Public Services Area Director

Position Summary

FVRLibraries is seeking a full-time Public Services Area Director for our Operations Center in Vancouver, WA. The Public Services Area Director is responsible for overseeing and managing several branch locations across the district, and their branch managers. The position reports to the Deputy Director who ensures alignment of direction and priorities across all branch locations. While contributing to the strategic and functional direction for district-wide public services, this role is more directly involved in the day-to-day operations of specific branches, ensuring the successful delivery of services, programs, and resources at those locations. The Public Services Director works closely with assigned Branch Managers to develop and implement operational plans that meet community needs and support district goals. In addition, they are responsible for the overall management of Information Services across the district, overseeing district-wide reference programs, services, and staff training to ensure consistency and quality in serving patrons. The role also supports community engagement, fosters cross-departmental collaboration, and contributes to the ongoing improvement of library services.

The essential functions of this position include:

• Provide strategic direction, leadership oversight and direct supervision to assigned Branch Managers, bookmobile service, and Reference Services.

• Review and evaluate employee performance, give coaching and feedback, and make personnel decisions as necessary; participate in interviewing, hiring and training of staff.

• Lead the development and implementation of district-wide strategies for public services, ensuring they align with community needs and library goals.

• Manage special projects, new initiatives, and service innovations, ensuring quality and timely execution.

• Collaborate with leadership and other managers to address operational challenges and improve service efficiency.

• Monitor staffing, materials, and operational resources, identifying needs and opportunities for improvement.

• Represent the library district at external events and community meetings; build partnerships with community organizations and stakeholders. Develop outreach strategies to engage diverse communities and ensure library services meet their needs.

• Ensure the delivery of high-quality, equitable, and customer-focused services across all branches. Address patron inquiries, feedback, and complaints, ensuring consistent communication and resolution.

• Builds and maintains strong and collaborative relationships with staff across the district. Serves as a liaison between staff and FVRL administration.

• Foster a culture of teamwork, continuous improvement, and professional development within the public services team.

• Oversee and manage budgets for areas of responsibility, with input and collaboration of division directors, Branch Managers and Information Services. Ensure financial accountability and efficient use of resources.

• Stay informed on industry trends, best practices, and emerging technologies to enhance library services.

• Report on service outcomes, project progress, and operational performance to stakeholders.

Please see the attached job description for a more comprehensive list of job duties.

Education & Experience

To be considered, applicants must have

• Master’s degree in Library Sciences from an ALA accredited program

• Minimum of five years of related work experience required.

• Minimum of three years of supervisory and people or project management experience required, five years of supervisory and people or project management experience preferred.

• Library leadership and management experience required.

Schedule & Location

This position works Monday - Friday, 8am-5pm at the district's Operations Center in Vancouver, WA. While the role is exempt from overtime, the exact hours may vary based on the demands of the position and business needs. Occasional evening or weekend hours may be required to meet deadlines or support project requirements.

Approximately 10% of the role involves occasional travel to library locations using a work provided vehicle during the standard work schedule.

Compensation & Benefits

This position earns between $98,420.61 and $147,630.91 annually. To be considered for a starting salary above the pay grade minimum, candidates must exceed the minimum experience requirements listed above.

For employees promoted into this position, the starting wage shall be at least a 5% increase over the rate they received prior to the promotion or the start of the pay grade, whichever is greater, not to exceed the pay grade maximum. For more information please refer to the FVRL/AFSCME Collective Bargaining Agreement, Article 14.

We have an excellent benefit package. FVRLibraries covers 90-95% of full-time employees’ health insurance premium cost and 90-100% of dental insurance premium costs. In addition we provide employees with Life Insurance, AD&D and Long-Term Disability Insurance at no cost to the employee. Employees have the ability to enroll in additional, voluntary life insurance, income protection plans, flexible spending accounts and health savings accounts.

Our employees enjoy 13 paid holidays throughout the year. Full time employees accrue 8 hours of sick leave per month. The initial vacation leave accrual is 11 hours per month; this increases over time based on years of employment. We also offer other types of paid time off for situations such as jury duty, bereavement leave, inclement weather and more.

Application Instructions

Click "Apply" and follow the steps to complete your online application. To be considered candidates must,

• Meet the minimum qualifications for the position.

• Provide a current resume and completed profile.

• Serious candidates will include a cover letter which highlights your qualifications and relevant experience to the position.

FVRL values diverse perspectives and life experiences. We encourage people of all backgrounds to apply, including veterans, those with disabilities, persons of color, immigrants, refugees, or those who identify as LGBTQIA . FVRL is committed to being equitable and fair in providing access to opportunities for all.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals to apply for this position or to perform essential functions of this position. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing any pre-employment testing, interviews or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to our Human Resources department.