Under the supervision of the Library Director, the Branch Manager oversees the operation and management of the Douglass Branch Library and the Branch staff. The Branch Manager plans, directs, and supervises all Branch activities according to library policies: budget, personnel, facility, maintenance, material collections, technology and marketing. Work involves responsibility for the supervision and effective operation of daily functions, for the branch library. The Douglass Branch Manager works with the Deputy Director in planning and implementing and overseeing the branch library services. Serves as part of the management team.

Position open until filled. Candidate review begins Monday, October 21, 2024.

• Manages the day-to-day operations of the Douglass Branch Library, planning and developing its program, supervising staff, and participating in all activities

• Interacts and communicates effectively with Branch staff, customers, and co-workers at the Main Library; models customer service expectations and leadership skills; promotes open communication

• Prepares the budget for the Branch, and ensures that the Branch operates within the parameters of its budget

• Develop procedures for tasks, makes schedules, and reviews work assignments

• Manages, coaches, and conducts timely, effective performance appraisals for Branch staff

• Ensures that the development and upkeep of materials collections reflect current customer interests and needs

• Implements and communicates to staff policies and directives adopted by the Library Board

• Ensures that the Douglass Branch facility is kept in good condition, monitoring cleanliness, maintaining all equipment in good order, and planning for replacement of equipment as needed

• Works closely with the Park District to successfully communicate concerns to maintain and manage the joint facility

• Provides reference and reader’s advisory services to customers and trains and coaches Douglass staff in the provision of these services

• Works with Douglass staff and community partners to provide a wide range of programming for children and adults at the Branch

• Contributions to the library profession through local and/or national professional associations

• Participates in departmental and library-wide training and activities, including technology and safety training

• Provides excellent internal and external customer service

• Other duties as assigned

• Knowledge of and experience of technology, including e-resources and devices

• Knowledge of public library practices, trends, and collection development

• Proficiency with workplace productivity software, including skills in Microsoft Office Suite

• Proven leadership qualities that foster teamwork, effective communication and high morale

• Excellent interpersonal skills and public service manner for modeling customer service expectations

• Demonstrated ability to apply initiative and exercise good judgement

• Excellent communication skills, oral and written, and public speaking/presentation skills.

• Ability to issue guidance and ensure compliance with the Library’s Rules of Conduct and policies

• Proven leadership qualities that foster teamwork, effective communication, and high morale

• Ability to plan, implement, and evaluate effective library services

• Ability to maintain a varied schedule, including day, evening, and weekend rotations

• Excellent organization and problem-solving skills

• Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion

• Good vision and hearing to effectively engage with customers

• Flexibility to adapt to changing situations and to vary work schedule

• Valid driver’s license, acceptable driving history, and personal automobile for job-related transportation

• Satisfactory pre-employment background check

• High School diploma or GED required

• Associate degree or two years of college preferred

• Five years of experience in a public library setting or related field is required

• Two years of supervisory experience required

• Some knowledge of Spanish and/or French is helpful

• Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities