Chief of Operations

Overview

Brief Job Description:

The Chief of Operations is a leadership role at The Boston Public Library overseeing key functions of day-to-day operations, stewardship of library spaces and infrastructure, as well as a range of both incident response and planning & policy responsibilities. The Chief of Operations oversees all Library Facilities, including the historic central library in Copley Square, and currently a network of 25 branches throughout the city and an offsite collections storage facility.

Departments within the Operations portfolio include the Facilities department, Safety & Security, and the Major/Capital Projects Office. The Facilities Department teams include custodial staff, the shipping department, trades and laborers teams, as well as two major outsourced contracts for Security Services and MEP (Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing) Services, each with extensive on-site personnel.

Through smooth daily operations, the Library’s Operations Division supports the delivery of library services, secures Collections storage and management, the library’s special events business, as well as emergency and crisis response and planning activities. The Library’s facilities, which are a key part of the Library’s mission, must be maintained as welcoming, clean, safe, and dynamic spaces. The Chief of Operations role is the Library’s lead on climate and sustainability as it relates to our buildings and energy plans.

The Chief of Operations reports to the President and is a member of the Library's Leadership Team. The Chief of Operations is also responsible for system-wide space planning, infrastructure and project coordination, and operational policies as well as planning exercises that ensure continuity of operations, disaster preparedness and future space and infrastructure needs. The role works collaboratively with other City departments to ensure high quality, consistent and uninterrupted patron services. Other responsibilities include fostering a positive work environment and developing operational efficiencies, through the use of processes and procedure development, technological support and human capacity building.

The Chief of Operations plays a key coordinating role with the Chief Technology Officer regarding the resilience and responsiveness of IT functions, including systemwide AV planning & support.

The Chief of Operations also prepares and manages budget and procurement activities for departments within the portfolio, in collaboration with the library’s Finance Division.

Reports to: President of the Boston Public Library

Responsibilities

• Administration: As a member of Leadership, participates in the overall administration of the Boston Public Library; interacts with city, state, and federal government agencies, and the Library Board of Trustees; contributes to the development and implementation of an operating budget process that advances the BPL's visions and principles; contributes to development and implementation of system-wide Library policies.
• Facilities: Leads the planning and implementation of building and facilities management; oversees all facilities staff.
• Major Projects/Project Management: Provides leadership and guidance to the capital improvements and system-wide projects of the library; provides leadership to and coordination of complex projects involving multiple areas of library operations and services.
• Safety & Stewardship/Security: Oversees the planning and implementation of systemwide safety and security measures with a focus on patrons, staff, spaces and collections respectively.
• Information Technology: Collaborates in the planning and implementation of technology solutions supporting all facets of the library's operations and services.
• Customer Service: Leads innovative service delivery process improvements for internal, partner and external customers. Guides and directs staff on standards of service, ensuring great customer service experience by patrons of the library.
• Leadership: Provides leadership to attain system-wide goals. Works closely with library leadership in shaping and implementing the Library's mission and vision. Monitors budget allocations for Operation Division, allocates resources within this budget. Provides input in the development of annual budget relating to Operations and works with Budget staff to develop strategic budget plans to meet short and long-range objectives for the Division.
• Management: Directs, evaluates, and develops Operations Management staff. Oversees the recruitment, development, management and mentorship of staff. Develops, communicates and implements goals and objectives in an annual work plan that includes the allocation of resources and produces visible, measurable outcomes for customer service and operational efficiencies.
  
  

Minimum Entrance Qualifications

• Education: Master’s Degree in a related field, or an advanced degree in combination with other relevant education, training and experience.
• Experience: Requires a minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible management and planning experience, including experience managing a large and complex business, organization, or multi-site system, with particular experience or expertise in Facilities or, Systems Design and Management.
  
  

Preferred Attributes

• Ability to demonstrate vision, strategic thinking, collaboration and inclusive leadership skills, flexibility and adaptability; and a willingness to embrace and drive.
• Demonstrated knowledge of building management, building management systems, complex problem solving, systems design and analysis and design for ease of management.
• Ability to be intellectually engaging with strong interpersonal, communication and advocacy.
• Ability to recognize and set priorities, and to use initiative and independent management decision-making.
• Experience managing in a unionized environment.
• Ability to organize, direct, motivate and evaluate management and oversee same for Ability to mentor others and foster a team environment.
• Excellent communication, public speaking and presentation skills.
• Knowledge of and proven experience applying effective management practice and principles, budget development and fiscal administration, strategic planning, and project.
  
  

CORI: Must successfully clear a Criminal Offenders Record Information check with the City of Boston.

Terms

BOSTON RESIDENCY REQUIRED

Union/Salary Plan/Grade: Nonunion / PM-8

Hours per week: 35