Public Services Director

RAILS Libraries; Hillside (IL); On-site; USD 51,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

IMRF retirement plan

Weekend rotation

Job summary

Hillside Public Library in Hillside, IL seeks a Public Services Director to lead the Public Services Department and shape library services for the community. The role includes supervising staff, directing programs, budgets, and planning, with a focus on inclusive service and partnerships.

Ideal candidates bring an ALA‑accredited master's in library science, 2 years in a public library, and 1 year of supervisory experience. Bilingual Spanish skills are encouraged and supported by the library.

Qualifications

• ALA‑accredited master’s degree in library science required.
• Two years of successful experience in a public library.
• One year of supervisory or demonstrated leadership experience.
• Spanish speakers are encouraged to apply as bilingual service is an asset.

Responsibilities

• Oversee Public Services Department including reference, readers’ advisory, programming, and community outreach.
• Supervise professional staff, manage departmental operations and budgets, and participate in library-wide planning.
• Develop welcoming, inclusive service reflecting the community’s needs and interests; guide staff and foster partnerships.
• Remain actively engaged in direct public service alongside staff to serve users of all ages and backgrounds.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Collaboration

Creativity

Education

ALA‑accredited master’s degree in library science

Job description

Are you passionate about public libraries, energized by community service, and ready to lead a creative, collaborative team? The Hillside Public Library is seeking a Public Services Director to oversee our Public Services Department and help shape the future of library services in our community. With plans for a new library building underway, this is an opportunity to join our leadership team at a transformative moment and help reimagine the spaces and services we offer our community.

The Public Services Director serves as a key member of the library’s leadership team, providing direction and oversight foradult, teen, and youth services, including reference activities, readers’ advisory, programming, and community outreach. Reporting to the Executive Director, this position supervises professional staff, manages departmental operations and budgets, and participates in library-wide planning and decision-making.

In this role, you will lead the development of welcoming, inclusive service that reflects the needs and interests of our diverse community. You will guide staff, foster meaningful community partnerships, evaluate collections and services, and identify opportunities for innovation and improvement. You will also remain actively engaged in direct public service, working alongside staff to provide exceptional service to library users of all ages and backgrounds.

The ideal candidate is an approachable, resourceful, and confident leader who values collaboration, communicates effectively, and brings both creativity and sound judgment to their work. We are looking for someone who enjoys helping people develop their skills, embraces new ideas and technologies, and understands the important role libraries play in their communities.Spanish speakers are particularly encouraged to apply, as bilingualservice is an important asset to our community.

Full-time, 37.5 hours per week, participation in IMRF, and a complete benefits package, including 100% employer-paid health insurance premiums for both employees and eligible family members. Schedule includes weekends by rotation and occasional evening shifts.

Desired qualifications include an ALA-accredited master’s degree, two years of successful experience in a public library, and one year of supervisory experience or demonstrated leadership experience. The Hillside Public Library values diverse backgrounds and we encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet all the criteria.

The salary range for this position is $51,178 to $79,965. Offers are made within this range based on competencies, experience, and internal equity. In most cases, offers will fall between the minimum and midpoint of the salary range.

Hillside Public Library
405 N Hillside Ave
Hillside , IL 60162