Position Description
We are looking for a compassionate, courageous, and creative leader to manage a region of libraries or a neighborhood library and a strategic priority in the Tacoma Public Library system. In addition to managing library staff, you will plan, organize, and implement library programs, services, and initiatives in order to meet community needs. The ideal candidate has demonstrated success practicing and leading others in understanding racial equity and social justice, teaching concepts, facilitating discussions, co-creating programs, and implementing work practices.
Responsibilities Include
- Conduct outreach and develop partnerships with community organizations and a diverse range of library users
- Center racial equity in programs, services and decisions
- Assign work to staff and ensure employees are focused on achieving desired outcomes; measures goal progress, outcomes, and impacts
- Oversee library services at assigned branches ensuring all communities have access to high-quality library resources, services, and programs, with an emphasis on radically welcoming customer service
- Foster a workplace culture that understands, values and practices racial equity
- Lead assigned staff with your mind and heart so that employees feel valued and are able to bring their best selves to work every day; show care and respect; be consistent, fair and equitable; inspire; give autonomy and trust; bring joy; communicate, communicate and communicate
- Contribute to the development and implementation of work plans based on Tacoma Public Library’s Strategic Plan
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Library or Information Science, Nonprofit Leadership, Public Administration or related field, Master’s degree preferred
- Knowledge of emerging library technologies, service and programming trends in urban public libraries
- Three years of related experience including one year in a leadership role
- Experience developing, planning, and presenting activities, programs and outreach to children, teens and/or adults
Licensing, Certifications And Other Legal Requirements
Frequent travel to library branches and community organizations within the Puget Sound region, a valid Washington State Driver's License or equivalent mobility is required.
Desirable Qualifications
American Library Association (ALA) accredited Master’s degree in Library and Information Studies or Master’s in Library Science and Washington State Librarian's Certification. Fluency in more than one language.
Knowledge & Skills
- Successfully demonstrates ability to work as part of a team
- Maintains a working knowledge of trends in librarianship, through webinars, internal training, meetings, conferences, professional literature and organizational memberships
- Strong computer and technology skills, including an integrated library system (ILS), MS Office suite, cloud applications, PCs, Macs and mobile devices
- Strong commitment to public service and the ability to work well with a diverse patronage
- Broad, general knowledge of materials, authors, and resources in a variety of subject areas
- Open to change and new information, adapts behavior and work methods in response to new information, changing conditions, unexpected obstacles, even when things are not certain or the way forward is not clear
- Experience creating and conducting a variety of innovative programs that meet community needs
- Creates and sustains an organizational culture that encourages others to provide high quality service and high performance
- Demonstrated knowledge of computer services including online searching, social media, reference resources and databases
- Strong organization and planning skills, including the ability to balance multiple projects or priorities simultaneously
- Demonstrated interpersonal and communication skills, including public speaking, and presentation skills
- Use data and information in a clear and rational process to assess and understand issues, evaluate options, form conclusions, and make sound decisions
- Builds partnerships with local organizations to meet the needs of community users
Selection Process & Supplemental Information
Interested individuals should apply online and
attach resume and cover letter.
Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications will have their supplemental questionnaire scored, and those with passing scores will be ranked on the eligible list for interview and hiring consideration. Appointment is subject to passing a background check. This position is covered by a Labor Agreement between the Tacoma Public Library and Local 117.
Tacoma Public Library Stands Against Racism and White Supremacy
Tacoma Public Library is opposed to white supremacy in all of its forms and is committed to fostering an organization that is actively anti-racist. We believe that Black Lives Matter. We are grieving with our black community and all communities of color who continue to be harmed by institutionalized racism. We are committed to being a trusted community resource available to all and will provide resources and public programs that seek to reflect the values of anti-racism and elevate the voices of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC).
Tacoma Public Library
Tacoma Public Library (TPL) has been an essential provider of free books, information, ideas, and education for more than 125 years. TPL's neighborhood libraries originated with Andrew Carnegie's visionary philanthropy at the turn of the 20th century and are being transformed into true centers of educational innovation and service--and vital community hubs--that continue to provide far more than free books and materials.
Learn more about the Tacoma Public Library and the services we provide at www.tacomalibrary.org and connect with us on Facebook , Instagram , Twitter , and LinkedIn to stay up to date on exciting things happening at the library, and to be notified of other career opportunities with us.
The City of Tacoma
Tacoma is one of the nation's healthiest, safest, and most playful cities. We have daily access to stunning natural surroundings and a great quality of life. We are Washington's most diverse big city, with arts, culture, libraries, parks, and recreational opportunities that are envied by much larger cities. We recognize how lucky we are, but we know we can make it even better -together.
Tacoma is a mid-sized urban port city that sits along the Puget Sound with a population of nearly 210,000. The third largest city in the state of Washington, it is a diverse, progressive international gateway to the Pacific Rim.
Propelled by significant developments such as the University of Washington Tacoma, the impressive and distinct Museum District, the bustling historic Theater District, Tacoma Link light rail system, the restored urban waterfront of the Thea Foss Waterway, the expansions of both the MultiCare and Franciscan health systems, and a significant influx of foreign direct investment in its downtown core, Tacoma has evolved considerably since the 1990s.
Tacoma boasts the state's highest density of art and history museums, and is home to a flourishing creative community of writers, artists, musicians, photographers, filmmakers, chefs, entrepreneurs, and small business owners who each add their unique flair to the city's vibrant commercial landscape. The iconic Tacoma Dome and magnificently restored Pantages Theater have endured as a high-demand venue for some of the largest names in the entertainment industry.
A magnet for families looking for affordable housing options in the Puget Sound area, Tacoma also draws those who prefer to live in a more urban downtown setting with competitively priced condos and apartments that feature panoramic mountain and water views.
Tacoma's natural beauty and proximity to the Puget Sound and Mount Rainier draws hikers, runners, bicyclists, and maritime enthusiasts to the area. Its lively social scene is infused with energy by thousands of students attending the University of Washington Tacoma, the University of Puget Sound, Pacific Lutheran University, the Evergreen State College Tacoma campus, and Tacoma Community College, as well as a number of local trade and technical colleges. Its prime location - just 20 minutes south of the Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, 30 miles north of the state capital in Olympia, and within 10 miles of the U.S. Department of Defense's premier military installation on the West Coast - only adds to Tacoma's desirability. To see a few of the great things Tacoma has to offer, view this YouTube Video!
Communication From The City Of Tacoma
We primarily communicate via email during the application process. Emails from cityoftacoma.org and/or governmentjobs.com must be placed on your safe domain list to ensure that you receive notifications in a timely manner. As a precaution, you may also want to check your junk email folders.
The online application system requires you to enter a substantial amount of information. Be prepared to spend at least an hour entering information. In order for your application materials to be considered, all information must be submitted by the closing date and time listed on this job announcement.
For assistance with the NEOGOV application process, or questions regarding this job announcement, call the Human Resources office at (253) 591.5400 before
4:00 p.m. of the closing date of the job announcement.
Insurance Plans: You may participate in one of several group health insurance programs. Employees and their dependents are covered by a medical-surgical-hospital plan, vision plan, dental plan, and employees are covered by a long-term disability plan. Short-term and expanded long-term disability insurance and Deferred Compensation options are also available.
Employees are covered by the State Industrial Insurance Act.
Paid leave: Library Employees are entitled to receive paid holidays, and Personal Time Off (PTO).
Retirement: All employees of the Library except part-time Pages, temporary employees, and certain project employees, are included in the City of Tacoma Employees' Retirement System. Information on the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System can be found at www.cityoftacorna.org or by calling (253) 502-8200. All members of the Tacoma Employees' Retirement System are also covered by Social Security.
The Tacoma Public Library is not a department of the City of Tacoma and the Library's employees are not employees of the City. The Library is a separate entity with its own governing body. The Library's governing body is the Tacoma Public Library Board of Trustees.
Employees of the City of Tacoma who accept employment with the Tacoma Public Library will lose their City of Tacoma employee seniority. They will also find that their leave accruals, and some of the benefits enjoyed as employees of the City of Tacoma do not carry over when they are hired for a position with the Tacoma Public Library.
Closing Date/Time: 8/4/2023 5:00 PM Pacific
