Assistant Branch Manager - Children's; Atascocita Branch Library

Harris County Public Library (HCPL) - History

The Harris County Public Library (HCPL) system, established in 1921, began as a collection of small libraries located in stores, post offices, and private homes. Over the years, it has grown into a robust network comprising 26 branch libraries, two technology service centers, and two partner locations that provide collection and circulation services. HCPL serves the communities of unincorporated Harris County and cities without independent library systems.

In 2024, HCPL received the prestigious National Medal for Museum and Library Service, the highest honor awarded to libraries in the United States. Bestowed annually by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), this award recognizes institutions that deliver exceptional service to their communities. The library was recognized for innovative initiatives like HCPL Connected, Enhanced+ Library Cards, and its Mobile Outreach Librarian program.

HCPL is also recognized as one of the best places to work, offering a supportive and inclusive environment that fosters innovation, collaboration, and professional growth. Its dedication to employee well-being, diversity, and community impact makes HCPL more than just a workplace—it's where individuals can grow, inspire, and contribute to meaningful change.

What you will do at Harris County Public Library:
This position directs and coordinates daily library operations, services, and children's programs. Responsibilities include identifying user needs, planning programs that promote library use, supporting community engagement, providing reference and readers' advisory services, and assisting patrons with library resources, facilities, equipment, and technology. The position leads branch literacy initiatives, implements library policies, supervises and motivates staff, and models the library system's standards for exceptional customer service.

It also serves as a liaison between Library departments, Branch Managers, and branch staff to support strategic objectives, partnerships, and future service development.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Selects, supervises, and coaches assigned staff
• Provides leadership and coordinates schedules and workflow for effective service delivery
• Provides for the training and motivation of staff to make full use of individual capabilities and to meet changing system demands
• Establishes work rules and performance standards, trains and coaches performance, and initiates and implements disciplinary actions as warranted
• Plan, coordinate, and promote services and programs for all age groups with a focus on children, including language development, pre-reading skills, and family engagement, summer reading, and other special events
• Develops and manages the department's planned expenditures, including gift funds, when applicable
• Cultivates cooperative relationships with external stakeholders and actively participates in outreach to the community
• Develop an engaging and attractive library collection through awareness of current children's and adult literature
• Identifies information needs in the community and presents recommendations to the Branch Manager
• Supervises the library in the absence of the Branch Manager
• Attend staff meetings, activities, and professional conferences, and actively serve on committees
• Implement knowledge of current trends in services and programs
• Exemplify the high standards and expectations for the library system in its daily operations and services
• Other duties as assigned

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.

All applicants must register and take the HRT Clerical Skills Test and score a minimum of 80% with a typing speed of 30 wpm and 80% accuracy.

Education and Experience:

• Master's Degree in Library and Information Studies or related field from an accredited university or college
• Two (2) years of library experience working in a variety of roles, displaying administrative, supervisory, and leadership skills in community engagement and…