Library Manager II; Katy Branch Library

Library Branch Manager II

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.

The Library Branch Manager II serves as the primary manager responsible for independently directing the overall operations of a Tier 1, Tier 2, or Tier 3 branch. The position establishes operational priorities, allocates staff and resources, supervises and develops employees, manages budgets and facilities, and oversees public services, collections, programming, customer experience, community engagement, and partnerships. The role balances hands-on service delivery with branch-wide leadership, resolves routine to moderately complex operational and employee issues, implements system initiatives, and uses performance data to improve services.

The position is accountable for policy compliance, service quality, operational efficiency, staff performance, and overall branch results.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Directs daily operations of a Tier 3 branch, including public services, employee assignments, schedules, service-desk coverage, workflows, facility readiness, safety, and customer experience.
• Establishes and adjusts staffing, service, and resource priorities as customer demand, employee availability, facility conditions, and operational needs change.
• Selects, supervises, trains, coaches, motivates, and evaluates assigned staff. Establishes expectations, assigns and reviews work, coordinates schedules and leave, supports employee development, documents performance, and initiates corrective or disciplinary action in accordance with policy.
• Provides visible branch leadership by communicating HCPL's mission, strategic direction, priorities, and service expectations.
• Translates system goals into branch objectives, work plans, employee assignments, and measurable service improvements while promoting accountability, teamwork, and follow-through.
• Interprets, communicates, and administers library policies, procedures, work rules, and service standards for employees and customers.
• Ensures requirements are applied consistently, explains decisions, addresses noncompliance, and escalates significant legal, safety, employee relations, or policy matters to the appropriate leadership or department.
• Promotes a customer-centered service culture by modeling professional, respectful, inclusive, and responsive service.
• Resolves routine to moderately complex inquiries and complaints; supports reference, technology, and information services; and performs professional librarian duties as operational needs require.
• Plans, directs, and evaluates branch services and programs for children, teens, adults, and circulation service areas.
• Coordinates staffing, schedules, space, supplies, technology, communications, and partner participation to ensure services are accessible, well organized, and responsive to customer needs.
• Assesses branch and community needs by reviewing service data, customer feedback, demographic information, program participation,…