Branch Supervisor (Senior Librarian), Grade N25

WHO WE ARE

MCPL has a vision of a world where knowledge allows diverse communities to prosper and grow. In order to support this vision, we create opportunities through meaningful connections by acting as the knowledge sharing center for over 1 million diverse customers. Approximately 500 engaged and passionate staff provide services in 21 library locations and in community engagement using direct outreach and virtual assistance. MCPL is an open, inviting, and vital gateway to the information, ideas and enrichment that strengthens our county. A diverse, highly qualified staff continually assesses community needs and interests to support, encourage and inspire our customers.

MCPL believes in the right of all to learn and to grow. We value intellectual freedom, accountability, quality service, diversity, fairness, professional ethics, integrity of information and respect for our customers, our community, and ourselves. We are a learning organization that functions openly by exploring new ideas and using the collective talent, knowledge, and creativity of employees at all levels.

The Montgomery County Library System is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. MCPL values diverse perspectives, lived experiences, and cultures. MCPL encourages BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color), immigrants, women, LGBTQIA+, individuals with disabilities and veterans to apply. As part of this commitment, MCPL provides reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities to participate in the job application or interview process and/or to perform the essential functions of the position.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Montgomery County Public Libraries(MCPL) is seeking highly motivated, community-oriented and collaborative Senior Librarian to serve as Branch Supervisor to provide excellent customer service and equalized opportunity for Montgomery County residents. If you excel in the areas of communication, staff development and training, customer service and want to work in an innovative and inclusive environment, this is the job for you. OurSenior Librarianssupervise staff, serve as system trainers, and participate as members of planning and implementation workgroups.

MCPL Librarians perform a variety of professional programs and services reflective of, and responsive to community needs and assets. Librarians develop and deliver inclusive and equitable, community-led programs and services. These positions represent MCPL within the community, building collaborative relationships, programs, and services in partnership with community members and organizations. Librarians also help to manage MCPL materials to meet the educational, recreational and information needs of the community. These positions provide customers with basic technological and in-depth informational assistance.

Bilingual applicants are encouraged to apply. Additional multi-lingual pay may be available after successfully passing a multilingual examination.

Successful Candidates will:

• Demonstrate commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) practices in public service.

• Value building collaborative relationships with community members and organizations, as well as colleagues across MCPL.
• Be responsive to the emerging needs of Montgomery County residents, developing and delivering programs and services that reflect the unique needs of diverse populations.
• Flexible, adaptable, and eager to implement change to better serve our communities
• Able to communicate effectively with diverse audiences through a variety of platforms
• Ready to grasp new technologies and train staff to use these technologies
• Comfortable in developing, presenting, and evaluating training, virtually and in person
• An empathetic listener who enjoys understanding and responding to the needs of customers and staff
• Ready to understand the part your branch plays in the Department and the role the Department plays in County government.

Essential Duties/Major Responsibilities:

• Promotes and supports MCPL’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion values with staff and customers. Centers the experiences of people and communities who are most affected by structural inequities when engaging in programming, partnerships, and information services work.
• Managing a branch collection.
• Ensure delivery of excellent customer service by guiding staff and implementing policies and solving problems.
• Serve as a member of a branch management team, participating in planning and organizing the work of the branch.
• Lead or assist in leading the day-to-day operations of a library branch.
• Serve as an on-site manager or assistant manager, supervising, training, evaluating as well as coaching and mentoring staff.
• Develop, provide, and evaluate training to a diverse staff, throughout the Department.
• Respond directly to customer concerns, suggestions, and complaints.
• Serve on workgroups and committees designed to encourage communication and problem solving across all levels of the organization.

THIS RECRUITMENT WILL GENERATE A 6-MONTH ELIGIBLE LIST TO FILL CURRENT AND FUTURE VACANCIES FOR THE BRANCH SUPERVISOR Full-Time POSITIONS AT ALL BRANCH LOCATIONS WITHIN MCPL.

Hours for this position are:

Library hours of operation are 7 days a week including evenings. Employees are expected to be available for work during these times. Individual schedules, including evenings and weekends, will vary based on branch operational needs.

The applications of those individuals meeting the minimum qualifications will be reviewed to determine the extent, relevancy of training, and experience in the following areas:

1. Can you describe your experience leading or supervising a diverse team? How did you handle performance evaluations or scheduling?
2. Tell us about a time you trained or mentored staff. What approach did you use, and how did you measure effectiveness?
3. Have you ever developed and led staff training sessions or team meetings? What topics did you cover, and what outcomes did you achieve?
4. Describe a situation where you resolved a complex customer service issue, ideally in a library or similar public-facing environment. What steps did you take?
5. Have you ever been the person in charge in the absence of a supervisor? How did you ensure smooth operations during that time?
6. Can you provide an example of a project you managed from start to finish? What was your role, and what was the result?