YPSILANTI DISTRICT LIBRARY

Job Posting:  Head Librarian – Outreach Services

(Full Time/40 hours per week, Non-Union)

 

 

Date:  February 18, 2022

 

The Ypsilanti District Library’s Outreach Services Department is getting a reboot! When YDL’s new Superior Township branch opens this fall, Outreach Services’ responsibility for the old branch will fall away. Some staff will be selected to work in the new branch, some will remain in the Outreach Department, and some new staff will be hired. We seek a dynamic and innovative librarian with supervisory experience to help select and lead the Outreach team and forge its new path.

 

YDL utilizes Outreach to close the gap between the library and those with barriers to accessing its services. The Department strives to make the library fully accessible to those who do not normally use the library, extend the library’s work outside the building walls, and develop strong relationships with communities and partner organizations. The Outreach Department represents the voices of underserved populations in library-wide planning and service delivery.

 

Nature of Work/Responsibilities: Under the supervision of the Assistant Director, the Outreach Services Head plans the services and directs the daily activities of the Outreach Department. The Department serves the public via the YDL Bookmobile, book trike, homebound delivery service, off-site deposit collections, programs and services for older adults, school visits, library tours, community collaborations, and outreach events. Duties include:

·         Supervises the day-to-day operation of the Outreach Department, including the development and administration of its budget

·         Communicates effectively with and actively supervises an anticipated staff of 6, including scheduling, assignment of tasks, training, conflict resolution and performance appraisal

·         Serves on the library’s management team and actively participates in system-wide planning

·         Identifies community service needs and cultivates strong working relationships with external partners to further the YDL mission outside library walls

·         Demonstrates a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion by offering library programs, collections and services that are representative of diverse populations

·         Communicates mechanical or safety issues with the Bookmobile to YDL Facilities staff and schedules maintenance when indicated

·         Represents the library within various external community coalitions, working groups, and committees.

·         Stays abreast of professional trends and local news events to ensure exemplary outreach services

·         Serves as YDL’s Person in Charge on a rotating basis

·         Compiles statistics necessary to evaluate the department’s activities and prepares reports as requested

·         Fills in at public service desks when necessary to ensure excellent service

·         Other duties as assigned

Qualifications and Necessary Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

·         Master’s Degree in Library Science or equivalent from an ALA accredited institution

·         Minimum three years progressively responsible professional public library experience

·         Successful supervisory experience and strong leadership skills

·         Enthusiastic, positive commitment to public service 

·         Grant-writing and Outreach experience desirable

·         Experience with underserved populations, such as immigrants, people of color, people with disabilities, homeless people, people living in poverty, and LGBTQ people

·         Experience planning and delivering services using inclusion as a lens

·         Ability to think creatively and adapt to change

·         Ability to motivate staff and establish/maintain effective working relationships with colleagues, supervisors, community partners, and the public

·         Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively, organize work, and set priorities 

·         Ability to make administrative decisions and interpret library policies

·         Flexibility to work evening and weekend hours as needed

·         Must possess a valid driver’s license

 

Salary/ Benefits:    

$50,000-$65,000 annual salary. YDL offers a comprehensive benefits package including generous paid time off, 12 paid holidays, family health/vision/dental insurance, and contribution to a MERS retirement plan.       

To apply, send resume, cover letter, and completed application form (available online at www.ypsilibrary.org) by Friday, March 11, to: 

 

Human Resources                          or         lisa@ypsilibrary.org

Ypsilanti District Library

5577 Whittaker Road