Live Oak Public Libraries is seeking an experienced, creative public library management professional to become its next Deputy Director. As a critical member of the Leadership Team, they will be a key decision-maker and driver of the library system’s mission, innovation, and growth. In addition to strategic leadership duties, the Deputy Director will oversee the administrative operations for the Public Services, Communications and Strategic Partnerships, and Technical Services functions. They also will serve as the acting Library Executive Director when needed. In partnership with the Library Executive Director, the Deputy Director is responsible for helping to build and foster a success-oriented and accountable organization that best serves its many patrons and communities.
About Live Oak Public Libraries
Live Oak Public Libraries is a system of 16 library locations with 150 dedicated staff who serve citizens in Chatham, Effingham, and Liberty Counties. As a growing library system, Live Oak Public Libraries saw new highs in number of patrons visits [636,000], library programs attendees [90,000] and items checked out [1,000,000] as of June 2024.
Live Oak Public Libraries was first established in 1903 as the Savannah Public Library and was located in a room at the Georgia Historical Society. A main library building on Bull Street was opened in 1916. In 1945, Effingham County Library joined the Savannah Public Library to form the Chatham-Effingham Regional Library, and in 1956, the regional library expanded to include Liberty County, establishing the Chatham-Effingham-Liberty Regional Library. The library’s name was changed to Live Oak Public Libraries in 2002 to reflect the personality of the region as well as the life and growth of its branches.
Live Oak Public Libraries is a dynamic and diverse workplace and are welcoming spaces for everyone, providing programs and services for all ages. Inspiring the community to grow, create, discover and explore is the mission of the library system. To learn more about the Live Oak Public Libraries, click here.
About Savannah, Georgia
Savannah is Georgia's fifth most populous city and the state's third-largest metropolitan area [with a 2020 population of over 404,000] and features rural, urban, and suburban neighborhoods across beautiful coastal Georgia. Each year, Savannah attracts millions of visitors to its cobblestone streets, parks, museums, and notable historic buildings. Savannah's downtown area, which includes the Savannah Historic District, its 22 parklike squares, and the Savannah Victorian Historic District, is one of the largest National Historic Landmark Districts in the United States. Downtown Savannah largely retains the founder James Oglethorpe's original town plan, a design known as the Oglethorpe Plan. To learn more about the city, click here.
Position Qualifications
Required qualifications include:
- A Master’s degree in Library and Information Science [MLIS]
- Seven or more years of broad, relevant library career experience, including a minimum of five years of people, program, and/or project management experience.
- Grade 5[b] Librarian's Professional Graduate Certificate as defined by the Georgia State Board for the Certification of Librarians [or the ability to obtain one within six months from date of hire].
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work and build relationships effectively with all levels of staff, customers, and community group members from all socioeconomic, educational, literacy, and cultural backgrounds.
- Experience with change management, process improvement, and organizational development.
- Polished, dynamic communicator— adept at persuasive public speaking, developing concise reporting, and providing confidential stakeholder updates and actionable recommendations.
- Skilled in staff performance management, including experience with coaching, mentorship, conflict resolution, performance improvement, training and staff development.
- Demonstrated commitment to exceptional customer service, with proven ability to lead and implement service excellence initiatives.
- Expertise with various technology and electronic systems and tools used in public libraries [e.g., integrated library systems [ILS], electronic databases, etc.].
- A valid driver’s license, insurability, personal transportation/the ability to travel independently within the libraries’ service area.
Preferred qualifications include:
- Experience in multi-unit / multi-location management and with distributed workforces.
- Experience with budget preparation and management.
Compensation
A generous compensation package includes competitive base pay with a pay range of $115,000 to $130,000; benefits include paid time-off; medical, dental, vision, long-term disability and life insurance coverage; a pension plan via the Teacher’s Retirement System of Georgia [TRSGA]; and more.
To Apply
To be considered for this position, please submit your resume and a cover letter [including salary requirements] to: ryansheehan@oahumanresources.com. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.