- Job Description
One of the largest counties in the nation with a population of over 1.15 million, Contra Costa County is located in the northeastern region of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Area. The County enjoys a diverse population and employment economy, from urban neighborhoods to rural farms, and benefits from an abundance of world-class companies and a multitude of transportation connections. The Library is supported by an annual department budget of $32.5 million and more than 200 FTEs and 20,000 volunteer hours.
Job Qualifications
With a passion for library services, the ideal candidate will be accomplished at maintaining cooperative relations with diverse communities, have a proven track record of providing organizational leadership in well-managed library systems, and have the pulse on contemporary best practices coupled with the ability to advance innovative ideas.
Education and experience equivalent to graduation from an ALA certified master’s program and five years’ experience as Library Director or Assistant Director, or head of a major department, serving a population of 250,000+. Salary range $150,814 – $202,106; placement within the range will be DOQE. Salary supplemented by competitive benefits. Visit www.tbcrecruiting.com for info and to apply by Sunday, December 6, 2020.
- Bargaining Unit: Management – Mgmt Classified & Exempt Department Heads
Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Class specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.
Under administrative policy direction, – plans, organizes and directs the activities of the County Library and performs related work as required.
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Distinguishing Characteristics
- The County Librarian is responsible for assessing the ongoing public library service needs throughout the County and within established budgetary limits for providing maximum library service in accordance with those needs. The County Librarian is responsible to the Board of Supervisors and, subject to general review by the board, develops and administers all phases of library policy.
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Minimum Qualifications
- License Required: Possession of a valid California Motor Vehicle Operator’s License. Out of state valid motor vehicle operator’s license will be accepted during the application process.
Education: Graduation from a graduate library school program accredited by the American Library Association.
Experience: Five (5) years of full-time or its equivalent experience demonstrating knowledge of principles and practices of public administration, including county government, and of the laws applicable to library service in California in a public library serving a population of at least 250,000, as a Public Library Director, Assistant Library Director or head of a major department.
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Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities
- Knowledge of:
- Principles and practices of public administration, including the county government, and of the laws applicable to library service in California
- Operations, services and activities of a comprehensive public library services program
- Principles and practices of professional library organization, community needs assessment, program planning, collection development, system development and service delivery
- Current trends, technologies and concepts in library science and services including automation and collection
- Methods and techniques of collections, technical, reference and children’s library services
- Principles and practices of supervision, training and performance evaluation
- Funding sources impacting program and service development
- Principles and practices of budget development, preparation and administration
- Community resources available to complement and strengthen library service and delivery
Ability to:
- Manage and direct a comprehensive library program
- Develop, implement and administer department goals, objectives and procedures
- Analyze and assess community needs, programs, policies and operational needs and make appropriate adjustments
- Identify and respond to sensitive community and organizational issues, concerns and needs
- Possess an awareness of and respect for cultural diversity, be effective and responsive in politically and ethnically diverse environments
- Plan, organize, direct and coordinate the work of subordinate staff in both library and non-library disciplines
- Make effective public presentations; represent the Library and County effectively in meetings with individual citizens, public and/or private organizations, and boards and commissions.
- Communicate clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing, preparing clear and concise correspondence, statistical summaries, and reports.
- Prepare clear and concise administrative and financial reports
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, other governmental agencies and county departments
- Exercise sound judgment within policy guidelines
- Typical Tasks
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- Formulates, recommends and implements library policy on matters relating to library goals, organization, programs, services, personnel administration, public relations, facilities and budgets
- Manages the development, revision and implementation of strategic plans, departmental goals and objectives, administrative programs and procedures and systems
- Selects, trains, supervises and evaluates staff and plans and directs their work. Oversees and participates in the selection and management of the library collection and materials and justifies expenditures in reports and presentations to the County Administrator and the Board of Supervisors
- Manages and participates in the development and administrative of the Department budget
- Plans and develops new or improved programs and facilities to meet community needs; directs negotiation, construction and monitoring of contracts and leases for facilities
- Consults with the County Administrator and County Counsel on contracts and agreements
- Serves as staff and a professional resource, and meets regularly with the Contra Costa County Library Commission to inform them about the current status and range of library services and seek their advice
- Consults with various County and city officials regarding library services
- Monitors and investigates new sources of funding; develops relationships and works with private, business and non-profit organizations to improve the library financial base and service delivery and recommends application for state and federal funds for library programs
- Acts as a member of the Administrative Council of the Bay Area Library and Information System
- Responds to and resolves correspondence and difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints
- Prepares annual and special reports