Employment Opportunities

Executive Director of the Reading Public Library

The Reading Public Library (RPL), located in downtown Reading, Berks County, PA, is seeking an individual experienced in library sciences and business management to lead the Organization as its Executive Director.  The Library serves the needs of eighty-eight thousand residents across Reading’s diverse communities and, as Reading District Center Library also serves as the hub of library services for the entirety of Berks County.  The Executive Director is charged with overarching responsibility for leading the 258-year-old Reading Public Library – a main library and three neighborhood branches – toward its vision of being a model 21st Century Library, amidst profound social and technological change and shifting patron needs and expectations. With the support of a full-time staff of 31 and part-time staff of 15, the Executive Director will take the lead in executing the initiatives of the Library’s strategic plan, following its strategies centered on growth, creative problem solving, innovation, thoughtful deployment of technologies, and balancing the needs of the Library’s many stakeholders.  This is an exciting opportunity for a charismatic, patron-centered leader who is passionate about the important role libraries play in our communities and who is skilled in both strategy and operations.

The RPL Board of Directors intends to fill this position early in the 1st Quarter, 2022.

RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

  • Takes the leadership role in executing initiatives of the Library’s strategic plan.  Designs and monitors performance metrics to measure progress.
  • Oversees the planning, design, implementation, coordination, and management of a balanced program of Library services.
  • Prepares, manages, and monitors the Library’s annual budget and the District budget.  Works closely with the Library’s Board of Directors on matters related to budget.
  • Identifies new sources of funding and cultivates relationships with corporate, foundation, and individual donors.  Oversees the Library’s grant writing and fund-raising activities.
  • Oversees all aspects of personnel management including hiring, training, supervision, evaluation, professional development, disciplinary actions, enforcement of personnel policies, and succession planning.
  • Demonstrates commitment to inclusion and diversity through both letter and spirit in policies, procedures, and interactions with all stakeholders.
  • Designs, develops, and maintains an organizational structure that optimizes the use of Library personnel and resources in carrying out the Library’s mission.
  • Represents the Library through frequent interactions with media outlets, community leaders and their organizations, municipal administrators, regulators, other libraries, civic organizations, and the general public.
  • Provides leadership in the development and maintenance of the Library’s collections, in its various formats.
  • Negotiates the annual District budget agreement between the District libraries and the PA Office of Commonwealth Libraries. Leads development of the District Strategic Plan.
  • Maintains a working knowledge of existing and developing technologies in the public library setting.  Provides technology overviews and cost-benefit analyses to the Board of Directors, as appropriate.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education:  Master’s Degree in Library Sciences is required.  PA Public Librarian Certification or a good-faith commitment to obtain that Certification upon hire is also required. Additional coursework or degrees in Business Management and Public Administration are pluses.

Experience:  Minimum 5 to 8 years of management experience (with at least 2 of those at a senior level) in a library setting, with financial, personnel, collections, and operations responsibilities.  Knowledge of current and emerging library technologies is essential.   Proficiency in using Microsoft Suite of products and Polaris, or comparable inter-library software package, a plus.

Personal:  Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communications skills.  Ability to interact effectively with a variety of audiences including community stakeholders, donors, municipal and community leaders, volunteers, staff, and the general public.  Exceptionally strong skills in motivating others, creativity, problem solving, communicating vision, team building, time management, and delegation.  Strong commitment to professional development.

This position requires a Pennsylvania State Police Criminal Record Check, Pennsylvania Child Abuse Clearance, and FBI Criminal Background Check

Salary commensurate with experience.

The Reading Public Library is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  Please direct cover letters and resumes to resumes@reading.lib.pa.us

Applicant materials must be received by Tuesday, June 15, 2021.

 

 

Part-Time Security Officer

Part-time security officer at the Main Library in downtown Reading.  Between 7.5 and 15 hours per week, Saturdays included. Knowledge of security practices in public buildings and excellent customer service skills required. Patrol and monitor interior and exterior library facilities. Prepare clear, detailed reports. Operate 2-way radio and surveillance equipment. Bilingual Spanish a plus. Please send resume to: jxbressler@reading.lib.pa.us

The Security Officer works with the public and staff to explain and, when needed, enforce the Customer Behavior Policy. The most important skills are interpersonal communication, conflict resolution, and ability to obtain cooperation. The Security Officer must be proficient in recognizing and handling conflicts, infractions, and emergencies. He or she also have excellent judgement in knowing when and how to apply Library policies to individual situations. The ideal candidate will project an energetic, positive presence and demonstrate a passion for customer service.

JOB SUMMARY

  • Knowledge of accepted practices relating to security operations, particularly those that relate to public facilities
  • Patrol and monitor interior and exterior library facilities
  • Excellent observation skills; an ability to remain alert and attentive, anticipate potential disruptive behavior and safety or security threats and take preventative action
  • Conflict resolution skills; communicate clearly and diplomatically while enforcing security policies and procedures, often under stressful situations
  • Investigate and handle disturbances and emergencies; obtain police, medical, and law enforcement assistance as needed
  • Ability to prepare clear, detailed, and accurately written reports
  • Ability to operate two-way radio and communications and surveillance equipment
  • Take lead role in responding to building emergencies and evacuations
  • Identify and recommend procedures and methods to prevent property loss and damage
  • Perform crowd control duties for special programs and events
  • Other duties as assigned within the scope, spirit, and purpose of the job

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Educational Requirements

  • High school diploma or equivalency

Experience

  • Minimum of one year of related experience performing similar duties in a public setting
  • Knowledge of community safety, emergency, and social service resources
  • Knowledge of the economic and social issues facing the City of Reading
  • Experience working with a diverse community

Clearances

  • PA Child Abuse Clearance
  • Mandated Reporting Training for Child Abuse
  • PA Criminal Record Check
  • FBI Criminal Background Check

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

  • Ability to work with minimal supervision
  • Ability to act calmly and with composure in difficult situations
  • Ability to perform the physical activities inherent in security patrol duties
  • Able to work evenings and Saturdays as required
  • Bi-lingual Spanish a plus

WORKING CONDITIONS

Physically active position. Walking, running, standing, rapidly ascending and descending stairs and lifting up to 75 pounds.  Ability to engage in these physical activities for a typical shift duration. Height and weight in proportion. Must be able to communicate and be understood clearly.  (This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee. It is used as a guide for personnel actions and is subject to change by the employer as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.)

Disclaimer:
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind work assignments as needed. The essential functions or duties listed above are intended only as illustration of the various types of work that may be performed and are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related or a logical assignment to the position