Assistant Department Director - Library Department

Assistant Department Director - Library Department

Salary

$97,674.00 - $179,079.00 Annually

Location

Advanced Learning Library, KS

Job Type

Full-time

Job Number

Asst. Dpt. Drctr. - Library

Department

Library

Division

LIBRARY Administration

Opening Date

10/23/2026

Closing Date

11/13/2026 11:59 PM Central

Bargaining Unit

1000

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Distinguishing Features of Work

Are you looking for an opportunity to provide leadership in an innovative, customer-focused organization, apply your expertise to advance library impact, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of community members? The Wichita Public Library is seeking an energetic, service-minded professional to serve as Assistant Department Director.

The Wichita Public Library is committed to providing services to our 400,991 residents through seven unique locations, the Library is guided by three strategic priorities:

• Advance literacies for life to empower residents.
• Increase awareness of library resources to empower residents.
• Build partnerships to expand community impact.

The Wichita Public Library's mission is to CONNECT. DISCOVER. LEARN. THRIVE.

Its vision is to be INCLUSIVE. RESPONSIVE. COLLABORATIVE. The Library believes that your library makes your community limitless.

Our Values

Trust and Service are core City of Wichita values that guide our interactions and decisions. As a social institution, the Wichita Public Library recognizes its responsibility to advance equity through library services and help ensure that all residents experience a sense of belonging.

The Library's work is guided by the following values:

• Community: We embrace our role as a community builder and continually evolve our services to meet residents' needs.
• Diversity: We respect, reflect, and value differences. Our services are inclusive and affirm the varied needs and interests of everyone.
• Opportunity: We support curiosity, exploration, and lifelong learning. We actively seek opportunities for staff and community members to learn, grow, and thrive.

Description of Duties and Essential Functions

This position involves complex administrative and managerial responsibilities in support of an urban, multi-branch library system. The Assistant Department Director develops and implements policies and procedures related to departmental administration, including finance, accounting, facilities, safety and security, performance measurement, and human resources support.

The position requires collaboration with the Director of Libraries, library staff, community members, Library Trustees, and library support organizations. The Assistant Department Director must maintain a comprehensive understanding of all Library Department programs and assume the responsibilities of the Director in the Director's absence.

Work is guided by established goals, with performance evaluated based on progress toward achieving those goals.

Workdays and Hours: Monday to Friday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

The salary range for this position is $97,674 to $179,079 annually. The starting salary range is $97,674 to $140,293 annually, depending on the candidate's qualifications and experience.

Bargaining Unit: Employee Council

Posting may close at any time

Examples of Work Performed

• Develops short- and long-term strategic plans for the department in collaboration with the Director of Libraries and the Library Board.
• Directs and manages departmental fiscal activities, including accounting, budgeting, auditing, and financial analysis.
• Oversees departmental reporting and performance metrics to monitor progress toward short- and long-term goals.
• Collaborates with other City departments to support daily operations and achieve organizational objectives.
• Monitors compliance with City, department, and division policies and procedures.
• Assumes the responsibilities of the Director of Libraries in the Director's absence.
• Responds to inquiries and complaints from residents and other members of the public.
• Oversees incident reporting and ensures compliance with safety requirements, training standards, and applicable rules and regulations to protect staff and the public.
• Provides leadership, guidance, and direction to supervisors in establishing goals and objectives and analyzing and resolving problems.
• Oversees staff training and development and supports human resources functions, including hiring, disciplinary actions, and employee separations.
• Oversees the development and delivery of an effective volunteer program.

The examples of work performed are not intended to be all-inclusive. The City of Wichita reserves the right to assign additional responsibilities as needed.

Requirements of Work

• Knowledge of effective library administration and management practices applicable to a large library system, including personnel management, strategic planning, purchasing, budgeting, and financial management.
• Knowledge of technology and software applications appropriate to assigned responsibilities.
• Knowledge of human resources principles and practices, including staff development, training, and volunteer management.
• Knowledge of public library services, programs, and diverse funding sources.
• Ability to analyze problems and situations and present relevant facts and recommendations clearly and concisely.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with professional staff, elected officials, residents, business representatives, and civic leaders.
• Ability to communicate the Wichita Public Library's vision clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing, to staff, public officials, community groups, and members of the public.
• Ability to plan, direct, and coordinate the work of others effectively.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid Kansas driver's license.
• Ability to perform the essential functions of the position without posing a direct threat to the health or safety of others in the workplace.

Experience and Training

Required:

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a major in Business Management or Public Administration OR a Masters degree in Library Science.
• Five (5) years of supervisory experience in public libraries.
• Three (3) years of management experience with budget authority.
• Valid Drivers License.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need of a sponsorship.

Preferred:

• A Master's degree from an accredited university.

Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws. Please find more information under the following links:

https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/WHD/legacy/files/fmlaen.pdf

https://www.eeoc.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/22-088_EEOC_KnowYourRights6.12ScreenRdr.pdf

https://www.dol.gov/sites/dolgov/files/WHD/legacy/files/eppac.pdf

CITY OF WICHITA

FULL-TIME EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

1. VACATION - Most employees with less than five years employment earn 10 days of vacation per year. After five years, accrual rates increase at varying rates to varying maximums, depending on work schedule and/or union representation. Employees can accumulate and carry forward up to 240 hours each year.

2. HOLIDAYS - There are eleven paid holidays. Employees also receive one Personal Holiday that is granted after the first six months of employment.

3. SICK LEAVE - Sick leave accrual begins at one-half day per month. After five years, sick leave accruals are one work day per month. Employees can accumulate and carry forward all unused sick leave each year. Employees who use 24 hours (3 days) or less of sick leave in a calendar year earn a "Well Day." An additional "Well Day" can be earned following a year of perfect attendance.

4. HEALTH INSURANCE - UMR / United Healthcare provides two levels of medical and prescription drug plans. Both medical plan are PPOs and do not require selecting a physician or referrals for specialty care. Both medical plans include Teladoc virtual care (primary care/mental health benefits at no charge), Dario healthy living programs, and VSP Vision benefits. Pre-tax premium deductions are offered. The City contributes 80% of the premium cost towards medical, prescription drug and vision insurance.

5. DENTAL INSURANCE - Two Delta Dental plans are offered - Preferred and Traditional. The Delta Preferred plan requires using a dentist from a smaller network for a lower premium. The Delta Traditional plan allows use of any dentist, although benefits are higher using a dentist from the large Delta network. Benefits under both plans are the same (with the exception of some Orthodontic benefits) Pre-tax premium deductions are offered.

6.LIFE INSURANCE - Low-cost voluntary term life insurance is available. Employees pay one-third of the cost. The amount of Basic Life coverage is two times annual pay up to a determined maximum amount. Dependent coverage is available at $20,000 spouse / $10,000 child(ren) for an additional $0.14 per pay period. Accidental death and dismemberment coverage is included. The plan is through MetLife.

7.SUPPLEMENTAL LIFE - Additional voluntary employee-paid term life insurance is available from MetLife at low group rates. Participation in Basic Life is required. The Life Insurance plans are portable.

8. LONG-TERM DISABILITY INSURANCE- The voluntary employee-paid group disability plan from MetLife provides 60% of pre-disability income for injury or health related disabilities. Premiums are determined by income and age.

9.VOLUNTARY ACCIDENTAL DEATH & DISMEMBERMENT - Voluntary employee-paid AD&D from MetLife offers coverage for accidental death and dismemberment.

10.RETIREMENT - The City offers two retirement plans - Wichita Employees (WER) Plan 3, and Commissioned Police & Fire Plan C-79. The WER plan is a defined contribution plan; Police & Fire is a defined benefit plan. Both are contributory - employees and the City share the cost.

11.FLEXIBLE SPENDING ACCOUNTS - Employees may elect to make FSA pre-tax deductions for dependent care and/or unreimbursed medical expenses, reducing the cost of these expenses by eliminating taxes on the amount deducted.

12. LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE - This plan from UNUM offers facility and home care benefits for employees, spouses, and some other family members. Several options for benefit amount and duration, and specific plan features, are available.

13.MORE BENEFITS & SERVICES

Deferred Compensation Investment Program

Employee Discounts and Wichita Employee Association (WEA)

Bereavement Pay

Employee Emergency Assistance Fund

Voluntary Shared Leave Program

Training Programs

Longevity Pay

Credit Union

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Injury Leave (on-job injury)

Community Volunteer Events

01

The following validates my highest level of education:

• Some High School
• High School/GED
• Some College
• Associates Degree
• Bachelors Degree
• Masters Degree
• Doctorate/JD

02

I have a Masters in Library Science from an ALA accredited institution.

• Yes
• No

03

Do you have a 4 year degree or higher in Business Management or Public Administration.

• Yes
• No

04

I have the following years of supervisory experience in public libraries

• Less than 1 year of experience
• 1 to 2 years of experience
• 3 to 4 years of experience
• 5+ years of experience
• I do not have supervisory experience in public libraries.

05

I have the following years of management experience with budget authority.

• Less than 1 year experience
• 1 to 2 years of experience
• 3 to 4 years of experience
• +5 years of experience
• I do not have any management experience with budget authority.

06

Do you have a valid drivers license.

• Yes
• No

07

I am legally authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship.

• Yes
• No

08

How do you translate an organization's strategic plan into actionable priorities, measurable outcomes, and day-to-day decisions across a large library system?

09

What do you believe are the most significant challenges facing large urban public libraries over the next five to ten years? How should library leadership prepare for them?

10

Describe a time you navigated a disagreement among senior leadership, a governing board, elected officials, or community stakeholders. How did you protect the organizations interests while maintaining productive relationships?

11

What do you believe a Library Director needs most from an Assistant Director? How would you provide that support while exercising independent judgment?

Required Question

Employer City of Wichita

Address 455 N. Main

Wichita, Kansas, 67202

Phone 316-268-4531

Website https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/wichita