Assistant Director / Chief Operating Officer
Kansas City Public Library
Kansas City, Missouri
The Moran Company is pleased to partner with the Kansas City Public Library to recruit the organization's next Assistant Director / Chief Operating Officer.
Organizational Background
The Kansas City Public Library stands at the forefront of transforming lives and communities by fostering innovation, removing barriers, and creating a future where economic mobility is achievable for all. KCPL’s mission is comprehensive and ecosystem-driven, addressing the needs of diverse communities through a range of services that impact education, workforce development, and entrepreneurship.
As an urban public library system, KCPL is dedicated to providing equitable access to resources and opportunities across 10 neighborhood locations, extensive mobile outreach services, and robust digital platforms. The Library provides access to an extensive collection of materials, innovative programming, and services designed to inspire lifelong learning, creativity, and civic engagement. The library's collection includes over 1.2 million items, and it records an annual circulation of nearly 2 million. About 44% of Kansas City's population holds library cards, one of the highest percentages among large cities in the United States.
This is an exciting time to work at the Kansas City Public Library. The Assistant Director / Chief Operating Officer (“COO”) will have the opportunity to work closely with a dynamic Library Director and leadership team as they embark on a new strategic and facility planning process while transforming an organizational culture to build a strong sense of belonging and accountability for all employees.
Position Summary
The COO is a pivotal role within the Kansas City Public Library system. The COO works in partnership with the Library Director to lead a vibrant team of professionals. This role will model and nurture a culture of service, collaboration, communication, and belonging while setting clear performance standards to inspire a talented team to achieve high performance standards in service to the Kansas City community.
In alignment with the vision and mission of the Library, the COO will work in partnership with the Director and the executive leadership team to develop a comprehensive strategic plan that will shape the future of the Library. The COO will have direct oversight of the finance, information services, human resources, and facility operation departments. The reporting structure within the organization may adapt and change in response to evolving needs and priorities.
The COO will assume the responsibilities of the Director in their absence and work in partnership with the Director and executive administration team to support the members of the Board of Trustees in their responsibilities to the Library.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Leadership and Operational Management
- Works collaboratively with other members of the executive leadership team.
- Plays a key role in the development and execution of a new strategic plan and a comprehensive facilities plan.
- Establishes a culture of collaborative decision-making and effective communication throughout the organization. This position actively works to build strong relationships and trust while articulating an ambitious, clear vision for the future of the Library.
- Leads and provides oversight of several departments, including Facility Operations, Information Systems, Human Resources, and Finance. Establishes departmental priorities and monitors performance of executive leadership.
Team Development
- Establishes individual performance goals for staff and nurtures a culture of accountability.
- Ensures the Library’s recruitment, learning, development, and human resource practices both attract and retain talented, high performing staff.
- Regularly works with direct reports to develop, coach, and reset performance expectations, promoting a culture of constructive feedback and growth.
Community Engagement
- Establishes and cultivates strong relationships within the community, fostering partnerships with local organizations, civic groups, and key stakeholders.
- Serves as the library’s official representative where needed through participating at community meetings and/or through membership with key community organizations.
- Maintains cooperative relationships within the Library system, with other libraries and educational institutions, professional organizations, state and federal agencies, state and federal delegations, legislative bodies, civic organizations, and other critical partners.
Governance and Compliance
- Collaborates with the Library Director and Board of Trustees, providing written and verbal reports as needed.
- Provides consistent, regular support to the executive leadership team and other staff to address inquiries regarding Library policy, procedures, and statutory and legal requirements.
- Works with the appropriate organizational staff to regularly review and update policies and procedures where needed.
Professional Qualifications
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Business, Finance, Information Technology, or a related field.
- A minimum of 10 years of professional experience in business-related fields or library administration, including at least 5 years in senior-level leadership.
- Advanced degrees (e.g., MLS, CPA, MBA, MPA) and experience in libraries, nonprofits, or governmental organizations are preferred.
Skills and Competencies
- Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to prioritize competing demand.
- Ability to think strategically and understand systems.
- Outstanding interpersonal and skills and emotional intelligence.
- Demonstrated ability to promptly address and resolve conflict and personnel issues while fostering a culture of trust, belonging, and collaboration.
- Proven skills in goal identification, change management, and holding others accountable.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with an attention to detail.
- Superior written and oral communication skills.
- Considerable knowledge of computer technology and its utilization in business operations.
- Strong financial management skills.
- Strong commitment to the mission of the Kansas City Public Library.
Work Environment
Work is primarily performed at the Library’s Administrative Annex and branches, including public-facing spaces. The role involves interacting with staff and patrons with diverse backgrounds and occasionally attending community events or meetings.
Compensation
The annual salary for this position is $160,000, with potential for negotiation based on the candidate’s qualifications and experience. The role is accompanied by a comprehensive benefits package.
Statement of Non-Discrimination
The Kansas City Public Library is an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
Application Process
The search for the KCPL Assistant Director / COO is being conducted by The Moran Company. Questions about the position can be directed to Mike English, The Moran Company; mike (at) morancompany.com.
To apply for this position, submit cover letter and resume to Mike English, The Moran Company, via the secure online portal. Resume should include all professional education and experience, dates of employment (month and year) and position/title and organization names. Cover letter should articulate relevant experience and fit with the stated preferences of the position.