Introduction
The City of Milwaukee is proud to employ a diverse workforce dedicated to delivering exceptional service to its residents. If you are passionate about being part of an inclusive team of public servants, we invite you to consider the following opportunity.
The Milwaukee Public Library (MPL) offers a dynamic, innovative work environment where each employee contributes to making the Library the best Third Place possible. Inspiration starts here - we help people read, learn and connect!
Purpose
The Library Public Services Manager oversees collection maintenance, circulation, subject services, general reference, budgeting, staffing, partnership development, social impact services and programs, and the Wisconsin Talking Book and Braille Library (WTBBL).
The Library Public Services Area Manager is responsible for cultivating an environment where excellence and innovation thrive.
Essential Functions
Leadership and Administration:
- Develop and direct staff in the provision of programs, material handling, performance management, collection development and maintenance, and resource delivery.
- Oversee Central Library public services staff scheduling, making emergency staff assignments as necessary.
- Participate in staff recruitment, selection, discipline, recognition, transfer, and promotion.
- Formulate annual goals and objectives that meet community needs and support the Library’s mission and vision, establishing strategies to measure the outcome.
- Assist in budget preparation, allocation of resources, and monitoring of expenditures.
- Develop Library policies and procedures, and apply and interpret Library Board and City policies in complex situations.
- Chair monthly team meetings and participate in administrative meetings and planning sessions.
- Follow and enforce safe work procedures and accident prevention practices.
- Serve as Person-in-Charge of the Central Library as scheduled, which includes overall supervision of public service areas, adjusting staff schedules, investigating accidents and filing accurate reports.
- Collaborate with security personnel to maintain proper decorum and compliance with the Library’s code of conduct, investigating accidents and filing the appropriate reports.
- Serve as a resource to the Audio and Braille Literacy Enhancement (ABLE, Inc.), the Central Library coffee shop vendor, and the Friends of the Milwaukee Public Library for the Bookseller volunteers.
- Respond to requests from organization representatives on matters relating to facilities, security, signage, and other issues requiring Library staff approval or awareness.
- Serve as the first line of communication between Central Library public services staff, tenants, Fleet & Facilities, and Security managers.
- Assist in planning the Central Library renovations and building projects.
Community Outreach and Advocacy:
- Create opportunities to strengthen MPL and the Central Library’s reputation through targeted programming, services, tours, training, and promotions.
- Initiate contacts in the community and collaborate with community organizations on library-connected programs, and host visitors from the County and State.
- Collaborate with others to enhance MPL’s virtual service point by further developing unique digital archives and finding aids.
- Monitor and evaluate local and regional use of collections and resources to develop and present related reports.
- Keep stakeholders informed about the benefits associated with using library facilities and resources.
- In collaboration with Milwaukee Public Library Foundation staff, lead the Friends of the Milwaukee Public Library Docent program.
- Assist the Library Director with Milwaukee Public Library Foundation events.
Performance Management:
- Develop written performance expectations for staff.
- Evaluate staff performance and provide counsel on professional development, enhancing their skills in communication and delivering high-quality service.
- Plan and conduct in-service sessions and staff meetings.
- Assist in developing training for staff on new technologies.
We welcome qualified individuals with disabilities who are interested in employment and will make reasonable accommodations during the hiring process in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, as amended by the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) of 2008.
Conditions of Employment
The Library Public Services Area Manager must be willing and able to do the following:
- Work flexible work hours, including some evening and weekend hours, over 40 hours per week.
- Available for emergencies on call 24 hours a day.
- Lift and move items weighing up to 10 pounds occasionally and/or a negligible amount of force constantly to move objects.
- File a Statement of Economic Interests in accordance with the Milwaukee Code of Ordinances Chapter 303-Code of Ethics.
Minimum Requirements
1. Master's degree in library science or library information science (MLIS) from an American Library Association (ALA)-accredited library school.
2. Five years of increasingly responsible post MLIS professional library experience, of which three years must have been serving as one of the following:
- Administrator of a major library division, large branch, or independent community library.
- Coordinator in a significant subject area.
3. Valid Driver’s license with personal automobile and appropriate insurance required at the time of appointment and throughout employment. *Private automobile allowance may be paid pursuant to Section 350-183 of the Milwaukee Code.
NOTICE: Please do not attach your academic transcripts to your employment application. The hiring department will verify candidates’ education as part of the background screening process prior to extending any job offers.
Knowledge, Skills, Abilities & Other Characteristics
Technical:
- Knowledge of goals, organization, policies, procedures, services, issues, and trends related to urban library systems.
- Knowledge of public library systems, interlibrary cooperation, and network development.
- Knowledge of library technology trends related to operations, new developments, user services, and best practices.
- Ability to read and interpret a wide variety of complex job-related documents.
- Intellectual curiosity and a commitment to stay apprised of developments in library management.
Leadership:
- Ability to effectively manage direct and indirect reports, including assigning duties, directing work in progress, evaluating job performance, and making hiring recommendations.
- Ability to plan and coordinate the work of staff in a large, complex, decentralized library system.
- Knowledge of team building, training, and coaching techniques and principles to empower staff to realize their potential.
- Knowledge of customer service best practices and the ability to instill them within the team.
- Ability to foster an environment of inclusion wherein all employees are treated respectfully, are valued for their strengths, and feel that they can safely express themselves.
- Ability to develop goals and strategies that meet measurable objectives.
- Skill in developing and implementing performance measurement tools to track program outcomes.
Communication and Interpersonal:
- Skill in tactfully and respectfully addressing sensitive situations with patrons who may be experiencing complex personal issues.
- Community outreach skills to represent the library system well and maintain successful relationships with community partners.
- Ability to work effectively with multi-level staff, community groups, and patrons from all socioeconomic, educational, literacy, and cultural backgrounds.
- Ability to resolve escalated complaints tactfully and satisfactorily.
- Written communication and research skills to craft concise reports, policies, and correspondence.
- Verbal communication and public speaking skills to confidently make presentations, lead committees, and participate in TV and radio programs.
- Knowledge of customer service best practices and the ability to incorporate them into operations.
- Ability to work effectively with diverse library users of various age levels to interpret their reading and informational needs.
Judgment and Analysis:
- Critical thinking skills to creatively solve challenging, multifaceted problems, make sound decisions, and marshal library system resources for the benefit of the population served.
- Organizational skills and flexibility to be able to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
- Professionalism, honesty, integrity, ability to maintain confidentiality, and responsible stewardship of City resources.
Current Salary
The current salary range (Pay Range 1JX) is $104,997-$119,521 annually, and the resident incentive salary range for City of Milwaukee residents is $108,147-$123,106 annually. Appointment above the minimum is possible based upon level of experience and other qualifications and is subject to approval.
BENEFITS
- The City of Milwaukee provides a comprehensive benefit program which includes:
- Wisconsin Retirement System (WRS) Defined Benefit Pension Plan
- 457 Deferred Compensation Plan
- Health and Dental Insurance
- Paid Parental Leave
- Comprehensive Wellness Program
- Onsite Clinic Services
- Onsite Employee Assistance Program
- Alternative Work Schedules
- Long Term Disability Insurance
- Group Life Insurance
- Tuition Benefits
- Paid Vacation
- 12 Paid Holidays
- Paid Sick Leave and other paid leaves
- Flexible Spending Arrangement
- Commuter Value Pass
For full details of the benefits offered by the City of Milwaukee, please visit https://city.milwaukee.gov/der/benefits.
Selection Process
THE SELECTION PROCESS will be job-related and will consist of one or more of the following: an evaluation of education, experience, and/or responses to supplemental questions; a written or performance test, a structured interview, or other assessment methods. The Department of Employee Relations reserves the right to call only the most qualified candidates to structured interviews and performance examinations. Structured interviews may include written exercises. The component weights for the selection process will be determined through further analysis of the job.
INITIAL FILING DATE - The selection process will be held as soon as practical after the deadline listed above. Receipt of applications may be discontinued at any time after this date without prior notice. However, recruitment may continue until the City's needs have been met. Qualified applicants will be notified of the date, time, and place of the selection process components. Unless otherwise required by law, the City of Milwaukee will not provide alternative selection process dates or times. The applicant is responsible for attending all phases of the job selection process at the time and place designated by the City of Milwaukee.
Additional Information
- Applications can be accessed by visiting www.jobapscloud.com/MIL.
- If you would like assistance completing an application, please contact the Department of Employee Relations at (414) 286-3751 or staffinginfo@milwaukee.gov.
- The Department of Employee Relations is located in City Hall, 200 E Wells St, Room 706, Milwaukee, WI 53202.
Conclusion
EEO Code 101
The City of Milwaukee values and encourages diversity and is an equal opportunity employer.
Read Full Description