What are the responsibilities and job description for the Deputy Director of Libraries position at Multnomah County, OR?
Current employees: Please apply through the employee portal to be considered for this opportunity.
Pay Range:
$125,453.55 - $200,725.85 Annual
Department:
Library Department
Job Type:
Regular Non-Represented
Exemption Status:
United States of America (Exempt)
Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified):
February 23, 2025The Opportunity:
Multnomah County Library is seeking its next Deputy Director of Libraries.
Multnomah County Library is seeking a visionary, authentic executive level leader with strong emotional intelligence and a passion for library services at a critical inflection point for how the library serves its community. The successful candidate will work in partnership with the Director of Libraries to provide leadership, vision, planning, direction and accountability for the Multnomah County Library system. As a library executive, this person will lead, partner with and support other members of the executive leadership team in collectively managing and executing our library’s vision.
Provide Senior Leadership
In partnership with the Director of Libraries, you provide senior level, systemwide leadership which includes:
- Working with the Executive Management Team to develop policies, strategic direction and objectives in alignment with the Multnomah County Library District Board’s priorities, county, state and community processes and priorities, and the library’s overall strategic direction.
- Centering racial equity when working with the Executive Management Team on systemwide priorities as well as setting expectations for the team.
- Leading the department’s Executive Management Team in setting strategic priorities, prioritizing and sponsoring projects, leading and delegating authority to sub-teams, and executing the library’s strategic plan.
- Leading the prioritization of service needs based on library policies and objectives, available resources, and the changing landscape of library services in the 21st century.
- Working closely with the Library Advisory Board, the Friends of the Library, and The Library Foundation to articulate and address strategic or operational issues and opportunities.
- Responding to and resolving difficult and sensitive issues with community organizations and library patrons.
- Assuming a top leadership role for special strategic initiatives and projects assigned by the director.
- Representing the Director before the Board of County Commissioners and other groups as needed.
- Serving as spokesperson for the library on a wide variety of issues.
- Serving as acting Director in the Director’s absence with full authority to make commitments.
Set Strategic Direction
- Working with the Director of Libraries, public services directors, and library managers to develop vision, goals and objectives for public services locations and programs as well as library policy.
- Assessing the long-term library service needs of the community and engaging the community in the library's vision, which includes building community support for library services within county government and externally in the corporate, nonprofit, educational, cultural and civic community.
- Evaluating operations and activities of libraries and programs to manage and improve the workflow, including materials movement; recommend improvements and modifications to material movement and operational practices and procedures.
- Serving as the Library’s security liaison countywide and working with County Workplace Security to address Library security needs.
- Managing the application of the Multnomah County Library Rules, enforcement of those rules, and the exclusion process.
- Consulting with the County Attorney’s office to advise on legal matters pertaining to security, library rules, and exclusion process
- Resolving public service and operational issues by developing and implementing policies and practices based on professional ethics, customer service principles, county values and responsible stewardship of resources.
- Directing and overseeing the implementation and evaluation of library programs.
Oversee Assigned Workgroups
- Providing leadership to the public services executive management team and the library policy staff. Public Services leadership includes working with three division directors to provide oversight of Location Services at 19 libraries; Community Services including Youth Development, Community Information, Events and Reader Services, and Community Engagement; and Integrated Services which includes Access Services, Technical Services and the Sort Center.
- Modeling excellent coaching and communication skills and encouraging those skills in others.
- Demonstrating equity in action through accountability, cultural humility, trust-building, and engagement with the community and staff.
- Developing performance measures and ensuring staff and resources are available to meet performance standards.
- Working closely with the managers to ensure excellent customer service and the smooth functioning of public services locations and programs.
- Directing, mentoring, coaching and collaborating with managers to effectively carry out daily operations and provide quality public service.
- Providing leadership and stewardship for maintaining the integrity of the library buildings, collections and the capacity of its public services.
- Cultivating teamwork and collaboration with public service and systemwide executives, managers and staff.
- Supporting and serving as a resource to managers through coaching, counseling, advising and researching issues that arise while referring to other resources as needed.
This position is an unclassified/executive position and serves at the pleasure of the Director of Libraries and may be subject to discharge at any time. This salaried executive position is not eligible for overtime.
The library is open and welcoming to all members of our community, including individuals who may be encountering hardships or challenges that affect their behavior and interactions. This position requires someone with the ability to work respectfully and capably with people from all backgrounds and age groups. You must demonstrate a positive attitude, excellent interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity and a sense of humor while working with customers, co-workers and community. Your ability to exercise quick and mature judgment in dealing with emergencies is crucial.
Multnomah County Library is committed to supporting our communities of color and other communities subjected to marginalization by centering race and intersectionality in the services we provide. As a member of our team, all staff are expected to act as allies to library staff and patrons from communities of color and other groups subjected to marginalization by:
The library is open and welcoming to all members of our community, including individuals who may be encountering hardships or challenges that affect their behavior and interactions. This position requires someone with the ability to work respectfully and capably with people from all backgrounds and age groups. You must demonstrate a positive attitude, excellent interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity and a sense of humor while working with customers, co-workers and community. Your ability to exercise quick and mature judgment in dealing with emergencies is crucial.
Multnomah County Library is committed to supporting our communities of color and other communities subjected to marginalization by centering race and intersectionality in the services we provide. As a member of our team, all staff are expected to act as allies to library staff and patrons from communities of color and other groups subjected to marginalization by:
- Speaking up to support staff and patrons subjected to marginalization
- Speaking out against racism and oppression
- Demonstrating behavior that is culturally aware and sensitive
Learn more about the library’s services on our
website
.
To Qualify
We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific about how your background is relevant.
We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific about how your background is relevant.
Minimum Qualifications/Transferable Skills:
- Three to six years of relevant experience in public library operations and administration
- Experience in a senior level leadership role in a unionized environment
- Ability to pass a criminal records check, should a job offer be extended. Results of the records check will be reviewed on an individualized basis. A conviction is not an automatic bar to employment.
Preferred Qualifications/Transferable Skills: You do not need to have the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills to qualify. However, keep in mind we may consider some or all of the following when identifying the most qualified candidates. Please clearly explain on your application how you meet any of the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills.
- Master's degree in Library Science, Public Administration or other related field
- Experience overseeing security in a large organization
- Experience supervising senior level managers
- Strong emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills
- Ability to communicate effectively in front of the public, elected officials and staff audiences
- Strategic leadership skills including experience leading strategic planning efforts
- Demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion
- Experience leading organizations through significant change
The Library System
Multnomah County Library is the oldest public library on the west coast, with a history that dates back to 1864. Today, Central Library and 18 other neighborhood libraries make up a library system that offers more than 2.8 million books. As Oregon’s largest public library, Multnomah County Library serves nearly one-fifth of the state’s population.
Multnomah County Library is the oldest public library on the west coast, with a history that dates back to 1864. Today, Central Library and 18 other neighborhood libraries make up a library system that offers more than 2.8 million books. As Oregon’s largest public library, Multnomah County Library serves nearly one-fifth of the state’s population.
Multnomah County Library is nationally regarded as one of the best urban library systems in the country and has consistently received national awards and recognition. It is the most visible County department serving the highest number of county residents on a daily basis. Library services are provided through 19 public libraries open seven days a week, an effective online presence and through hundreds of outreach sites throughout Multnomah County.
The system is in the midst of a
profound transformation
. A voter approved 2020 capital bond funds a series of major expansions, renovations and new buildings. As this work progresses, the library is working to redefine its models for staffing, collections, the use of automation and technology, how it serves communities of color and culture and how it addresses safety and security issues.
The library’s 2023-2025 strategic plan is a roadmap for the organization’s work. The plan helps to shape its decisions and keeps the library accountable to the community. New spaces and resources require innovative thinking and change.
Multnomah County Library’s focus will be on people and groups that the library has not fully included in the past. The strategic plan makes sure that the library is providing for community needs and wants with equity at the center.
The Library Values are the deeply held beliefs at the heart of the library:
- The library works in relationship and partnership, centering communities furthest from opportunity in order to create equitable access to library resources and information.
- The library acknowledges and honors the resilience, wisdom and knowledge of our community members and staff most impacted by the living legacy of racism and oppression. The collective wisdom of these communities is at the heart of the library's journey toward a more equitable library system.
- To facilitate and inspire learning, the library invests in specialized, culturally and linguistically relevant expertise and support to build active, trusting relationships with learners of all ages, from birth through adulthood.
- The library serves as a leading advocate for reading in Multnomah County, centering communities that experience the greatest barriers in literacy support, in order to support lifelong learning for the entire community.
The library’s goals are what the library wants to accomplish with focused effort. The library will:
- Create public, popular, and personal opportunities and access to life-long learning and contribute to improved learning outcomes for all communities.
- Adapt library services and materials so the organization can grow with, and be responsive to, our shared communities.
- Help people access and learn to use computers, internet and other technology to remove digital barriers.
- Create welcoming spaces that reflect our diverse and multicultural community.
- Support the practice of democracy and self-determination with services, spaces and resources.
- Ensure positive experiences for community members with library staff, spaces, materials, and services.
- Collaborate with communities to create flexible buildings and spaces that can adapt to the changes in community needs and hopes.
The Area
Multnomah County has a diverse population exceeding 800,000, covering an area of over 465 square miles. Although the county’s beautiful and progressive city of Portland has the cultural and recreational opportunities of a large city, it has the heart of a small town. In addition to Portland, Multnomah County encompasses cities such as Fairview, Gresham, Maywood Park, Troutdale, and Wood Village.
Multnomah County has a diverse population exceeding 800,000, covering an area of over 465 square miles. Although the county’s beautiful and progressive city of Portland has the cultural and recreational opportunities of a large city, it has the heart of a small town. In addition to Portland, Multnomah County encompasses cities such as Fairview, Gresham, Maywood Park, Troutdale, and Wood Village.
Portland is just thirty minutes from the Cascade Mountains, with hiking, world-class ski resorts, camping and fishing. Travel one-hour west to find some of the most dramatic and pristine beaches on the west coast. Portland lies in the marine west coast climate region, marked by warm, dry summers and rainy but mild winters. Portland is a foodie’s dream, with regional award-winning cuisine featuring microbreweries and micro distilleries, coffee roasters, local wine, seafood, and produce; along with one of the country’s largest food cart scenes. Classical music, ballet and our art museum live comfortably alongside vibrant contemporary art and jazz music scenes.
Portland is a reader’s paradise - our libraries boast the largest circulation in the country and bookstores abound. Sauvie Island, an agricultural and scenic wildlife preserve, has some of the region’s best produce, including Oregon’s famous berries. Portland has been referred to as one of the most environmentally friendly or “green” cities in the world. The city and region are noted for strong land-use planning and investment in light rail, supported by Multnomah County, a distinctive regional government.
The Process
The Application Packet:
The Application Packet:
- Please submit an online application
- Please attach a resume and a cover letter expressing your interest in the position.
The Selection Process: For details about how we typically screen applications, review our
overview of the selection process page
. We expect to evaluate candidates for this recruitment as follows:- Initial review of minimum qualifications
- An evaluation of application materials to identify the most qualified candidates
- Consideration of top candidates/interviews
- Reference and criminal records checks
The Compensation
The annual salary range for this position is $125,453K - $200,726K. Multnomah County is an excellent employer offering an outstanding benefit package including health, dental, disability and life insurance; defined benefit pension; 6% of salary contribution to retirement paid by the County; work-life balance; annual public transit pass; vacation and sick leave. For more information, please visit the
The annual salary range for this position is $125,453K - $200,726K. Multnomah County is an excellent employer offering an outstanding benefit package including health, dental, disability and life insurance; defined benefit pension; 6% of salary contribution to retirement paid by the County; work-life balance; annual public transit pass; vacation and sick leave. For more information, please visit the
Multnomah County Benefits website
.
The Additional Details
Hybrid Telework: This position is designated as “hybrid telework,” meaning you will be working both remotely (from home) and in person at an onsite location. The designation of Hybrid Telework may be subject to change at a future time. All employees must reside in Oregon or Washington; the county cannot support ongoing telework from other locations. The onsite work location for this position is the Library Operations Center located at 221 NE 122nd Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97230 temporarily. Once Albina Library opens in the Summer of 2025, the work location for this position will move to 205 NE Russell St, Portland, Oregon 97212.
Hybrid Telework: This position is designated as “hybrid telework,” meaning you will be working both remotely (from home) and in person at an onsite location. The designation of Hybrid Telework may be subject to change at a future time. All employees must reside in Oregon or Washington; the county cannot support ongoing telework from other locations. The onsite work location for this position is the Library Operations Center located at 221 NE 122nd Avenue, Portland, Oregon 97230 temporarily. Once Albina Library opens in the Summer of 2025, the work location for this position will move to 205 NE Russell St, Portland, Oregon 97212.
Serving the Public, Even During Disasters
Everyday, Multnomah County staff work together to serve as a safety net for our communities. During a disaster, this safety net becomes even more critical. All County employees have a role in serving the public during inclement weather, natural disaster, or other types of community emergency response. During these emergency responses, while typically there begins with a call for volunteers, county employees may ultimately be reassigned from their current position to a role in the emergency response in order to support the critical needs presented by our communities. For more information, please visit the
Everyday, Multnomah County staff work together to serve as a safety net for our communities. During a disaster, this safety net becomes even more critical. All County employees have a role in serving the public during inclement weather, natural disaster, or other types of community emergency response. During these emergency responses, while typically there begins with a call for volunteers, county employees may ultimately be reassigned from their current position to a role in the emergency response in order to support the critical needs presented by our communities. For more information, please visit the
Disaster Service Worker Information page
.Diversity and Inclusion: At Multnomah County, we don't just accept difference; we value it and support it to create a culture of dignity and respect for our employees.
We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran or protected veteran status, genetic information and other legally protected characteristics. The
EEO Know Your Rights poster
is available for your reference. Multnomah County is a VEVRAA Federal Contractor. We request priority protected veteran referrals.
Veterans’ Preference: Under Oregon Law, qualifying veterans may apply for veterans’ preference. Review our
veterans’ preference page
for details about eligibility and how to apply.
Accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act: We gladly provide reasonable accommodation to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing an application or participating in this recruitment process. Please contact the recruiter below in advance to request assistance. Individuals with hearing or speech impairments may contact the recruiter through the Telecommunications Relay Service by dialing 711.
Questions?
Recruiter:
Anthony Cesario
Email:
anthonyc@multco.us
Phone:
1 (503) 9883109 x83109
Application information may be used throughout the entire selection process. This process is subject to change without notice.
Disclaimer: This announcement is intended as a general descriptive recruitment guide and is subject to change. It does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.
Job Profile:
9619 - Deputy DirectorSalary : $125,454 - $200,726
