Application Materials
Applicants are required to submit a combined cover letter and resume in one PDF document. Your cover letter must summarize your education and experience as it relates to the position.Incomplete materials will not be considered. Review of applications will begin the week of June 24.
Job Title: Associate Director of Community Libraries
Location: NCW Libraries, Headquarters in Wenatchee, WA
FLSA Status: Exempt
Hours: Full-Time
Wage: Grade T, $93,546.60-$125,718.81
Bargaining Unit: Not represented
Position Summary : The Associate Director of Community Libraries is a skilled and empathetic leader who is responsible for supporting and inspiring our team of 66 frontline staff as they provide engaging and enriching patron experiences across NCW Libraries' vast and rural service area.
Driven by a passion for providing dynamic and forward-thinking public library service, this position oversees service delivery and operational standardization for 30 public libraries. The position partners closely with the Associate Director of Programs & Resources while leading a group of 7 Senior Branch Leaders to strategically and successfully implement system-wide, regional, and location-specific initiatives, programs, and services.
As a liaison between frontline staff and the executive team, the Associate Director of Community Libraries will help the library system fulfill a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion by prioritizing diverse perspectives, modeling inclusivity, and facilitating a sense of belonging for all staff. This position also plays a crucial role in positively influencing the culture and operational success of the library system by practicing humility, collaboration, creative problem-solving, and excellent communication. The position is expected to be visible, accessible, and approachable to staff and the public by actively seeking feedback, cultivating positive workplace relationships, and traveling within our service area to meet and work with staff approximately 20% of the time.
Position Details :
The position reports to the Deputy Director, serves on the executive team, and works in close partnership with the Associate Director of Programs & Resources and the Marketing & Communications team.
This position directly supervises 7 Senior Branch Leaders and indirectly supports the work of 66 frontline staff and a pool of approximately 90 on-call Library Assistants.
Core Competencies : At NCW Libraries, we believe that the foundation of our success lies in the unique abilities and skills each team member brings to the table. The core competencies outlined below represent the key attributes and behaviors that are essential for excelling in this role. We seek individuals who embody these qualities and are committed to fostering a dynamic, innovative, and collaborative work environment. If you possess these competencies, we encourage you to apply and join us in driving NCW Libraries forward.

• Ethical Practice: Consistently demonstrates integrity through behavior, character, and action. Reliably applies good judgment that reflects organizational values.
• Professionalism: Completes work to a set standard, both as an individual and part of a team. Exhibits competence and proficiency, and consistently demonstrates accountability. Serves as a positive representative of the library district both at work and in the community.
• Building Respectful Relationships: Promotes confidentiality and trust, fosters a positive culture, and exhibits respect with all verbal and nonverbal communication.
• Effective Communication & Collaboration: Provides concise, timely, and accurate information through appropriate channels, internally and externally. Welcomes and offers constructive feedback. Listens actively and works effectively with others to achieve organizational goals and objectives.
• Adaptability: Responds positively to organizational change and shows a willingness and flexibility to learn and develop. Able to assess and make decisions in the moment, even when lacking complete information. Remains calm during tense or challenging situations or periods of stress.
• Valuing Diversity & Promoting Inclusiveness: Values diverse perspectives, consistently exhibits inclusive behavior, and cultivates respect for all individuals, groups, and cultures. Approaches relationships and communication with staff and community with respect and recognizes opportunities for their own personal learning and growth.
• Library Advocacy & Intellectual Freedom: Promotes and supports the fundamental purpose of the public library, including mission, vision, and strategic directions of NCW Libraries. Understands and can articulate the library's role in providing free and equal access to ideas, information, resources, and services, from all points of view, without restriction, to every individual.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities :

• Works collaboratively with other executive team members to determine the library's strategic objectives, prioritize and sponsor projects, and lead or participate in cross-departmental teams to research and recommend solutions for specific needs.

• At the direction of the Deputy Director, partners with the Associate Director of Programs & Resources and the Marketing & Communications team to support strategic objectives and ensure inclusive and robust library access to all community members.
• Evaluates data to assess current levels of service; anticipates and responds to service opportunities; identifies and removes service barriers that exist system-wide, regionally, and at specific locations.

• Follows NCW Libraries' leadership philosophy, practices adopted management skills, and seeks opportunities to continually strengthen professional adaptive skills.
• Establishes clear expectations, develops supportive systems, and collaboratively solves problems to ensure that all employees feel valued, cared for, and connected to the purpose and joy of public library service.
• Directly supervises the work of the Senior Branch Leadership team. Mentors, coaches, and collaborates with Senior Branch Leaders and cross-departmental workgroups to effectively carry out daily operations, set and achieve service improvement goals, and provide a high-quality, consistent approach to public service across the library system.
• Establishes and maintains effective lines of two-way communication, including one-on-one and group meetings, and regular in-person visits to public libraries.
• Collaboratively plans and arranges professional development opportunities for staff, focusing on enhancing individuals' capabilities, meeting personal professional goals and growth opportunities, and improving the quality of service provided.
• Participates in the recruitment, hiring, onboarding, and transitions of staff throughout the Community Libraries department.
• Coordinates the development and implementation of policies, procedures, guidelines, and standards designed to ensure a positive and engaging experience for all public library visitors.

• Ensures compliance with all applicable Federal, State, and local laws, regulations, and ordinances as well as all NCW Libraries' policies, procedures, and collective bargaining agreements.
• Uses principles of equity, consistency, and fairness when making decisions and when developing or enforcing policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Participates in the development of the annual operating budget. Forecasts needs, approves and monitors expenditures, and ensures efficient and economical utilization of resources.
• Represents NCW Libraries through excellent written and oral communications, reports, and presentations to the NCW Libraries Board, staff, city and county stakeholders, Friends groups, partners, news outlets, patrons, and the general public as needed.
• Develops and maintains positive and professional relationships with municipal and community organization stakeholders, proactively seeking opportunities for partnership and collaboration.
• Keeps abreast of current developments in librarianship by attending workshops, conferences, and professional meetings, and by reading current literature.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications : Don't meet every single qualification? Studies show that many diverse candidates may hesitate to apply for a position unless they meet every requirement. At NCW Libraries, we believe that the unique perspectives and lived experiences you bring are valuable assets. If you are passionate about our mission and think you are a good fit for this role, we encourage you to apply even if your work history doesn't align perfectly with every qualification in the job description. Your skills and experience may be exactly what we are looking for.
Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree from a four-year college or university and a Master's degree in Library and Information Science.
  
  • Extensive experience leading staff in a public service, public health, or relevant nonprofit setting may be considered in lieu of the educational requirements.

• Minimum of five years progressively responsible supervisory experience, including at least two years of experience in a public library, public service, or relevant nonprofit setting.
• Washington Librarian certificate within 60 days of hire, if applicable.
• Experience managing within a complex multi-branch library system is highly desirable.
• Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred.

Ability to:

• Cultivate a respectful, inclusive, and purpose-driven work environment that values input from all employees, enhances employee performance, and ensures quality public service.
• Use data and information in a clear and rational process to assess and understand issues, evaluate opinions, form conclusions, and make sound decisions.
• Develop and successfully implement goals, objectives, plans, and programs.
• Manage and prioritize multiple ongoing projects and ensure both long-term and short-term responsibilities are on track for timely completion.
• Balance meeting individual and location-specific needs while being accountable for what is best for the overall organization.
• Offer and receive constructive, respectful feedback to promote professional and organizational growth and a high standard of service.
• Develop and maintain effective working relationships and communicate positively in person and in writing with a wide variety of diverse audiences.
• Represent the library at local and regional community events and at professional library association workshops and conferences.
• Communicate openly and transparently whenever possible, handle sensitive information with discretion, and honor confidentiality as necessary or appropriate.

Knowledge Of:

• Current and developing trends in public library programs, services, and service models.
• Effective leadership models and best practices for increasing employee engagement and addressing performance and disciplinary issues.
• Best practices for successful change management.
• ILS software, Microsoft Suite, computer scheduling software, and emerging technologies.

Special Requirements:

• Valid and clean Washington State driver's license by date of hire.
• Flexibility to work evenings and weekends, as needed.

Compensation and Benefits :

• The pay grade for this position spans from $93,546 to $125,718, divided into 11 steps. Employees demonstrating good performance can expect a 3% annual step increase on their anniversary date as adopted in the annual budget. Starting salary is dependent on education and experience, with initial placement typically below the midpoint. Those meeting the minimum requirements can expect a starting annual salary of $93,546. Washington State PERS retirement.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Employer Paid Dental, Vision and Life and LTD for the employee.
• Medical coverage available (most plans paid in full for the employee).
• 12 paid holidays throughout the year, plus 2 personal holidays of their choice.
• 8 hours of sick leave accrued per month for full-time employees.
• 8 hours per month vacation leave accrual for full-time employees; this increases over time based on years of employment.
• Other types of paid time off for a variety of situations, including jury duty and bereavement leave.
• Eligibility for additional voluntary life and ADD insurance, income protection plans, flexible spending accounts, deferred compensation, identity and fraud prevention, legal protection, pet insurance and BenefitHub Discounts.

Work Environment & Physical Demands :

• Work is performed primarily in an office environment while sitting or standing for extended periods of time. Multiple interruptions, troubleshooting, and problem-solving are illustrative of the environmental requirements of the position.
• Occasionally requires lifting or moving items of up to 50 pounds.
• Travel within the service area at least 20% of the time is expected.
• Some early morning, evening, and weekend work may be required.

Equal Opportunity Employer :
NCW Libraries is an equal opportunity employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applicants from all walks of life and are committed to supporting diverse talent. We ensure all qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you need assistance or accommodation during the application process due to a disability, please contact us at HR@ncwlibraries.org.