Assistant Branch Manager - Adults and Young Adults (Lone Star College (LSC) - Tomball Campus)

Harris County Public Library (HCPL), established in 1921, began as a collection of small libraries located in stores, post offices, and private homes. Over the years, it has grown into a robust network comprising 26 branch libraries, two technology service centers, and two partner locations that provide collection and circulation services. HCPL serves the communities of unincorporated Harris County and cities without independent library systems. In 2024, HCPL received the prestigious National Medal for Museum and Library Service, the highest honor awarded to libraries in the United States, recognizing innovative initiatives like HCPL Connected, Enhanced+ Library Cards, and its Mobile Outreach Librarian program. HCPL is recognized as one of the best places to work, offering a supportive and inclusive environment that fosters innovation, collaboration, and professional growth.

About the role

This position directs and coordinates the daily operations of the Adult and Young Adult departments and their services at the Lone Star College - Tomball Community Library under the partnership between HCPL and LSC systems. You will implement and interpret library policies, supervise and motivate staff, model exceptional customer service, and engage the community to align services with library and department strategy. The role serves as a liaison between Library Departments, Branch Managers, and branch staff, oversees the daily operations of the Tomball Innovation Lab, and develops future library services, community partnerships, and programs.

This position is located at the Lone Star College (LSC) - Tomball Campus. The LSC-Tomball Community Library is a joint partnership between LSC-Tomball Campus and Harris County Public Library (HCPL) to serve both academic and public communities.

Responsibilities

• Selects, supervises, and coaches assigned staff
• Provides leadership and coordinates schedules and workflow for effective service delivery
• Trains and motivates staff to meet changing system demands
• Establishes work rules and performance standards, trains and coaches performance, and initiates disciplinary actions as warranted
• Identifies library needs in the community; plans and provides adult and young adult services and programs
• Develops and manages the department's planned expenditures, including gift funds; identifies grant opportunities
• Supervises the library in the absence of the Branch Director
• Develops and maintains rapport with external stakeholders, including the library Friends
• Oversees the shaping of an engaging and attractive adult and young adult collection through awareness of current literature
• Prepares reports to compile and analyze the department's statistics
• Attends staff and administrative meetings, activities, and professional conferences; actively serves on committees
• Oversees the daily operation of the Innovation Lab
• Researches and applies for grant opportunities
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

All applicants must register and take the HRT Clerical Skills Test and score a minimum of 80% with a typing speed of 30 wpm and 80% accuracy. Unofficial copies of transcripts are required along with the application.

• Master’s Degree in Library and Information Studies or related field from an accredited university or college and two (2) years of library experience working in a variety of roles, displaying administrative, supervisory, and leadership skills in community engagement, collection development, reference services, digital and library technology, program management, and data analysis
• Bachelor's Degree in a related field from an accredited college or university and four (4) years of library experience as described above
• Associate degree in any field or 60 hours of secondary education credits from an accredited college or university and seven (7) years of library experience as described above
• High school diploma or G.E.D. equivalent and nine (9) years of library experience as described above

Skills

• Proficient in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Proficient with social media (Facebook, X, Instagram, etc.)
• Proficient with the Internet and Office 365
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written)
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and foster teamwork in a diverse environment
• Ability to work well with public and staff members
• Ability to exercise initiative and act with discretion
• Must use a personal mobile device for Multifactor Authentication

Preferences

• Experience with adults and young adult groups
• Experience with budgeting and financial resource management
• Bilingual

Schedule

Full-Time | Regular – 40 hours a week. Typical shifts include days, evenings, nights, and weekends. May require attending meetings, council sessions, or after-hours events and off-site meetings.

Work Environment

• Professional office environment with overhead lighting and long periods of screen time
• Daily use of computer, keyboard, copier, scanner, printer, calculator, and phone (desk and cell)
• Daily use of software programs, including Microsoft Office Suite, Outlook, Word, Excel, and GPS
• Occasional outdoor work with possible exposure to inclement weather or temperature changes
• Available and reliable transportation for work-related duties

Physical Demands

• Sitting for long periods; light physical activity including walking, standing, stooping, bending, reaching, lifting, and carrying
• Ability to lift, carry, and exert up to 25 pounds; occasionally up to 40 pounds