Branch Supervisor (Senior Librarian), Grade N25

Montgomery County (MD); Silver Spring, Rockville (MD, MD); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) seeks ambitious Senior Librarians to serve as Branch Supervisors, delivering high-quality service, supervising information staff and an Assistant Branch Supervisor, and participating in planning workgroups.

You will lead programs reflecting community needs, manage branch operations, train staff, and build partnerships with community organizations, while promoting diversity and inclusion across services.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Library Science or Library Information Science from an ALA-accredited college or university.
• Four (4) years of professional library experience.
• Continuing Education Units (CEUs) to sustain licensing requirements.
• Pre-employment Medical History Form is required.

Responsibilities

• Promote and support MCPL’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion values in public service.
• Ensure delivery of excellent customer service by guiding staff and implementing policies.
• Lead day-to-day operations: plan and organize the work of the branch and lead the branch supervisory team.
• Serve as on-site supervisor: supervising, training, evaluating as well as coaching and mentoring staff.
• Develop, provide, and evaluate training to a diverse staff, throughout the Department.

Skills

Communication

Staff development

Customer service

Program planning

Training delivery

Education

Master’s degree in Library Science

Job description

WHO WE ARE

MCPL has a vision of a world where knowledge allows diverse communities to prosper and grow. In order to support this vision, we create opportunities through meaningful connections by acting as the knowledge sharing center for over 1 million diverse customers. Approximately 500 engaged and passionate staff provide services in 21 library locations and in community engagement using direct outreach virtual assistance. MCPL is an open, inviting, and vital gateway to the information, ideas and enrichment that strengthens our county. A diverse, highly qualified staff continually assesses community needs and interests to support, encourage and inspire our customers.

MCPL believes in the right of all to learn and to grow. We value intellectual freedom, accountability, quality service, diversity, fairness, professional ethics, integrity of information and respect for our customers, our community, and ourselves. We are a learning organization that functions openly by exploring new ideas and using the collective talent, knowledge, and creativity of employees at all levels.

The Montgomery County Library System is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. MCPL values diverse perspectives, lived experiences, and cultures. MCPL encourages BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color), immigrants, women, LGBTQIA+, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply. As part of this commitment, MCPL provides reasonable accommodation for persons with disabilities to participate in the job application or interview process and/or to perform the essential functions of the position.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Montgomery County Public Libraries (MCPL) is seeking highly motivated, community-oriented and collaborative Senior Librarians to serve as Branch Supervisor to provide excellent customer service and equalized opportunity for Montgomery County residents. If you excel in the areas of communication, staff development and training, customer service and want to work in an innovative and inclusive environment, this is the job for you. Our Senior Librarians supervise the library’s daily operations, info staff and an Assistant Branch Supervisor, serve as system trainers, and participate as members of planning and implementation workgroups.

Senior Librarians (Branch Supervisors) direct a variety of professional programs and services reflective of, and responsive to community needs and assets. These positions represent MCPL within the community, building collaborative relationships, programs, and services in partnership with community members and organizations. They also help to manage MCPL materials to meet the educational, recreational and informational needs of the community. These positions provide customers with basic technological and in-depth informational assistance.

Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply. Additional multi-lingual pay may be available after successfully passing a multilingual examination.

Successful Candidates will:

• Demonstrate commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) practices in public service.

• Value building collaborative relationships with community members and organizations, as well as colleagues across MCPL.


• Be responsive to the emerging needs of Montgomery County residents, developing and delivering programs and services that reflect the unique needs of diverse populations.


• Flexible, adaptable, and eager to implement change to better serve our communities


• Able to communicate effectively with diverse audiences through a variety of platforms


• Ready to grasp new technologies and train staff to use these technologies


• Comfortable in developing, presenting, and evaluating training, virtually and in person


• An empathetic listener who enjoys understanding and responding to the needs of customers and staff


• Ready to understand the part your branch plays in the Department and the role the Department plays in County government.

Essential Duties/Major Responsibilities:

• Promote and support MCPL’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion values with staff and customers. Center the experiences of people and communities who are most affected by structural inequities when engaging in programming, partnerships, and information services work.


• Ensure delivery of excellent customer service by guiding staff and implementing policies and solving problems.


• Lead day-to-day operations: plan and organize the work of the branch and lead the branch supervisory team..


• Serve as on-site supervisor: supervising, training, evaluating as well as coaching and mentoring staff.


• Develop, provide, and evaluate training to a diverse staff, throughout the Department.


• Work with Collection Management to maintain branch collection.


• Respond directly to customer concerns, suggestions, and complaints.


• Serve on workgroups and committees designed to encourage communication and problem solving across all levels of the organization.

THIS RECRUITMENT WILL GENERATE A 6-MONTH ELIGIBLE LIST TO FILL CURRENT AND FUTURE VACANCIES FOR THE BRANCH SUPERVISOR FULL TIME POSITIONS AT ALL BRANCH LOCATIONS WITHIN MCPL.

Hours for this position are:

• Library hours of operation are 7 days a week including evenings. Employees are expected to be available for work during these times. Individual schedules, including evenings and weekends, will vary based based on branch operational needs.


• Shifts: 1-2 evening shifts per week, alternating Friday/Saturday schedule Sundays in rotation

Experience: Four (4) years of professional library experience. Education: Master’s degree in Library Science or Library Information Science from a college or university accredited by the American Library Association. Equivalency: None. License: Employees will be responsible for maintaining appropriate level of Continuing Education Units (CEUs) to sustain licensing requirements. Note: There will be no substitutions for this section. Medical Exam Protocol: This position requires completion of a pre-employment Medical History Form to assess your ability to safely perform the essential duties of the role.

The applications of those individuals meeting the minimum qualifications will be reviewed to determine the extent, relevancy of training, and experience in the following areas:

• Leading diverse teams, coaching and/or supervising personnel, including providing input to or creating performance evaluations and staff schedules


• Providing customer service and resolving complex customer service issues in a library setting; being the person in charge of a public facility


• Managing staff in a union environment


• Managing a project or similar assignment