• Facilitate regular staff meetings and ensure information is effectively disseminated.

Public Service Responsibilities:

• Provide outstanding and engaging service to the public, including reader's advisory and reference assistance.
• Manage circulation functions, including checkouts, check-ins, reserves, renewals, fine assessments, and statistical compilation.
• Direct collection development and maintenance for the branch. Select adult materials and oversee the selection of children's materials in accordance with the branch budget, ensuring the collection reflects community needs.
• Supervise youth programming planning and create adult programming and activities for the branch, including operating audiovisual equipment at events. Plan and implement exhibits, ensuring library initiatives are integral to branch services.
• Lead and supervise circulation operations, including:
  • Accounting for all funds received at the circulation desk
  • Maintaining organized and efficient reserve shelves
  • Monitoring overdue, lost, and missing materials
  • Overseeing the shelving of all library resources
  • Processing deliveries and managing collection merchandising
  • Monitoring public areas of the library.
• Promote library services and conduct outreach initiatives. Maintain positive relationships with schools, community groups, and agencies. Represent the Library at community meetings and participate in events.
• Collaborate to publicize branch events and services through print and online channels. May contribute to the development of the library's online presence.
• Assist patrons in utilizing a variety of online resources and technologies (e.g., computers, laptops, e-readers, tablets, scanners, Wi-Fi hotspots, emerging STEAM technologies), including basic troubleshooting and maintenance.
• Perform all duties with cultural awareness and humility, recognizing historical and institutional systems of oppression and their impacts, and actively commit to providing equitable services to marginalized or underserved populations.

Additional Responsibilities:

• Stay informed of professional developments and attend relevant meetings and training; may represent the Library in professional settings or working groups as appropriate.
• Effectively manage the branch budget, ensuring diligent fiscal oversight.
• Perform administrative and organizational tasks such as compiling statistics, generating reports, and ordering supplies.
• Maintain orderliness and cleanliness within the library. Report necessary building repairs and maintenance. Ensure cleanliness and organization in both public and staff areas.
• Other duties as required for the benefit of the Library.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Education and Experience: A Master's degree from an ALA-accredited MLS program and experience working with diverse populations is required. In exceptional cases, specialized education, training, and/or experience may substitute for part or all of the required elements.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Understanding of the Library's mission, values, and strategic priorities.
• Commitment to conducting all work through a lens of diversity, equity, inclusion, and anti-racism.
• Exceptional customer service skills and dedication to public service.
• Demonstrated ability to work within a diverse community and with individuals experiencing hardships that may affect their behavior.
• Effective communication and interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and a positive demeanor.
• Sound judgment and strong problem-solving abilities; flexibility and adaptability in stressful situations and during times of change.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of larger departmental and system teams.
• In-depth knowledge and appreciation of literature and media, digital resources, and new and emerging technologies; demonstrated ability to operate and instruct others in the use of library resources, equipment, software, and systems.
• Knowledge of principles, materials, and equity of access issues related to public service; demonstrated ability to apply this knowledge to program and service design and to foster positive relationships with patrons.
• Demonstrated expertise in reference, readers' advisory, programming, outreach, collection development, and project management.
• Knowledge of supervisory, leadership, change management, and process improvement principles and practices; demonstrated ability to direct the work of other staff members.
• Ability to demonstrate initiative, flexibility, and reliability in an environment with frequent interruptions and competing priorities.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: A minimum of 3 years of successful professional experience is strongly preferred. Previous public library experience and supervisory/managerial responsibilities, as well as fluency in a language other than English, are desirable.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Ability to operate standard office equipment; transport carts of materials weighing over 100 pounds across a level floor or ramp; carry baskets of materials weighing up to 30 pounds; maintain attention to detail and focus on tasks despite frequent interruptions and moderate noise levels; communicate effectively and exchange accurate information with coworkers and the public; read and organize written materials; place library materials on shelves or carts at various heights.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Work in designated areas, including office spaces, training rooms, and library locations as needed. Normal office exposure to noise, stress, and interruptions.

SCHEDULE: The work week consists of 37.5 hours assigned in the best interests of the Library. The schedule includes a five-day work week with evening and weekend hours and participation in a system-wide Saturday rotation.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS:
Please upload the following documents to complete your application:

• Resume
• Cover Letter