Library Director in Fort Meade, Florida at CITY OF FT MEADE

Job Summary:

The Library Director is responsible for the overall administration, planning, organization, and management of municipal library operations, programs, services, staff, and facilities. The position provides leadership in advancing literacy, educational programming, technology access, and community engagement while ensuring excellent customer service and compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and policies.

The Library Director will also oversee and promote innovative technology initiatives, including cyber literacy, digital learning, and interactive computer experiences designed to engage patrons of all ages in emerging technologies and digital resources.

Essential Functions:

• Administers Library programs and services for the City's main and branch libraries, ensuring the proper management of Library resources including facility maintenance, finances and personnel to meet the needs of the City and its residents.
• Supervises professional and clerical staff and corps of volunteers. Supervisory duties include instructing, assigning, reviewing and planning work of others; maintaining standards; and coordinating activities.
• Develops and implements Library policies and procedures in accordance with City, Cooperative and professional Library standards Plans; implements and evaluates Library goals and objectives. Develop long-term plan.
• Develops and administers the department's annual budget; monitors and approves expenditures.
• Prepares analytical and statistical reports monthly and yearly for support groups, City Manager, State Library and the Polk County Library Cooperative.
• Promotes Library services to the public through membership in and presentations to local clubs, groups, associations, Chamber of Commerce, etc.
• Coordinates projects with and provides guidance to Library support groups, including the Friends of the Library, Library Advisory Committee and Library Foundation.
• Represents the Library to City government, Library Cooperative, American Library Association, Florida Library Association and other groups and organizations.
• Develops the library’s physical and digital materials collection by utilizing the Collection Development Policy in response to the community’s needs. Purchases, classifies, processes, and catalogs materials; conducts weeding and discarding procedures; participates in periodic inventory, and evaluates donated materials.
• Assists with circulation desk and reception task duties as needed, including greeting patrons, locating materials, checking library materials in and out, collecting and processing cash or check payments for fines and fees, handling customers’ needs, answering phone calls, and issuing new library cards
• Receives and responds to inquiries, concerns and complaints from the public.
• Keeps abreast of trends and innovations in library services, techniques and technology.
• Assists with special projects from the City Manager/Commission.

(These essential job functions are not to be construed as a complete statement of all duties. Employees will be required to perform other job-related duties, as required.)

Minimum Qualifications (KSAs):

• Knowledge of modern library principles, practices, and procedures.
• Knowledge of budgeting, personnel management, and public administration.
• Understanding of digital resources, integrated library systems, and emerging technologies.
• Ability to develop innovative technology and community engagement programs.
• Strong organizational, communication, and leadership skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employees, officials, and the public.
• Ability to speak effectively before groups and community organizations.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience managing public library technology programs or makerspaces.
• Experience with grant writing and fundraising.
• Knowledge of cybersecurity awareness and digital education programming.
• Bilingual communication skills are a plus.

Education, Training and Experience:

• Master’s degree in library science (MLS or MLIS) from an accredited institution preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in library science, Education, Public Administration, Information Technology, or related field may be considered depending on experience.
• Minimum of three (3) to five (5) years of progressively responsible library management or supervisory experience.
• Experience with technology programming, cyber literacy initiatives, or interactive digital learning preferred.
• Any equivalent combination of training and experience may be substituted for education.

Licenses, Certificates, Special Requirements:

• A valid Florida driver’s license
• Background screening will be required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain any certifications required by the State of Florida or the municipality.

Physical and Mental Demands:

The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Essential Physical Skills:

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, and lift materials weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to operate computers and standard office equipment.
• Ability to attend meetings and community events outside normal business hours when required.

Mental Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, employees are regularly required to use written and oral communication skills; read and interpret data, information, and documents; analyze and solve problems; use math and mathematical reasoning; observe and interpret situations; learn and apply new information or new skills; work under deadlines with constant interruptions; interact with City staff and other organizations; and may deal with dissatisfied or quarrelsome individuals.

Work Environment:

Work is performed in a library and office environment with frequent interaction with staff and the public. Position may require occasional evening and weekend hours.

BENEFITS

The City offers comprehensive health insurance, city-paid basic life insurance and long-term disability insurance, optional vision, dental and short-term disability insurance, robust retirement plan options, both pension and deferred compensation, generous paid leave, and ample professional development