Sr. Branch Manager

The Kansas City Public Library; Plaza (ND); On-site; USD 73,000 - 89,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent benefits

Job summary

The Kansas City Public Library is seeking a Sr. Branch Manager for Plaza Branch. This full-time, exempt role reports to the Director of Branch Services and leads a large inter-departmental team to deliver high-quality library services and programs at Plaza.

Responsibilities include budgeting, staff development, community partnerships, and public outreach, with collaboration across Youth Services and Customer Service teams to ensure excellent service delivery.

Qualifications

• Extensive customer service experience in a patron-facing environment.
• Experience as a supervisor or lead; ability to organize and direct staff.
• Thorough knowledge of public library principles and practices.
• Strong understanding of current management practices.
• Superior oral and written communication skills.
• Proven ability to plan, set goals and achieve objectives.
• Experience with electronic circulation systems and catalogs.
• Advanced computer skills and library technology proficiency.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• English proficiency required; multi-language skills a plus in Jackson County, MO.

Responsibilities

• Lead Plaza location and inter-department teams to develop integrated library programs and services.
• Guide staff and managers; provide mentorship and performance feedback.
• Represent the library on committees and community partnerships.
• Manage staff hiring, training, scheduling, coaching and development within budget.
• Oversee high-quality reference, information, reader's advisory and youth services.
• Assist in budgeting and programming for Plaza location in collaboration with supervisors.
• Support public programs for adults and community outreach.
• Maintain strong community relationships and cross-department collaboration.
• Conduct public outreach and networking to raise awareness of library programs.
• Stay current with library field trends and professional best practices.
• Contribute to the development of library goals, policies and procedures.
• Prepare monthly activity reports and annual budget requests.
• Demonstrate fiscal responsibility in budget management.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Staff interaction

Leadership & coaching

Professional library work

Management practices

Communication skills

Planning & objectives

Electronic circulation systems

Library technology skills

Oral and written instructions

English language proficiency

Education

MLS degree or equivalent

Job description

Description

Under the general direction of the Director of Branch Services, Plaza’s Sr. Branch Manager is responsible for the leadership of a large inter-departmental team enhancing Plaza as a destination location. Exercises direction, coordinates and evaluates all services and programs for the Plaza Branch with accountability for providing high-quality library service based on an awareness of the needs and nature of customers served and within the limits of available resources. Collaborates with the Plaza Youth Services Manager to assure quality services and programs throughout the Plaza location.

This is a full-time, exempt position with a starting salary of $80,875, plus excellent benefits.

Location

Plaza Branch: 4801 Main St, Kansas City, MO 64112.

Job Duties (Essential Functions)

1. Sets priorities and goals for the Plaza location and directs the cooperation of specialized focused departments in developing a program of inter-related library services; assists public facing supervisors and managers assigned to other library functions/department at Plaza in developing and organizing programs and procedures.
2. Shares experience to guide employees and other public facing supervisors and managers.
3. Provides professional expertise while serving on committees and groups or in partnership with community leaders.
4. Directs employees to assure productivity; interviews, selects, trains, schedules, coaches, develops and evaluates assigned staff, as well as colleagues assigned to other functions/departments as needed as a mentor. Organizes, assigns, prioritizes, and reviews work; conveys and disseminates information to employees and as needed employee concerns to management in a timely manner; successfully resolves conflicts among colleagues.
5. Directs and provides the delivery of high-quality library services including reference, information, reader's advisory, community referrals, and services for teens and children to facilitate effective use of library resources; maintains a high level of competency in all desk procedures; maintains adequate staffing levels within budgetary limits; sets standards in accordance with library policy; provides consultation to employees
6. In collaboration with the Customer Service Manager and Plaza Youth Services Manager, manages the Plaza programming budget.
7. Supports designated staff in facilitating public programs targeted toward an adult audience.
8. Maintains communication and builds effective working relationships with the public and other library colleagues; evaluates effectiveness of services offered; maintains strong partnerships with other library departments promoting collaboration, and effectively managing change through communication.
9. Conducts public outreach programs to increase awareness and support of library programs and services; develops relationships and partnerships with organizations in branch service area; participates in public speaking engagements and networking events.
10. Keeps abreast of current trends and developments in profession; performs duties requiring the exercise of professional skill, initiative, and independent judgement.
11. Assists with formulation of library goals, objectives, policies, and procedures.
12. Prepares monthly report of activities and submits annual budget requests in partnership with supervisors and managers.
13. Demonstrates fiscal responsibility in management of appropriate budgets.
14. Other duties as assigned.

Branch Specific Duties

• Plaza contains an Automated Materials Handling (AMH) device. Performs circulation control duties.

Work Environment

Work is performed at the Plaza location and Library Branches throughout the district. Primary workspace is an office withing a library, other work will be performed in a public space amongst staff and patrons from a diverse socio-economic community.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

The employee must be able to perform the essential functions and job requirements of the position satisfactorily. If requested, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job, absent undue hardship.

Requirements

1. Demonstrated ability to interact successfully with staff and public. Exhibits self-motivation with the ability to prioritize, meet deadlines, and manage changing priorities.
2. Demonstrated ability to organize work effectively; lead, direct, and coach personnel; and plan programs and services.
3. Thorough knowledge of principles and practices of professional library work as practiced in public libraries.
4. Thorough knowledge of current management practices.
5. Superior oral and written communication skills.
6. Proven skills in planning, goal identification, and achievement of objectives.
7. Demonstrated ability to learn operation of electronic circulation system and catalog.
8. Demonstrated advanced computer skills; competency in technology skills used in libraries.
9. Demonstrated ability to give and follow oral and written instructions.
10. Ability to effective communicate in and understand English is required. Additional consideration will be given to individuals that are proficient in any non-English languages spoken in Jackson County, MO including Spanish, American Sign Language, Vietnamese, French, Arabic, and Swahili.

Required Education and Experience

• Minimum qualifications include extensive customer service experience in a patron facing environment, experience as a supervisor, an MLS degree or an equivalent combination of education and related experience.

Kansas City Public Library is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.