DLA

Branch Manager

Branch Manager, Princess Anne, MD

The Somerset County Library is seeking a proactive and engaging leader to serve as the branch manager of the Princess Anne Library and work diligently to keep the library actively involved in its community. Duties of this position include management of the daily operation of the library, leadership of staff and volunteers, customer service and assistance to patrons, and program coordination.

The 8,500 sq. ft. headquarters branch has a staff of 8.5 FTE, holds a collection of 32,000 items, circulates 120,000 items annually, and hosts more than 400 classes and community events per year. Major annual events developed by library staff include our summer reading program, a Touch a Truck event generally held in April during Autism Awareness Month, and a Halloween Trunk or Treat event drawing more than 1,000 people every October.

Somerset County Library

Somerset County Library offers services six days a week to the residents of Somerset County. An up-to-date selection of print and audiovisual resources is complimented by access to a wide selection of electronic databases, eBooks, and downloadable audiobooks. Special digital collections of local newspapers and digital ephemera round out the ways to access the library 24/7.

The Library is proud to be fine-free and provides student cards to all students in Somerset County Schools.

Somerset County is part of the Eastern Shore Regional Library, which allows the library to broaden its services, increase materials provided, and enhance the public library experience for everyone who lives in the county.

Somerset County

The branch is located in the heart of the historic county seat, with many unique shopping and dining experiences available. Somerset County is a jewel on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. Just over 25,000 people live in the 330 square miles of the county, which has a year round pleasant climate suiting its rich agricultural production and seafood harvesting. The county is located approximately 100 miles from the Baltimore / Washington, Philadelphia, and Norfolk / Hampton Roads metropolitan areas.

Established in 1666 by Cecil Calvert, the county is proud of its heritage and culture. There are ample opportunities for residents and visitors to learn more about the early history of our country. Walking tours, self-guided driving tours, trolley tours, museums, historic homes, and events such as Olde Princess Anne Days with period craft demonstrations, music, and horse-drawn carriage rides will delight and enlighten the history buff.

A waterfront-oriented county, Somerset attracts fishermen, hunters, tourists, and water sports enthusiasts. The natural beauty at Janes Island State Park offers the ideal spot to fish, launch your kayak, or walk on miles of peaceful trails. For those looking for the roaring surf, Ocean City, MD, is just 40 miles away!

Compensation and Benefits

The Somerset County Library provides a comprehensive set of employee benefits.

Salary is negotiable from $35,000 based on experience and education.

The Library provides full-time staff and their dependents access to medical, dental, and vision insurance benefits through the Somerset County Government. Employees qualify for cost sharing as follows: the Library pays 90% of single coverage and 75% of family coverage. Dental and vision insurance are paid solely by the employee.

Certified librarians earn twenty vacation days, six personal days, and twelve sick days per year. Sick leave can be carried over year to year and a portion of it can be applied towards retirement.

The Library participates in the Maryland State Contributory Pension system, which requires a 7% employee contribution.

Pandemic Response

The following job description lists the duties typical to this position.

At this time, the Library is in Phase 4 of its Pandemic Recovery Plan, available at http://somelibrary.org/pdf/pandemic_recovery.pdf. We anticipate that the successful applicant will likely begin in this position with the following modifications to their duties:

1. A schedule of four days in the Princess Anne Library and one day working from home.
2. Most library programs conducted via Zoom meetings, pre-recorded Facebook videos, or take-home kits.
3. Outreach to and meetings with educational institutions and community organizations conducted virtually.

To Apply

Interested candidates may submit their resume, cover letter, salary requirements, and contact information for three reference to Ed Goyda, Library Director, at ed.goyda AT somelibrary.org. Applications received by May 25 will receive first consideration.

The Somerset County Library is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer committed to diversity in the workplace.

Title: BRANCH MANAGER
Grade: 7 with Associate’s Degree; 8 with Bachelor’s; 10 with Master’s
FLSA: EXEMPT
_______________________________________________________________________
Date:   6/2021
_______________________________________________________________________
Job Summary: Manages the daily operation of the library, providing leadership for staff and volunteers; provides customer service and assistance to patrons; coordinates programs; enforces rules of conduct and handles incident reporting; records library statistics and generates monthly reports; performs other duties as assigned.
_______________________________________________________________________
Essential Functions:

1. Responsible for the coordination of all library services and programs in the assigned library.
2. Directly or indirectly manages all staff and volunteers, including hiring, training, scheduling, the division of work, evaluation, and disciplinary actions.
3. Models expected behaviors and competencies.
4. Provides high level customer service, mediates customer concerns, and addresses any problems or needs at the branch.
5. Is thoroughly familiar with the library’s vision, mission, and strategic plan and serves actively to assist the library in achieving service goals.
6. Coordinates and may present library programs, classes, outreach, and other special events.
7. Enforces rules of conduct, prepares or delegates incident reporting, and liaises with law enforcement as necessary.
8. Attends training workshops, conferences, and/or other continuing education opportunities that relate to job duties and/or the improvement of supervisory skills.
9. Coordinates building maintenance.
10. Performs outreach and represents the library in the community and at appropriate professional organizations.
11. Leads bimonthly branch meetings, actively participates in bimonthly administrative and Board meetings, and promptly communicates information to library staff.
12. Records statistical information and generates monthly reports.
13. Assists at the circulation desk and answers reference and information questions in person, by phone and email.
14. Performs other duties as assigned.

_______________________________________________________________________
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

1. Thorough knowledge of established library practices and procedures, including staff management and customer service.
2. Ability to model and promote organizational values within the library and as a representative of the organization in the community.
3. Ability to work well with the public, dealing with patrons tactfully and courteously.
4. Ability to effectively supervise staff and volunteers, delegate responsibility, communicate with staff, maintain staff morale, and solve problems.
5. Ability to establish and maintain effective work relationships with fellow employees and supervisors.
6. Skills in listening to, understanding, and interpreting information received from employees and patrons.
7. Ability to make decisions and give direction in a timely and positive manner.
8. Initiative to use independent judgment to develop and implement ideas.
9. Ability to operate relevant computer systems including hardware and software, such as Microsoft Word, Excel, Polaris, electronic databases, e-mail, and internet navigation in addition to other office equipment and security systems.
10. Availability to work evenings and weekends, as needed.

_______________________________________________________________________
Education and Experience:

1. MLS preferred.
2. Three or more years of related professional library experience.
3. Or equivalent combination of technical training and/or related experience.
4. Supervisory experience desirable.

_________________________________________________________________
Physical and Environmental Conditions:

Work is conducted in a normal office setting which provides comfortable lighting, temperature and air conditions. Walking and standing for extended periods of time and moderate lifting, such as three to four reams of paper, four or five books, or other materials (20 to 40 pounds) may be required.

Work environment involves everyday risks or discomforts which require normal safety precautions typical of such places as offices or meeting rooms, e.g. use of safe work place practices with office equipment, and/or avoidance of trips and falls, observance of fire regulations and traffic signals.

Position requires a Class C Driver’s License and ability to pass a criminal background check.

_______________________________________________________________________

The above job description is not intended as, nor should it be construed as, exhaustive of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job. 

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.

Posted: 5/11/21