Associate Director Library Operations

Associate Director of Library Operations

Are you a strategic, data-driven library leader passionate about community engagement, innovation, and equitable access? Arapahoe Libraries is seeking an Associate Director of Library Operations to oversee Child and Family Library Services, Information Services, and Mobile Library Services, including our Community Resource Specialists and Detention Center Library. In this pivotal role, you'll lead efforts to enhance literacy, advisory, information, and outreach services-with a strong focus on underserved populations. You'll collaborate with department managers to drive a unified, community-responsive strategy, foster a culture of learning, curiosity, and inclusion, and support staff growth through coaching and mentorship.

Key Responsibilities

In this leadership role, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact through the following key responsibilities:

STRATEGIC VISION AND IMPLEMENTATION

• Lead the development and implementation of a collaborative, data-driven strategy for information, advisory, and literacy services that responds to community needs, with a focus on inclusivity and underserved populations.
• Partner with department managers to establish clear objectives and tactics that reflect the district's values across in-person, virtual, and outreach services.
• Foster a culture of learning, innovation, and curiosity, while aligning services and programs to promote digital literacy and community engagement.
  
  

MANAGEMENT

• Oversee library services by guiding policies, setting strategic goals, and aligning staff and resources to advance the district's vision.
• Lead and empower teams to deliver exceptional, personalized service while monitoring performance and budget to ensure operational excellence.
• Collaborate across departments to implement new initiatives, develop budgets, and contribute actively to leadership and project teams.
  
  

SUPERVISION AND LEADERSHIP

• Recruit, develop, and support a high-performing team, guiding managers through hiring, onboarding, and staff performance.
• Provide hands-on coaching, mentorship, and timely feedback to foster professional growth, recognizing achievements and addressing performance.
• Lead with enthusiasm and integrity-modeling collaboration, inclusivity, and adaptability while stepping in for managers when needed.
  
  

COMMUNITY OUTREACH AND INCLUSIVITY

• Guide librarian services in collaboration with leadership and community input-analyzing community needs and adjusting programs to ensure inclusive, responsive service delivery.
• Lead or contribute to cross-functional projects and initiatives, applying strong project management practices and a commitment to innovation.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, transparency, and creative problem-solving-championing core library values, mentoring peers, and actively preventing silos across the organization.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

• MLS or MLIS degree (Required)
• 5 years of supervisory or management experience in a library or educational setting.
• Proven leadership skills, including the ability to motivate, coach, mentor, and adapt in a dynamic environment.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams and with the public.
• Demonstrated ability to manage projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced setting.
• Highly proficient in Microsoft 365 and comfortable learning and applying new technologies.
• Ability to represent the Library District professionally, as a member of the Executive Team.
• Model inclusive behavior, and work a flexible schedule, including travel and occasional evenings/weekends; on-call availability in crisis situations.
• Demonstrated commitment to our core values of Collaboration, Equity and Innovation
• Proven ability to encourage open communication, adaptability, and collaborative problem solving to support a culture of continuous learning and innovation.
  
  

LOCATION

This is a hybrid role in Englewood, CO. The Associate Director of Library Operations will work remotely from their home office and onsite at various library locations. This position reports to the Director, Library Operations.

LET'S FIND OUT TOGETHER

If you are an experienced library leader who is looking for an innovative environment, apply today and help us elevate Arapahoe Libraries' impact. Join us in fostering a space where knowledge, discovery, and community thrive.

Note: Please submit a cover letter with your application.

Inclusion and diversity are part of our values at Arapahoe Libraries.

Qualified applicants who represent the diversities of the communities we serve are encouraged to apply.