Assistant Director - Clifton Public Library

The Clifton Public Library is a municipal library in northern New Jersey and is part of the PALS Plus Consortium. We are seeking an Assistant Director who will work closely with the Director on matters of human resources, policy interpretation and development, facilities management, public relations, budgeting, preparation of statistical and narrative reports, and short- and long-term planning, including the strategic plan.

The Assistant Director (AD) will supervise the day-to-day operations of the library. Responsibilities will include:

• Working with department supervisors on scheduling and personnel issues;
• Creating the Sunday schedules seasonally;
• Coordinating activities among departments (including at the Allwood Branch) that further both the larger mission of the library and smaller-scale initiatives;
• Understanding concerns and priorities of each department;
• Developing internal staff training sessions and promoting external opportunities;
• Assisting with administration of employee reviews;
• Cultivating relationships with other community organizations;
• Overhauling and overseeing a busy volunteer program;
• Working with our FRIENDS of Clifton Public Library group.

The AD will help handle patron questions and concerns beyond the limits of department supervisors.

Working with PALS Plus staff and our tech support contractor as required, the AD will help oversee a system for staff and public technology inventory and maintenance, including new technology (tablets, Chromebooks, hotspots, Activ Panels, etc.) acquired for staff and public use. The AD will assist the Director in finishing the community room and computer lab technology upgrade project and training staff and public on the available technology and its use as necessary.

The AD will work with the Director and other staff members to coordinate public relations output on all channels – traditional press, social media, website, library signage and phone messages, and joint efforts with other city organizations.

The AD will work with the director and supervisor of the maintenance department on all things related to facilities management, from routine tasks to special projects. Our 38,000 square foot Main Library and 10,576 square foot Allwood Branch and surrounding grounds have undergone several large capital projects in the last few years, and more are in progress and in the planning stages.

Basic knowledge of public purchasing rules, library accounting, and public records maintenance are expected to be learned and followed. The AD will provide input on project and supply options by taking vendor capability, budget and timelines into consideration.

The duties and responsibilities of this position require someone who is organized, with detailed record keeping and reporting skills. An ability to anticipate and adhere to deadlines is a must.

Professionalism in creating and fostering good relationships with vendors, various departments within city hall, and community organizations is expected. Continuing education and participation in other library organizations (PALS Plus, Library Link, NJLA, etc.) is required.

The Assistant Director will act in the absence of the Director and may be called upon to represent library administration in official capacities. Daily duties and long-term project work will evolve as the functions and administrative workflow of the library undergo growth and change. Big-picture thinkers and those interested in fostering the library’s status and involvement in the community are those we strive to have in the role.

Clifton, located in Passaic County, is a diverse city of over 90,000 residents. The library is part of the PALS Plus library consortium.

The City of Clifton is Civil Service. The AD is not part of the library’s union, as this position is considered confidential. Benefits include medical and dental insurance, participation in PERS, paid sick, vacation and personal days, and paid holidays. Hours for this full-time position are generally weekdays but will vary to include nights and weekends as needed for special events, meeting attendance, and project deadlines.

The salary range is $93,000 - $105,000 and is commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Applicants must have a Master’s degree in Library and/or Information Science from an ALA-accredited library school or from a New Jersey college Master’s program in Library Science that has been deemed acceptable by Thomas Edison College. You must hold a New Jersey State Professional Librarian Certificate. Experience in a supervisory capacity is required. Civil Service may test via the Management Battery Test.

Per the “New Jersey First Act,” you must reside in New Jersey within one year of the start of the job.

Interest in this position must be expressed through the Civil Service Commission application. The Library is not accepting resumes, applications, emails of interest or inquiries at this time.