Public Libraries Department Manager

Lead and direct the organization's Public Libraries Department by developing and implementing strategic and operational plans, and by setting policies and standards that ensure the delivery of distinguished knowledge and cultural services. This role manages collections, programs, events, and partnerships in a way that strengthens the role of libraries as community hubs for knowledge, culture, and innovation, with continuous field oversight across all libraries to ensure integrated performance and service quality.

Key Responsibilities

Functional

• Oversee the preparation, review, and implementation of strategic and operational plans and policies for public libraries, covering collections, community outreach, continuing education, children's services, and plans for optimal use of current and future library assets and resources. Contribute to developing regulations and legislation for public libraries in the region.
• Oversee the implementation of community, promotional, and outreach programs and initiatives, including exploring shared partnership opportunities with all stakeholders to attract audiences and broaden cultural reach, using modern tools and methods to market public library services and programs.
• Monitor and oversee the operational and functional readiness of buildings and facilities currently supporting public libraries in the region.
• Conduct field visits to target sites for developing or opening new library branches, in coordination with relevant parties, including site assessment, technical specifications, and review of readiness reports.
• Direct the development of a framework and methodology for managing public library performance across the organization, including related policies, guidelines, and processes.
• Oversee the development and implementation of plans for acquiring and growing knowledge resources and reading materials in all formats (print and digital), and organize and manage cultural and educational activities and events, and children's programs, nurturing their talents and developing their capabilities.
• Oversee the metrics, projects, initiatives, and key reports that contribute to developing public libraries and strengthening their role as "life schools," ensuring continuous service improvement and alignment of all relevant elements with the overall strategy.
• Oversee the monitoring and analysis of key performance indicators for all public libraries under the organization, and prepare periodic reports on results and improvement recommendations.
• Identify training and development needs for managers and staff working in public libraries, and develop and implement capacity-building plans to raise their competence and adopt global best practices.
• Develop partnerships and alliances with strategic and key stakeholders who can support the development and implementation of relevant public library development programs and plans.
• Stay abreast of global best practices and trends in public libraries, and attract leading experiences in this field to support advancement of the cultural ecosystem.
• Contribute to logistical specifications, design concepts, and general technical standards for current and future public library buildings and facilities, to advance and develop their capacity to accommodate and deliver public library services in a modern, innovative manner.
• Conduct periodic field visits and rotations across all public libraries under the organization, and attend related internal and external events, meetings, and programs to ensure direct follow-up and integration across sites and activities.
• Conduct field visits to all public library branches across different areas to ensure oversight and organization of operations, deliver an excellent level of service to the public, and respond promptly to any operational or emergency needs.
• Prepare and submit reports, studies, and development research to senior management serving the public libraries sector.
• Manage and build strong relationships with various visual, print, and audio media outlets — local, regional, and international — to cover all activities, events, scientific and cultural programs, and services provided by public libraries.
• Prepare and implement communication, media promotion, and strategic partnership plans with relevant institutions and entities, to strengthen the standing of public libraries, diversify services and revenue streams, and expand the network of strategic relationships and partnerships locally and internationally.
• Provide technical input and expertise, and guide the development and implementation of risk management programs and public library disaster and emergency management plans and procedures.
• Comply with information security policies and procedures, maintain data confidentiality, and report to the Information Security Officer any breaches or violations of approved policies.
• Comply with occupational health and safety procedures, policy, and instructions, and the applicable environmental management system policy.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities related to the role as assigned.

Operational

• Ensure timely provision of data and reports to leadership, and provide recommendations on operational improvements to support planning, decision-making, and continuous improvement.
• Monitor monthly and quarterly performance results, identify performance gaps and their implications, and lead the preparation of corrective actions addressing root causes.
• Track the performance of the Public Libraries Department by defining key performance indicators and targets, and continue identifying areas needing improvement and providing recommendations to support the sector's strategy.

Financial Management

• Manage budget allocation at the Public Libraries Department level to ensure full compliance, identify any timely non-adherence to the plan, and take corrective actions as required, in line with the approved governance process.
• Consolidate all staff budget inputs to prepare the Public Libraries Department budget and submit it to leadership for approval and further consolidation.

People Management

• Participate in preparing unified workforce planning strategies and budgets, talent attraction, training, and development for the relevant department to ensure adequate recruitment processes and optimal operational fluidity.
• Set section goals for all direct managers and review performance at mid-year and year-end. Monitor performance and provide specialized consultation as needed to ensure performance goals are met.
• Identify competencies.
• Provide guidance to section managers on operational and staff management matters.
• Follow up with and direct section managers as needed to ensure they can track operational requirements from professional and behavioral standpoints.

Stakeholder Management

Key Internal Stakeholders: All organizational units within the organization

Key External Stakeholders:

• Relevant semi-government and private entities
• Relevant local and federal entities
• Strategic partners
• Libraries, cultural bodies, and specialized organizations in the global library and information field

Required Qualifications

Academic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Library and Information Science, Education, Project Management, or equivalent from an accredited university

Professional Experience and Skills:

• 10+ years of relevant work experience
• Experience developing and implementing strategic plans and operational plans and policies
• Knowledge of financial and operational matters
• Effective and proactive planning for future needs
• Ability to successfully negotiate and develop partnerships locally and internationally
• Innovative problem-solver, able to find actionable solutions and resolve complaints

Competencies

Leadership Competencies (Advanced):

• Leading and inspiring others
• Supporting and enabling change
• Strategic thinking

Behavioral Competencies (Advanced):

• Projecting and radiating positive energy
• Excellence in execution
• Community service and responsiveness to stakeholders' needs
• Institutional understanding

Technical Competencies (Advanced):

• Library and information management
• Strategic and operational planning