Description

The Harford County Public Library offers a competitive compensation and benefits package. Starting wage, depending on candidate qualifications, is between $131,016 and $167,053. This position is eligible for the following benefits: deferred compensation 457(b) retirement plan, pension plan, medical, dental and vision plans, employee assistance program, voluntary benefits, paid time off and more.

Position Summary: 

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) is a key member of the senior leadership team and serves as a strategic partner to the Chief Executive Officer in advancing Harford County Public Library’s mission to provide innovative, accessible, and community-driven library services.

The COO provides executive oversight for system wide operations, including capital projects, facilities, fleet services, delivery planning, projects, security, safety, risk management, insurance, custodial and other operational support functions as assigned.  This role ensures that the Library’s strategic goals are translated into effective programs, services, systems, and infrastructure that meet the evolving needs of Harford County residents.

The COO leads with vision and accountability, ensuring operational excellence, fiscal stewardship, innovation, digital equity, and a culture of collaboration and belonging across the organization.

Essential Duties:

Executive & Strategic Leadership

• Serves as a strategic advisor to the CEO and the senior leadership team.
• Leads implementation and monitoring of the Library’s Strategic Plan.
• Translates strategic objectives into measurable operational initiatives.
• Oversees large-scale, cross-departmental projects to ensure alignment, timeliness, fiscal responsibility, and quality outcomes.
• Integrates data-driven insights into executive decision-making.
• Participates in development of annual operating and capital budgets.
• Provides executive oversight for all capital improvement projects, renovations, and major facilities initiatives, including planning, budgeting, implementation, and coordination with county and external partners
• Develops and enforces system wide policies and procedures aligned with the Library’s mission, vision, and values.
• Develops and maintains strong strategic relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Attends monthly Board of Trustees meetings, prepares reports and updates.
• Represents the CEO as needed in meetings and events.
• Anticipates operational challenges and communicates proposed solutions to the CEO.

Operational Leadership

• Provides executive oversight of Facilities and Capital Projects, ensuring safe, welcoming, functional, and modern library spaces across all locations.
• Oversees procurement processes pertaining to Facilities and Capital Projects to ensure compliance with County regulations and ethical standards.
• Directs the library’s Risk Management program, including insurance coordination, claims management, policy review, incident reporting protocols, and mitigation strategies.
• Leads the planning, implementation, and evaluation of new and evolving library services.
• Promotes digital equity through equitable access to technology, connectivity, and digital resources.
• Monitors operational performance and implements improvements to increase efficiency and effectiveness.
• Oversees appropriate sections of the operating and capital budgets.
• Manages and resolves complex public relations or service issues escalated beyond normal channels.
• Excellent communication skills and proficient in technology that supports success in the position and reporting departments.
• Establishes, reviews, and updates operational policies and procedures related to facilities, safety, security, and risk management.
• Serves as primary liaison with county departments and external agencies related to facilities, capital projects, safety compliance, and risk matters.
• Oversees vendor contracts and service agreements within assigned areas of responsibility.

People & Organizational Leadership

• Directly supervises assigned department heads and senior managers.
• Cultivates a culture of collaboration, accountability, innovation, and service excellence.
• Oversees performance management systems and supports staff development initiatives.
• Supports positive and productive labor and employee relations in alignment with the Library’s strategic goals and mission.
• Partners in recruitment, retention, succession planning, and workforce development.
• Facilitates regular team meetings and ensures effective communication within and across departments.
• Supports professional development initiatives for staff within areas of responsibility.
• Ensures consistent interpretation and implementation of system-wide policies.

Supervision Functions:

1.    Serves as a hiring manager and supervises assigned staff, including other supervisory staff, as well as assigned volunteers.

2.    Oversees the training of staff and volunteers, as assigned.

3.    Administers the Performance Recognition System (PRS), the library’s performance evaluation system, in accordance with published guidelines.

4.    Approves annual leave, checks and tabulates timesheets for assigned staff.

5.    Prepares monthly reports, meeting agendas, and schedules.

6.    Interprets and implements system wide policies and procedures.

7.    Schedules and facilitates department/team meetings.

8.    Ensures staff receive and understand system and department communications via written, electronic format or in-person meetings.

9.    Acts as supervisor of team or work group and/or may supervise volunteers.

Standard Functions:

1.    Serves on committees and participates in workshops, seminars, and training as requested.

2.    Represents library at various outreach activities, as needed.

3.    Notifies Supervisor with suggested ways to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of personnel and procedures and system-wide goals and objectives.

4.    Maintains good public relations with the community through contacts with public officials, community leaders, volunteers, Friends of the Library, appropriate school personnel, and the general public.

5.    Learns new skills and technologies to retain proficiency in areas of expertise.

6.    Is dependable and punctual.

7.    Maintains a positive, friendly, and cooperative attitude and provides consistent customer service.

8.    Upholds all library policies and procedures as defined in Harford County Public Library’s Policies and Procedures Manual.

9.    Completes time sheet and other necessary forms and reports accurately and in a timely manner.

10. Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements:

1.    Master’s degree in Business Management, Public Administration, Library Science, or related field from an accredited institution.

2.    Minimum of eight years’ experience in management or leadership role preferably in a public library or non-profit organization, with a track record of driving operational success.

3.    Five years of supervisory experience.

4.    Ability to work day, evening and weekend hours.

5.    Ability to obtain and maintain a favorable criminal background report.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

1.    Ability to act as a representative of Harford County Public Library to the public.

2.    Ability to analyze data, identify trends, and make data-driven recommendations.

3.    Ability to review, evaluate, and initiate appropriate action on technical reports, contracts, and documents concerning departmental and system wide matters.

4.    Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, with the ability to make effective decisions in a fast-paced environment

5.    Sound financial acumen and experience in budgeting, financial planning and cost management.

6.    Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build string relationships with stakeholders at all levels.

7.    Excellent time management skills, including ability to handle multiple priorities simultaneously.

8.    Ability to work under pressure.

Work Environment:

1.    Work requires occasional physical effort in handling of light materials, up to 30 pounds, in non-strenuous work environment.

2.    Environment includes moderate noises (i.e. an office with conversations, photocopiers, and/or computer printers);

3.    Requires sitting and use of computer and keyboard for extended periods of time.

4.    Observes safe work place practices with uncluttered workspace, including office equipment, avoidance of trips and falls, proper lifting techniques and following fire regulations.

5.    Ability to travel to branch/outside locations is required.

Reporting Relationship:

This position reports to the Chief Executive Officer. Directly supervises managerial and professional staff. May supervise volunteers.

Work Week:

Primary work schedule consists of weekday shifts but may occasionally require evening and weekend hours.

In addition to the specific duties and responsibilities of this job, it is the responsibility of every employee to comply with the Harford County Public Library’s Values statement, customer service guidelines, and all other policies detailed in the Policies and Procedures Manual.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job.

The above job description is not intended as, nor should it be construed as, exhaustive of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job. The library administration reserves the right to change, modify, delete, and supplement job duties based on the organization’s needs.

This and all library positions are eligible for system-wide transfer.

Harford County Public Library is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To Apply:

Applications for this position are completed and accepted via online submission only at www.HCPLonline.org .  Review vacancy announcement and requirements, under Library Jobs tab.  A resume is required for this position; however, a resume will not be accepted in lieu of the online employment application.  Please do not state “refer to resume” on the application.  HCPL is committed to diversity in the workplace and is an EOE.