ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR

Ppl; Seattle (WA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Portland Public Library (PPL) is seeking an Associate Director to join the senior leadership team. This role reports to the Executive Director and supervises the Adult, Youth, and Access Services Directors, as well as the Annex/Bookmobile Manager and Branch Managers.

The Associate Director will also act as the Downtown location’s de facto manager. The position requires strong leadership, strategic planning, and collaboration with nonprofit and municipal partners, with responsibilities across

Qualifications

• MLS in Library and Information Services from an ALA-accredited program.
• Minimum five years of progressively responsible leadership in library services and related areas.
• Strong ability to communicate with diverse stakeholders and staff.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership to plan and implement library services and pursue new initiatives.
• Lead development of library vision and strategy with Executive Director.
• Supervise Adult Services Director, Youth Services Director, Access Services Director, Annex/Bookmobile Manager, and Branch Managers.
• Be the de facto manager of the Downtown location and represent PPL in statewide collaborations.

Skills

Leadership

Staff management

Strategic planning

Project management

Data analysis

Communication

Stakeholder engagement

Education

MLS in Library & Information Services

Tools

Library IT systems

Job description

Full job description

Portland Public Library (PPL) is currently seeking an Associate Director, as part of the Library’s administration department and member of PPL’s senior leadership team. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Associate Director will be a critical leader for Library staff and will help deepen relationships with our non‑profit and municipal partners; lead and supervise the Adult Services Director, Youth Services Director, Access Services Director, Annex and Bookmobile Manager, and the Branch Managers; and serve as the de facto manager of the Downtown location.

The Associate Director will be deeply involved in complex decision making, working integrally with PPL’s senior leadership, internal and external library colleagues, and designated Trustee committees. The Associate Director will actively represent PPL in statewide collaborative conversations and pursuits. The position serves as an advocate for services and operations, provides support to the Board of Trustees’ Planning Committee, and is in the first position to lead the Library in the absence of the Executive Director.

This is a Full‑time, salaried, 40 hours per week onsite position, normally scheduled for Monday through Friday. This position is non‑union.

Nature & Scope

This position:

• Provides leadership to plan and implement library services, pursues new initiatives, manages collections, develops policy and process, achieves goals, and assesses service quality.
• Partners with Executive Director to develop library vision and strategy, and leads development of Library’s physical and digital engagement with the community.
• Provides decisive leadership and thoughtful coaching and guidance to staff as they implement strategic initiatives; must possess a collaborative leadership style and be an inspiration and resource to library colleagues.
• Fosters an empowered and collaborative work environment and healthy organizational culture.
• Has detailed knowledge of project management, including the ability to estimate scope and complete projects within a set time frame and budget.
• Acts as the liaison between senior leadership and branch library staff.
• Maintains a regular presence in all physical library locations to be available and approachable to library staff and to be familiar with local community needs.
• Researches and incorporates library trends and innovations and encourages rethinking library practices and services among library staff.
• Creates opportunities to further diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of the library.
• Develops and implements effective collection management guidelines.
• Leverages statewide collaborative opportunities.
• Is committed to providing exceptional customer service within a diverse community.
• Is first to assume Executive Director duties in the absence of the Executive Director.

Qualifications

• Must have a strong analytical acumen and a keen understanding of and interest in current and emerging library trends and best practices, coupled with the ability to articulate PPL’s business priorities and key services.
• Knowledge of and enthusiasm for developing alternative service models to best serve patron needs.
• Must possess broad and deep knowledge of library organizational practices including the library’s physical and digital spaces, programming and outreach into the community, customer service, and the prudent and creative deployment of resources and technology.
• Possesses an excellent grasp of information technologies and their application.
• Must possess excellent organizational and time‑management skills in order to handle multiple and sometimes conflicting tasks.
• Must be able to work with minimal supervision regarding time management and have the ability to consistently make sound, ethical decisions in emergency situations.
• Demonstrated ability to make accurate assessments while establishing and maintaining effective working relationships within the organization.

Education & Experience

MLS in Library and Information Services from an ALA‑accredited institution or equivalent is required.

Minimum of five years of progressively responsible leadership in library services and related areas.