Deputy Library Director

Laurens County Government; Laurens (SC); On-site; USD 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Laurens County Public Library System is seeking a Deputy Library Director to plan, supervise, and administer library services, personnel, and operations. The role includes acting for the Library Director when needed and working with staff and county partners to advance programs and community services.

The ideal candidate holds an ALA-accredited master's degree, has substantial supervisory/management experience, and is skilled in policy development, outreach, and grant writing.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree from an ALA-accredited program.
• Minimum of two years of supervisory and/or project management experience.
• Management experience is required.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, supervise, develop, and administer library services, personnel, operations, and programs.
• Act as Library Director in the Director’s absence.
• Coordinate staff scheduling and onboarding across branches.
• Lead outreach, partnerships, and programming initiatives.
• Develop grant proposals to fund library projects.
• Prepare monthly reports for the Director.

Skills

Leadership & supervision

Decision making

Planning & organizing

Technology proficiency

Communication

Strategic thinking

Coaching & mentoring

Policy development

Risk taking

Library knowledge

Ethics & professionalism

Education

Master’s Degree from an ALA-accredited program

Supervisory experience

Management experience

Job description

Description

The Deputy Library Director plans, organizes, supervises, develops, and administers all library services, personnel, operations, and programs. Assumes the duties of the Library Director in their absence. Works closely with appropriate staff to develop, enhance, and promote the library system's services. Establishes and maintains an effective working relationship with library staff and other departments within the County government. The position requires initiative, planning, coordination, and administrative skills to develop library services that meet community and individual needs. The position requires high-level decision-making across the entire system and mentoring all employees. All duties are performed in a patron-centered environment, ensuring services are delivered effectively, efficiently, and professionally to all users of the Laurens County Public Library System.

Works under the general supervision of the Library Director.

Requirements

• Coordinates staff scheduling at each public service point at the Clinton Branch.
• Promotes the growth and success of the library’s event programming.
• Exercises sound judgment and make independent decisions.
• Participates in leadership, administrative, special project, and strategic meetings.
• Represents the library at external events, initiates outreach and partnership activities, and serves on committees or organizations that support the library's mission and goals.
• Regularly acts as the senior staff member in charge of the facility and is a member of the Laurens County Public Library leadership team.
• Stays informed about current library trends, services, and management practices to introduce innovative ideas to the library.
• Assists internal and external customers in person, by telephone, or electronically, and resolves customer issues, concerns, and complaints.
• Provides excellent customer service by assisting patrons with reader’s advisory, information, reference, and technology support, including use of the OPAC and self-service kiosks.
• Serves as acting Library Director in the Director’s absence.
• Runs various system reports and prepares monthly reports for the Director.
• Oversees major publicity, promotional, public relations, and programming initiatives for the Board of Trustees, the Library, and the Friends of the Library.
• Develops and submits grant proposals to secure funding for new or enhanced library programs and assets.
• Maintains current knowledge of professional trends and issues, including management, finance, politics, and personnel, by reviewing relevant literature and media.
• Provides guidance to divisions on annual ordering of supplies, equipment, and furnishings as needed.
• Leads the process to update and improve public service policies and procedures.
• Coordinates staff recruitment, onboarding, and employee relations. Provides personnel policy guidance to managers and staff and assists with disciplinary actions.
• Participates in staff meetings and related activities. Attends workshops, conferences, and classes to enhance professional knowledge. Serves on assigned committees.
• Maybe required to work at multiple locations throughout the workday or workweek.
• Performs other duties as required.

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge, Skill, and Ability

• Customer Focus: Shows strong commitment to understanding and meeting patron needs, consistently delivers high-quality service, and enhances the library system’s value.
• Decision-Making: Makes effective, timely decisions to achieve organizational goals, even with limited resources.
• Planning: Develops and implements operational plans to support and improve library services in both the short and long term.
• Technology Proficiency: Is proficient with computers and relevant library technologies.
• Communication and Supervision: Communicates clearly with diverse audiences and applies effective supervisory methods, including delegation, scheduling, performance evaluation, and maintaining staff morale.
• Organization and Initiative: Establishes effective actions for self and others to ensure efficient operations within time and resource constraints. Exercises initiative and independent judgment.
• Coaching and Mentorship: Supports staff development to enhance effectiveness in fulfilling job responsibilities.
• Risk-Taking: Willingly takes calculated risks to improve services and operations.
• Library Knowledge: Possesses a solid understanding of library principles, practices, and current trends.
• Ethics and Professionalism: Consistently demonstrates sound judgment, integrity, and adherence to high professional and ethical standards.

Education and Experience

• Master’s Degree from an ALA-accredited program.
• Minimum of two years of supervisory experience and/or project management experience.
• Management experience is required.
• Must have a valid driver’s license.

Laurens County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Employees of the County of Laurens and applicants for employment shall be afforded equal opportunity in all aspects of employment without regard to race, color, religion, political affiliation, national origin, disability, marital status, gender, sexual orientation, or age. Reasonable accommodation(s) may be available to employees or applicants of this position under the ADA/ADAA if given prior notice by the employee or applicant.

The information contained within this document indicates the general nature and level of work to be performed by an employee within this classification. It is not intended to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, qualifications, or work required of employees assigned to this position.