
The Timberland Regional Library is seeking a Regional Manager, serving the Olympia and West Olympia branches and their communities. The Regional Manager leads the planning, management, and evaluation of public service delivery within assigned region, ensuring library operations and services align with TRL's Strategic Plan, Mission, Values and the evolving needs of the assigned communities. This role provides strategic leadership and is responsible for the overall direction and performance of all aspects of regional library operations, including services, facilities, and personnel, while fostering collaborative organizational, community, and government relationships in a results-driven environment.
The Olympia-West Olympia region is one of TRL's most dynamic and complex service areas, requiring a proactive, solutions-oriented approach to high volume operations and evolving community needs. The Regional Manager must be skilled in cross-agency coordination and comfortable in an environment where multiple, overlapping priorities will demand attention. The Olympia Library is located in an urban area in downtown Olympia. The library regularly serves visitors who are experiencing homelessness, addiction, mental health crises and other difficult situations. Sound judgement, composure, and responsive support for staff are essential skills for Regional Managers, who regularly navigate interactions with potentially intimidating, unreceptive or volatile members of the public. Experience working in similar environments is preferred. The work of this position is performed under limited supervision and requires significant use of judgement and initiative. This position reports to the Public Services Administrator and provides daily supervision and direction to Library Supervisors.
- Schedule: Full-Time, 40 hours per week (1.0 FTE).
- Type: This regular position is FLSA non-exempt.
- Bargaining Unit: AFSCME Local 3758-S.
- Starting Pay: The full pay range for this position is $44.02 - $60.94 per hour. Employees new to Timberland Regional Library typically start at step 1, 2 or 3 of the pay range, depending upon qualification.
This position is open until filled. Initial review of applications to take place on 9/15/2025
The Timberland Regional Library offers a Bilingual Pay Incentive for demonstrated fluency in the following languages: Spanish/Spanish Creole, American Sign Language, and in Thurston County only -- Korean and Vietnamese Class specifications are intended to provide a descriptive list illustrative of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. The omission of specific duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position.
- Represents the library within assigned region; attends, actively participates in and presents to a variety of professional, civic, committee, and/or board organizations and local government. Builds and maintains productive community partnerships.
- Manages and maintains excellent internal and external customer service relationships, interprets library policies and procedures to the staff and public, and responds appropriately to sensitive or controversial inquiries or complaints related to libraries.
- Collaborates with Library Supervisors and Administration in developing, recommending, and implementing policies and procedures for circulation and operations, facilities, library services, regional networking, opportunities, and partnerships. Participates in a variety of district-wide working groups.
- Promotes a collaborative, inclusive, equitable and positive library culture.
- Identifies trends in patron use of community library services. Proactively seeks and applies knowledge of nationwide developments, innovations and advancements in the library field to enhance services and operations.
- Analyzes library service requirements and develops plans for library services, facilities, and staffing for assigned region. Utilizes and creates data and statistics to inform decision-making and improve library services and operations.
- Hires, supervises, monitors, coaches, and mentors the performance of assigned personnel; ensures staff compliance with TRL’s library policies and procedures. Evaluates and provides training to library staff as needed.
- Participates in the creation and communication of the vision and strategic priorities of the library region and TRL organization.
- Participates in the preparation of the library budget. Administers the approved budget for assigned region and monitors expenditures.
- Serves as liaison between TRL and Friends of the Library groups in assigned region.
- Performs other duties as assigned or required.
Master’s Degree in Library Science, and five years of library management experience; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Licenses, Certifications, and Special Requirements:
- A valid Washington State Driver’s License.
- Must pass and maintain a criminal background check.
- The ability to work evenings and weekends and to adapt to schedule changes on short notice.
- State of Washington Librarian Certificate may be required.
How to Apply:- Complete Application - Please include all relevant work history
- Attach cover letter ONLY.
- Please provide phone numbers and emails of references (references will not be contacted until 2nd round interviews have concluded)
- Please note: Failure to follow the application instructions above may lead to disqualification.
Employees are expected to demonstrate the following qualities at all times:
- Establish and maintain effective working relationships with internal staff, outside organizations, and the general public.
- Positively reflect TRL’s mission, vision, and values to the staff and public.
- Effective organizational and time management skills, including the ability to multitask, manage multiple projects at the same time and adapt to changing priorities to meet demands of the department.
- Communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
- Demonstrate quality customer service.
- Exhibit reliability and dependability. Demonstrate punctuality and regular and consistent attendance.
- Demonstrate a positive attitude and flexibility.
- Work well with others, show respect, contribute to the team.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: Employees are expected to perform or possess the following:
- Principles and practices of library science.
- Library operations, programs, and services.
- Community requirements and issues impacting library services.
- Collection management principles and practices.
- Reference and circulation processes and procedures.
- Computer networks, databases, and software relative to library operations.
- Supervisory principles, practices, and methods.
- Customer service standards and procedures
- Managing and coordinating library operations.
- Ensuring the delivery of high-quality library programs and services to the community.
- Performing a variety of circulation, reference, and reader advisory functions.
- Supervising, developing, and coordinating the maintenance of library collections.
- Overseeing the development, promotion, and delivery of library programs.
- Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with staff, other libraries, outside agencies, community groups, library patrons, and the general public.
- Supervising, leading, and delegating tasks and authority.
- Overseeing and directing library operations within a large public library system.
- Committed to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion.
Technology Requirements:- Ability to navigate, search and use web functions and software applications (i.e., time and attendance systems, performance reviews).
- Microsoft Office Suite skills (e.g., Outlook, Word, Excel) to satisfactorily complete job responsibilities.
- Intermediate SharePoint user.
- Knowledge of computerized information systems used to satisfactorily complete job responsibilities.
Physical and Environmental Conditions:- Work is performed in a standard office environment, as well as a library environment, and involves regular contact with the public.
- Subject to sitting, standing, walking, bending, reaching and lifting objects up to 40 pounds.
- Must be able to push/pull library carts and lift/carry library materials.
- May be exposed to potentially intimidating and/or unreceptive members of the public.
- May work alone in a library facility.
- Occasional travel is required to attend meetings at other sites and locations, or to participate in work-related assignments.
Timberland Regional Library is an intercounty public library system whose service area spans from the Pacific Coast of Southwest Washington to the Foothills of Mount Rainier, and from the Hood Canal to the mouth of the Columbia River. We serve more than 550,000 rural and urban residents through our network of 29 community libraries, 1 public kiosk and 1 cooperative library center, and strive to provide excellent service to any and all who seek us out. Our mission is to connect our diverse community to ideas, experiences, and each other.
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PI277329924
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