State Librarian, Deputy Secretary of Libraries (Commissioner For Libraries)

Full Job Description

Are you passionate about leading the future of library services and shaping lifelong learning across the Commonwealth? The Department of Education, Commonwealth Libraries is searching for a forward-thinking leader eager to influence policy and expand access to knowledge. As a Deputy Secretary, you will advise the Secretary of Education and the Department’s senior team through administrative work, directing and improving library services in public, school, academic, and special libraries. Take advantage of this opportunity to influence public policy, guide innovation, and strengthen libraries across Pennsylvania!

Requirements

In this role, you will be responsible for providing advice and counsel to the Secretary of Education on pending legislation that could affect the state’s libraries and recommending new legislation or regulations to achieve statewide library program goals and objectives.

You will have the opportunity to utilize your extensive background to plan, direct, and coordinate the development, expansion, and improvement of library services and programs, while also overseeing the Office of Commonwealth Libraries, Bureau of State Library, and Bureau of Library Development.

Having the ability to establish and maintain working relationships with institutions of higher education and professional development organizations will be essential to establish priorities on the training of librarians and library staff.

Additional responsibilities include:

• Conducting studies of library problems throughout the state
• Recommending solutions to the Secretary regarding issues and making the findings available to all libraries
• Serving as a member of various boards and representing the Secretary of Education at meetings with the legislature, Commonwealth agencies, and other entities
• Promoting and supporting libraries throughout the state to increase services and resources
• Overseeing the allocation and administration of federal and state funds

Interested in learning more? Additional details regarding this position can be found in the position description.

Work Schedule and Additional Information:

• Full-time employment
• Work hours are 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday, with a 60-minute lunch.

Telework: You may have the opportunity to work from home (telework) part-time, up to 2 days per week.

In order to telework, you must have a securely configured high-speed internet connection and work from an approved location inside Pennsylvania.

If you are unable to telework, you will have the option to report to the headquarters office in Harrisburg. The ability to telework is subject to change at any time.

Additional details may be provided during the interview.

• Salary: In some cases, the starting salary may be non-negotiable.
• You will receive further communication regarding this position via email. Check your email, including spam/junk folders, for these notices.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Experience and Training Requirements:

• A minimum of ten years of experience in professional library work including seven years in a supervisory or administrative capacity with an academic, public, school, or special library, or a professional library organization and Master's degree or fifth year degree in library science, from a program approved by the Department of Education or accredited by the American Library Association; or
• An equivalent combination of experience or training

Additional Requirements:

• You must reside in or be willing to relocate to Pennsylvania upon hire.
• You must attach a curriculum vitae or resume and letter of interest.
• You must be able to perform essential job functions.

Preferred Qualifications (not required):

• Understanding of state government and/or experience working in a complex or large organizational environment

How to Apply:

• Your application must include a curriculum vitae or resume and letter of interest.

You must attach a cover letter and resume to your application for review by the hiring manager.

However, the information contained therein will not be considered for the purposes of determining your eligibility for the position.

Information to support your eligibility for the position must be provided on the application (i.e., relevant, detailed experience/education).

• If you are claiming education in your answers to the supplemental application questions, you must attach a copy of your college transcripts for your claim to be accepted toward meeting the minimum requirements. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable.
• Your application must be submitted by the posting closing date. Late applications and other required materials will not be accepted.
• Failure to comply with the above application requirements may eliminate you from consideration for this position.

Veterans:

• Pennsylvania law (51 Pa. C.S. §7103) provides employment preference for qualified veterans for appointment to many state and local government jobs. To learn more about employment preferences for veterans, go to www.pa.gov/agencies/employment/how-to-apply.html and click on Veterans.

Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS):

• 711 (hearing and speech disabilities or other individuals).

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations due to a disability, please discuss your request for accommodations with the interviewer in advance of your interview date.

The Commonwealth is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse workforce.

The Commonwealth values inclusion as we seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most qualified people to serve the citizens of Pennsylvania.

The Commonwealth does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious creed, ancestry, union membership, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, AIDS or HIV status, disability, or any other categories protected by applicable federal or state law.

All diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.