Associate Director (Westfield Memorial Library)

The Westfield Memorial Library is seeking a thoughtful, organized, and service-oriented individual to help lead library services as Associate Director. The successful candidate will be a detail-oriented problem-solver with a record of demonstrated leadership experience in the local, county, and/or statewide library community.

The Associate Director will work collaboratively with the Library Director to develop and oversee responsive and innovative services that meet the high expectations of Westfield’s residents. The library’s FY25 priorities will include developing and updating various employment policies and procedures; working with consultants to update the current 3-year strategic plan; and continued implementation of the library’s ambitious capital renovation plan.

Westfield Memorial Library is a county leader in public library service, with a reputation for providing high quality materials, programming, and information services to Westfield’s 30,000 residents. The library is supported through municipal funding, and generous contributions by the Friends of the Library, the Library Foundation, and private gifts.

The Town of Westfield is frequently listed as one of the best places to live in New Jersey, including a 2022 report from Niche, which gave Westfield an A+ and named it the best place to live in Union County.

Noted for its beautiful downtown, lovely and diverse housing, excellent school system, and varied commuting options to New York City, Westfield offers its residents the best of friendly small-town living influenced by the sophistication of New York City. Westfield’s historic downtown is a mix of locally owned specialty stores and well-known national retailers. Downtown is the scene for popular year-round events, attracting visitors of all ages.

The Town of Westfield has a very active and engaged population, and recent work by the Town’s Green Team and Human Relations Advisory Committee (HRAC) have demonstrated Westfield’s commitment to both environmental sustainability, and inclusiveness.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED: Reports to the Library Director.

SUPERVISION EXERCISED: To be determined; expected to share direct supervision responsibilities of relevant staff with Library Director. Supervision responsibilities will be determined based on the successful candidate’s education and experience.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Performs and supervises library functions in assigned areas; assists in preparation of budget; plans and supervises in-service training for staff; assists in the development, review, and implementation of library policies; reviews payroll; fills in at public service desks as required; participates in the screening of applicants for vacancies; supervises community use of library meeting rooms; represents the library at relevant local, county, and statewide meetings; supports staff in the execution of their responsibilities; recommends disciplinary actions as may be required; supervises all library functions when the Library Director is not available. 

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS: Participates in community outreach; develops community partnerships; contributes to long-term planning; writes relevant reports; signs bills for payment; performs additional related work as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Desire to meet and serve the library’s user community;
• Willingness and ability to problem-solve on a regular basis;
• Ability to think analytically and to develop new or revised systems, procedures, and workflow;
• Ability to exercise initiative and independent judgment;
• Ability to prepare comprehensive reports and present ideas clearly and concisely in written and oral form;
• Ability to make administrative decisions, interpret policies, and supervise staff;
• Ability to motivate, establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, supervisors, volunteers, other community agencies, and members of the public;
• Knowledge of the philosophy and techniques of library service;
• Ability to organize job duties and work independently;
• Creativity to develop and implement library programs and services;
• Thorough knowledge of professional library principles, practices, methods and administration;
• Thorough knowledge of computer hardware and software programs;
• Knowledge of office and bookkeeping practices;

REQUIREMENTS

• Master’s degree from an ALA-accredited MLS (or equivalent) program.
• New Jersey Public Librarian Certificate, or the ability to receive such.
• A minimum of ten years experience as a professional librarian.
• Demonstrated leadership experience and interest in professional development through attending workshops and conferences.

SCHEDULE:

Typical schedule consists of Monday through Friday, 9:00am to 5:00pm. Attendance at evening meetings may be required, including monthly Board of Trustees meetings. Eligible for limited remote and flexible scheduling in accordance with the library’s Personnel Policy.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

• Starting salary range is $98,000-$108,00.
• Benefits include generous paid leave; membership in the NJ Public Employee Retirement System (PERS); optional medical, dental, and vision coverage; and support for continuing education opportunities.

NOTICES:

Equal Opportunity Employer. Employees must comply with the "New Jersey First Act".

TO APPLY:

Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume to [email protected]. The deadline to apply is January 2nd. Review of applications will begin immediately.