Assistant Library Director

Jackson County, NC; Sylva (NC); On-site; USD 50,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Jackson County Public Library is seeking a professional administrator to assist the Library Director in managing the county library system. The role involves supervising staff, coordinating training, and ensuring policy compliance.

The position also encompasses marketing, community outreach, budget oversight, and strategic planning. A Master’s in Library Science is preferred, with experience in leadership and a valid NC driver license. Evening/weekend work and occasional travel are expected.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Library Science required or equivalent.
• Strong knowledge of public library principles and practices.
• Experience in supervision and budget management.

Responsibilities

• Assist the Library Director in managing and administering county libraries.
• Supervise staff and volunteers; coordinate training and development.
• Ensure compliance with laws, regulations, and JCPL policies.
• Coordinate marketing, social media, and community outreach.
• Prepare reports and statistics for the library system.
• Oversee collection development and technical services as assigned.
• Monitor ILS functions and system software settings.
• Provide reference and research assistance to patrons.
• Maintain safe working environment and perform opening/closing procedures.
• Evening and weekend work; occasional travel.

Skills

Leadership

Supervision

Public service

Communication

Library systems

Budgeting

Marketing

Grants

Policy compliance

Team collaboration

Tech proficiency

Diversity engagement

Education

Master's degree in Library Science

Bachelor's degree in Library Science or related field

Job description

This is a professional position that performs administrative and supervisory work assisting the County Librarian in the administration of the programs and operations of the county library system. This employee assumes the duties of the Library Director in her/his absence, may be assigned as a department supervisor in a public service or technical service area, and performs related work as apparent or assigned. Work involves frequent public contact and is accomplished in accordance with Jackson County Public Library policies, guidelines, and procedures. Work may involve driving a library vehicle. Work is performed under the general direction of the Library Director. Grade 24

• Assists the Library Director in the management, supervision, and administration of the libraries within the County.
• Reviews and recommends training and development for library staff and volunteers.
• Ensures compliance with federal, state, and local laws, regulations, and codes, as well as all JCPL system policies and procedures.
• Maintains confidentiality and privacy of protected information.
• Keeps the Library Director informed on personnel issues as they affect the operations of the library.
• Coordinates the planning, delivery, and promotion of the county library through the development of marketing materials, use of social media, and community outreach.
• May oversee the development and delivery of public services at the county library.
• Provides specialized research assistance to patrons.
• May oversee collection development for the county library.
• May oversee technical services activities for the county library.
• Monitors ILS functions and daily operations.
• Maintains and updates local system software settings.
• Works at a public services desk on a regular basis.
• Coordinates preparation of reports and statistics for county library service.
• Coordinates security and maintenance of the county library facility.
• Participates in preparation of county library system budget.
• Participates in local and regional fundraising activities.
• Collaborates with other departments to identify funding sources and develop and manage grants.
• Works collaboratively with the Library Director to bolster support for library service from local government and library boards.
• Works with local library support organizations to develop and maintain citizen interest and participation in the growth and development of the county libraries.
• Establishes and maintains viable relationships with community agencies and institutions; develops partnerships to enhance library system awareness and promote services.
• As a member of the regional supervisory team, participates in information sharing, leadership training and development, and tactical planning.
• As a member of the strategic planning committee, participates in planning, implementation, and evaluation of long and short-term goals and objectives.
• Supports organizational goals and objectives by participating in library system, community, and statewide collaborations.
• Maintains current knowledge of trends and innovations in the library field.
• May be required to perform work assignments concurrently.
• Responsible for maintaining a safe and secure working environment.
• May perform opening and closing procedures.
• Evening and weekend work required.
• Some travel required.

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree in library science and considerable professional experience in library work including some managerial and supervisory experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Master’s degree in library science from an accredited ALA library institution.

Licenses or Certifications

• Possession of a valid, State of North Carolina driver license to operate a motor vehicle. Requirement exists at the time of hire and as a condition of continued employment.
• North Carolina Public Librarian Certification desirable.

• Thorough knowledge of public library principles and practices.
• Thorough knowledge of library circulation, catalog, and Dewey Decimal Classification systems.
• Thorough knowledge of current reading trends and interests of diverse populations.
• Thorough knowledge of specific needs of service population.
• Knowledge of effective employee supervisory techniques and practices.
• Knowledge of marketing techniques.
• Knowledge of federal, state, and local labor laws.
• Knowledge of leadership, motivation, team-building, and conflict resolution practices.
• Expertise in planning and organizing work, and handling interruptions.
• Ability to accurately count money.
• Ability to give attention to detail.
• Proficiency in effectively communicating orally and in writing.
• Ability to effectively work with diverse populations.
• Possess excellent interpersonal skills including tact, courtesy, and discretion.
• Ability to take direction.
• Ability to consistently use good judgment.
• Ability to work as a member of a team.
• Expertise in working independently and exercising initiative.
• Ability to work well under pressure.
• Proficiency in using a variety of library equipment and technology.
• Proficiency in effectively using various computer applications.

Statement of Equal Employment Opportunity

Jackson County recognizes its continued success in meeting the needs of its citizens requires the full and active participation of talented and committed individuals, regardless of their gender, race, color, creed, religion, national origin, disability or political affiliation. It is the policy of the County to foster, maintain, and promote equal opportunity by use of a systematic, consistent recruitment program, and to identify and attract the most qualified applicants for employment with the County. This policy is to be achieved by announcing all position vacancies, by evaluating all applicants using the same criteria, and by applying testing methods through the NC Career Works Office. Selection decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, disability, age, or sexual orientation.