Community Services & Reference Manager

JOB TITLE:

Community Services & Reference Manager

Hourly, FLSA Non-Exempt - Non-Union

DEPARTMENT/DIVISION:

Oak Park Public Library

JOB SUMMARY:

The City of Oak Park is seeking a Community Services & Reference Manager, who will ensure that services, programs/events, and all public-relations, reflect the need and "taste" of Oak Park residents, while celebrating its diverse community. This position is responsible for ensuring excellent customer service to the Library patrons, and all aspects of services to the public, including oversight of reference staff and programming.   In addition, this position will perform other duties as assigned. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Plans, supervises, and directs programs, projects, and related operations that provide quality and positive engagement opportunities for Oak Park Library patrons.
• Create promotional and informational materials digitally and in print for all aspects of Library messaging, in conjunction with the Communications Director and City policy.
• Coordinate with the Communication team to find innovative and effective ways to promote all library services, events, and engagements to the public.
• Provide balanced day-to-day supervision of the reference staff and operations, including creating schedules that provide coverage of the reference desk and programs, along with handling customer service issues.
• Provides leadership/mentorship and staff improvement of customer service, materials, emerging technology, library innovations, and programming through professional development communications.
• Participate in professional organizations, conferences, webinars, workshops, and other professional development opportunities, to stay informed about library current practices and technology trends.
• Assist in creating strategic visions, goals, and objectives for the reference department and programming.
• Provides staff and patron direction relating to the effective utilization of programs, projects, resources, facilities, and equipment.
• Coordinate activities of the department with those of other City departments.
• Enhance user experience through outreach, innovation, and creating effective procedures.
• Provide reference desk assistance to patrons regularly, and as needed.
• Special projects, such as archival/local history access coordination.
• Coordinate staff roles related to events and projects.
• Cultivate relationships with local organizations, businesses, interest groups, and underserved populations in order to identify ways the library can support our community better through outreach, services, and programming.
• Provide in-depth research assistance as well as proactive support to staff members and members of the public in resolving questions or problems.
• Provide monthly programming statistics.
• Document and discuss staff successes and concerns with Director.
• Identify new sources of community enrichment.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

• Deep understanding of print and digital public communication methos and technologies.
• Outstanding written and oral communications skills
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Demonstrated skills as a public speaker, presenter, and/or teacher adept at working in groups, or one-on-one settings
• Ability to work methodically and have excellent attention to detail
• Must be flexible and adaptable, with a willingness to assist in different Library functions as needed
• Ability to maintain positive relationships with members of the public
• Demonstrated technological competency as it relates to Office 365

QUALIFICATIONS:

REQUIRED:

• Master's Degree in Library Science or Master's Degree in Library & Information Science
• A minimum of three years of public library experience, with increasing responsibility

PREFERRED:

• Supervisory experience in a Library setting
• Knowledge of the following software systems: BS&A, CARL (ILS)
• Knowledge of public print release and management software
• Knowledge of The Library Network shared-system environment

SPECIAL WORKING CONDITIONS:

The Community Services & Reference Manager must be available for all dates of assignment, including, but not limited to, days, evenings, and weekends, as needed.

SALARY RANGE:

This is a full-time position with a salary range of $50,000.00 - $55,000.00 annually, depending on qualifications, with benefits.

BENEFITS:

Comprehensive package that includes healthcare, dental, vision, life insurance, retirement, and section 125 plan. 

(City employees currently do not pay for insurance premiums) 

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee frequently is required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms. The employee must view create assorted computer files. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move items of up to 25 pounds. While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly works in a business office setting but may occasionally attend meetings/programs after standard business hours. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS/DISCLAIMERS:

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by people assigned to this classification.  They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties of an employee so classified.

Employees must be physically able to perform the essential functions of the position, with or without reasonable accommodation.

The City of Oak Park does not discriminate in its employment or any other programs or activities on the basis of race, religion, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender, economic status, age, marital status, sexual orientation or disability. We provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with a disability, if requested.

Salary : $50,000 - $55,000