Jackson-George Regional Library System is hiring: Librarian III – Branch Manager

Description

Overview

The Jackson George Regional Library System, one of Mississippi’s top ranked public library systems, is seeking a manager for our flagship branch located in Pascagoula. The Pascagoula Public Library serves as the central hub of our system, supporting communities throughout Jackson and George counties. We are thrilled to invite accomplished and visionary professionals to apply for the position of Librarian III / Branch Manager.

As the Branch Manager, you will not only lead the library’s dedicated personnel but also champion its role as a vibrant center of learning and discovery. By engaging directly with the community, you will gain a deep understanding of its unique dynamics - allowing you to respond to their needs, address concerns, and celebrate shared interests. Your leadership will strengthen the library’s standing as an indispensable resource and cultural touchstone. This is more than a position; it’s a chance to leave a lasting impact on the intellectual and cultural richness of the Gulf Coast.

We are looking for a Librarian with five-years’ experience in a public library with at least two years in supervisory role who can:

• Meet the evolving needs of the community and expand the expectations of the community as new services are developed.
• Build and maintain strong partnerships with local organizations.
• Market and promote the vast services and resources offered by the system.
• Implement the priorities and goals outlined in the strategic plan.
• Ensure responsible use of funds to maximize materials and services for library patrons.
• Manage and motivate the staff who are a vital element of the library’s resources.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Responsible for the management, supervision, and development of the Pascagoula Public Library.
2. Work with branch and system staff to develop a series of programs for various age groups and the general public to be presented at the library throughout the year.
3. Develop awareness and understanding of community concerns, issues, and interests. Become involved in the community, with active membership in at least one major civic organization serving residents of Pascagoula.
4. Responsible for maintenance of facilities and grounds, working with the assistant director to develop and implement plans when assistance beyond those available through the regular library custodial staff is required.
5. Organize, train, direct, schedule, motivate and evaluate paid and volunteer personnel.
6. Analyze personnel, budget, services, equipment and facility needs and problems and recommend cost-effective and efficient solutions appropriately.
7. Plan and perform materials selection, weeding, and other collection development activities, in accordance with established policies.
8. Conduct orientation and other training, re-training and cross training programs for personnel as needed.
9. Communicate, model, and implement approved policies and procedures in a timely and effective manner.
10. Serve as the primary liaison with JGRLS administrative staff.
11. Prepare forms and reports as needed, scheduled or requested, including purchase orders, monthly schedules, branch statistics, requests for public relations services, and inventory reports and other reports as needed.
12. Closely monitor expenditures of all departments and staff supervised.
13. Support the activities of the Friends, Library Advisory Board, GLH Department, and other groups working to support the Pascagoula Public Library and/or JGRLS.
14. Stay current with developments in the field of librarianship through professional reading, association memberships, and attendance at professional workshops and conference and participation in in-house and online training as requested.
15. Schedule and conduct regular branch staff meetings.

The absence of specific statements of duties does not exclude those tasks from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment.

Reporting to the Assistant Director Branch Services, work is performed in accordance with the Regional Library Board of Trustees approved policies and procedures and other directives as issued by the Assistant Director Branch Services and Library Director. The position of Librarian III Branch Manager (F/T Salaried) is classified as “exempt” under the provisions of the Fair Labor Standards Act Amendments of 1985.

Candidates for this position must (1) complete an application for employment, (2) provide an official copy of graduate school transcript. Reference checks will be conducted on all candidates selected for interviews.

This position is subject to a nine-month probationary period. During probation, employees will receive performance evaluations conducted by the Assistant Director Branch Services periodically. Thereafter, performance evaluations are conducted annually, or as needed, and reviewed by the Director.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Masters degree in Library and Information Science from an ALA-accredited graduate school.
2. Five years successful professional public library experience, with at least two years in a supervisory position.
3. Effective oral and written communication skills.
4. Demonstrated commitment to customer service, community involvement, networking, resource sharing, staff development and in-service training.
5. Knowledge of current technologies available to library staff and patrons.
6. Knowledge of integrated library systems and recent experience using them.
7. Active membership in one or more library-related professional organizations.
8. The person holding this position must have the ability to hear, bend, stoop, push, pull, squat, crouch, reach above shoulder level, and lift and move objects up to 25 pounds.
9. Valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

1. Experience managing a staff of 5 or more at varying levels of experience, education and a wide range of responsibilities.
2. Experience as primary writer in successfully seeking grant funds to enhance library facilities and/or services.
3. Experience recruiting and managing volunteers.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

1. Knowledge of currently accepted best practices in public library organization, management and services.
2. Ability to organize, train, supervise, motivate and evaluate personnel.
3. In-depth knowledge of current library technologies and integrated library systems.
4. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with superiors and co-workers, library users, Jackson George Regional Library System Board of Trustees, local governmental officials, members of Friends’ groups, Genealogy and Local History Department Manager, local history organizations, civic leaders, educational institutions, and the general public.
5. Ability to analyze needs and problems and to create and communicate effective and cost-effective solutions.
6. Ability to make sound decisions based on approved policies and procedures, personal judgement, and verifiable data.
7. Effective listening, problem solving, conflict management, and other interpersonal skills.
8. Ability to manage time well and train others to work effectively and efficiently.
9. Commitment to maintain confidentiality of customers’ library records and activities.
10. Effective oral and written communication skills, including public speaking skills.
11. Ability to work under pressure and maintain professional attitude and demeanor under adverse conditions and challenging circumstances.
12. Ability to serve continuously as a role model for staff, as well as colleagues and coworkers throughout the system.