Branch Manager

The Whatcom County Library System (WCLS) is accepting applications for a part-time Branch Manager I position at the Island Library. This position requires working at least one shift per week at Ferndale Library as well.

This posting will close at 7pm on April 4, 2024.

The Branch Manager Directs all branch operations; assists patrons by providing reference and reader's advisory services and community referrals; performs other duties as assigned.

Essential functions include:

• Public Services: develops, delivers and continually evaluates and improves services for a diverse population. Coordinates branch services with WCLS's system-wide priorities and resources. Provides reference and other public services including outreach. Participates in system-wide project teams.
• Staff supervision: develops and guides staff toward the highest standards of customer service. Supervises staff and evaluates performance. Oversees the selection, training, performance appraisal and recognition, discipline and professional development of branch staff.
• Community outreach: initiates, develops and maintains effective working partnerships with Friends, schools, volunteers, business and community groups. Identifies emerging needs for new library services and sets goals and priorities accordingly.
• Branch operations: Makes recommendations to the Facilities department to ensure that the building and grounds are adequately maintained. Coordinates branch operations with other WCLS departments including Information Technology, Collection Services, and Administrative Services. Ensures the branch collection is balanced and current.
• Branch administration: assists with developing branch budgets and monitoring expenditures. Oversees staffing and adherence to WCLS's mission, administrative policies and procedures. Serves as a resource to other branch staff.
• Promotes core WCLS values: supports intellectual freedom. Assumes responsibility for how library is perceived by the staff and the public. Provides leadership to WCLS though collaborative problem solving.

WORKING HOURS: Average of 27 hrs per week; (35 hrs/week July & Aug.), including some evening and weekend shifts. Regular schedule will typically be:

Successful candidates may be required to adapt to future schedule and/or worksite changes depending on library needs.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree.
• Five years or more relevant experience; including knowledge of reference and reader's advisory services, and literature for children, teens and adults. Experience working with all age groups.
• Strong supervisory skills with a demonstrated ability to create a positive work environment for staff with varying degrees of experience and responsibilities, and evidence of ability to build a cohesive team.
• Evidence of successful experience with community partnerships.
• Equivalent knowledge, skills, technical training, education, and/or experience will be considered. For example, experience working in the service or retail industries in a supervisory capacity may be considered equivalent.

Work requires considerable physical effort in the handling of materials up to 40 pounds and/or continual standing or walking 80% of the time. The Whatcom County Library System will comply with any pandemic related state or federal mandates and any other COVID mitigation practices deemed appropriate now or in the future.

This position is represented by AFSCME, AFL-CIO Local 1581.

The Whatcom County Library System values diversity and inclusion and we are interested in hiring candidates that are representative of the communities and patrons we serve.