Senior Librarian

Description/Duties & Responsibilities

Under the general direction of the Library Administrator, the Senior Librarian oversees all programming and employees in Children's Services, Young Adult Services, and Adult Services for an assigned library branch. This position provides program development and implementation, outreach services, coordination, and direction of staff to ensure success of the designated branch. This position requires the ability to work evenings and weekends.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Supervises assigned employees within library branch; establishes goals and professional development opportunities for employees; trains, develops, mentors, and schedules employees; evaluates performance and resolves employee performance issues; provides team leadership to ensure accountability

• Participates in and attends weekly meetings and provides detailed and thorough branch updates to Library Management Team

• Manages recruitment of regular and part-time-seasonal employees; including selection, hiring, and on-boarding

• Oversees, develops, coordinates, and implements programming for assigned library branch

• Partners with Marketing and Outreach Librarian to develop and implement marketing strategies to promote the library and coordinates outreach programs and events to engage the community, business groups, and patrons in library services and programs; coordinates partnership development with Santa Clarita schools to market services

• Manages all contracts from creation through completion; reviews scope of work, insurance, and related documents; routes for payment

• Purchases equipment, materials, and supplies for designated branch according to City purchasing policies and procedures

• Assists staff with pursuing grant opportunities

• Attends and presents at community meetings of service clubs and committee groups

• Resolves difficult customer service issues and responds to patron concerns, including library account issues and library policies

• Participates in the development assigned branch's budget; forecasts funds needed for programming, equipment, materials, and supplies; monitors and approves expenditures; recommends budgetary adjustments as necessary

• Maintains current knowledge of new trends and innovations in the field of library science in addition to participating in professional development activities

• Maintain certification requirements and may work the passport desk as needed

• Establishes positive working relationships with staff, internal partners and community members; acts as a representative of the library at various meetings and events

• Provides administrative support to the Library Administrator and act as the Library Administrator in their absence

Education and Experience

• Master's Degree in Library and/or Information Science from a graduate school accredited by the American Library Association

• Three years of progressively responsible professional public library experience

• Supervisory or lead experience is highly desirable

• Any combination of education and experience that has provided the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary will be considered

• Possession of, or ability to maintain, passport acceptance certification within six months of hire

• Possession of a valid Class C California driver license

Knowledge and Abilities

• Strong leadership skills and the ability to effectively supervise, train, evaluate, motivate, provide feedback, and quickly and effectively resolve performance issues while holding employees accountable

• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills and the ability to identify creative solutions to complex program issues and exercise sound judgment

• Strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to communicate professionally, make public presentations, develop effective marketing materials, and write comprehensive reports

• Strong knowledge of the principles, practices, and procedures of public librarianship and the ability to evaluate and implement library programs

• Strong knowledge of new trends and innovations in the field of library science and the ability to continue professional development activities

• Strong organizational skills and the ability to coordinate multiple projects and programs simultaneously, and be sensitive to deadlines and changing priorities

• Strong fiscal knowledge and the ability to participate in the development of library cost estimates, work within the constraints of the budget, help monitor expenditures, and evaluate the budget

• Strong customer service and conflict management skills and the ability to deal effectively with patrons and resolve complicated issues

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to maintain collaborative working relationships with staff, community members, and internal partners

• Ability to lift, drag, and push files, paper and documents weighing up to 25 pounds

Additional Information

This position will remain open until filled. The first review of applications will be on Friday, May 3, 2024.

An online completed City application form is required to apply for this position. All employment information must be provided on the application. Providing a resume is not a substitute for completing this section of the application. Applications left incomplete, or with a reference to attachments may be rejected. The selection process will include one or more of the following: written exam, technical knowledge assessment, writing skill assessment, and/or oral interviews that may be conducted in person and/or via video conferencing. Applicants that meet minimum qualifications and are selected for interviews will be required to disclose information regarding criminal convictions. If you require special accommodations to participate in the application/selection process, please notify Human Resources for assistance.

All offers of regular employment with the City of Santa Clarita are made contingent upon receipt of proof of legal right to work in the United States, successful completion of a post-offer pre-employment physical, which may include a drug screen and Department of Justice fingerprinting. Criminal offender information will be reviewed on an ongoing basis. The City uses the E-Verify program to electronically confirm work authorization of newly hired employees. All new employees are required to participate in the DMV Employer Pull-Notice Program. This program authorizes the City to receive a driver record report upon enrollment and during employment. Only degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and accredited by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation will be accepted.

As a City of Santa Clarita public employee, you may be called upon to work as a Disaster Service Worker (DSW) in the event of an emergency (in accordance with Government Code §§ 3100-3109). Before entering upon the duties of employment, all public employees, except those excluded by law, take and subscribe to an oath or affirmation set forth in the California Constitution, declaring them to be Disaster Service Workers in time of need.

Compensation includes enrollment in California Public Employees' Retirement System as a replacement for Social Security plus a competitive benefits package. All appointments are made at step 1 of the salary range unless otherwise authorized by the City Manager.

The City of Santa Clarita is an Equal Opportunity Employer.