Description

The Chief Operations Officer (COO) is a key member of the executive leadership team at the Baltimore County Public Library (BCPL), responsible for leading the strategic direction and operational excellence of key administrative services that have broad impact across the library system.  Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the COO plays a pivotal role in advancing BCPL's mission to provide accessible, innovative, and community-driven library services.  This position provides leadership for capital projects, operational support, and procurement, as well as direct oversight of the Digital Equity and Virtual Services, Fiscal Services, Human Resources, Facilities and Capital Projects and Planning and Projects departments.  The COO collaborates with executive peers, local government officials, Baltimore County partners and other key stake holders to ensure seamless, systemwide service delivery and a bold, future-focused library experience for Baltimore County residents.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Leadership

• Leads with a focus on outcomes, proactively identifying and implementing solutions that improve performance and efficiency.
  Anticipates operational challenges and communicates proposed solutions to the Executive Director.
• Ensures the community has access to 21st century library facilities across the county that are safe, welcoming, attractive and functional through oversight of routine maintenance, major improvements and/or new construction of BCPL's facilities.
• Oversees the procurement of goods, services, technology, and materials to support library operations, ensuring compliance with municipal regulations, procurement policies, and ethical standards.
• Promotes digital equity by ensuring equitable access to technology, digital resources, and internet connectivity for all library users, including underserved and marginalized communities.
• Oversees the planning, implementation, and evaluation of library operations, programs, and services to ensure alignment with the Library's mission, strategic goals, and community needs.
• Oversees the Human Resources department, including developing and recommending human resources practices, policies, procedure and programs that support the Library's goals and objectives related to staff.
• Oversees the Fiscal Services department, including financial plans, fiscal operations and accounting practices of the Library.

Strategic Leadership

• Serves as a strategic partner to the Executive Director and other Chief Officers, contributing insights and technical expertise to major decisions and to align programs, services, and resources across the system.
• Implements systemwide initiatives and drives organizational excellence with a focus on innovation, equity, and community impact.
• Collaborate with the Library Executive Team (LET) to align programs, services, and resources across the system.
• Leads the integration of data-driven insights into executive-level decision-making processes to support organizational strategy, policy development and long-term planning.
• Leads the planning, coordination, and execution of large-scale, cross-departmental projects, ensuring that projects align with the Library's strategic goals, are delivered on time and within budget, and meet quality and accessibility standards.
• Contributes to the development and execution of BCPL's strategic plan.
• Participates in and/or overseas the development of the annual operating and capital budgets, ensuring ethical and effective fiscal management.
• Develops and enforces policies and procedures that align with BCPL's mission, vision, and values.

People Leadership

• Cultivates a culture of curiosity, innovation, collaboration, accountability, and belonging across the organization.
• Models and upholds standards for internal and external customer service excellence.
• Leads and supports a diverse team of direct and indirect reports, fostering collaboration and high performance.
• Provides coaching and professional development opportunities to staff, ensuring strong talent pipelines and workforce engagement.
• Addresses and resolves personnel issues in a timely, respectful manner.
• Partners in recruitment, retention, and workforce planning to ensure appropriate staffing levels and skill sets across branches.
• Serves as a liaison between management and labor representatives, ensuring compliance with collective bargaining agreements and fostering a cooperative working environment.

Partner and Stakeholder Relations

• Acts as a representative and advocate for BCPL in public and professional settings, including with elected officials, government agencies, media and community partners.
• Develops and maintains strong, strategic relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Collaborates with peers across the organization to drive innovation and enhance services delivery.
• Attends monthly Board of Library Trustees meetings, prepares reports, and supports Board activities.
• Co-leads Library Leadership Team meetings and supports organizational alignment and transparency.
• Represents the Executive Director as needed in meetings and events, serving as a trusted proxy.

Requirements

Master's degree (Masters in Library Science preferred) and a minimum of nine (9) years of progressively responsible experience in a library or nonprofit organization, including supervisory experience. 
OR
Bachelor's degree and a minimum of eleven (11) years of progressive leadership experience in a complex organizational setting.