Assistant Director of Operations

Full-time – $90,000+ – commensurate with experience 

Reports to Library Director

Montclair Public Library is seeking an Assistant Director of Operations who can bring structure, clarity, and consistency to our internal operations.

We’re looking for a leader who sets clear expectations, ensures follow-through, and helps create a workplace where accountability is fair and consistent. This is a role for someone who can establish professional standards, streamline internal systems, manage sensitive issues with sound judgment, and build a practical training infrastructure that helps staff succeed.

This is a hands-on, high responsibility role for someone who thrives in dynamic environments, understands organizational complexity, and believes that accountability and empathy can and should coexist in the workplace.

About You

• A people-centered leader with high standards and a steady, reliable approach.
• Comfortable having tough conversations and skilled at making them productive.
• Able to bring structure to complex processes and clarity to unclear expectations.
• Experienced in HR and organizational operation with a proven track record of follow-through.
• Someone who sees policies as tools for consistency and fairness and ensures they’re applied.
• Motivated to build and improve systems, not just maintain what already exists.
• Ready to be a core leadership partner in shaping a healthy, respectful, and mission-driven workplace culture.
• The kind of person others naturally trust with sensitive issues: calm under pressure, clear in your expectations, and always professional.

About the Role

The Assistant Director of Operations is a key member of the senior leadership team responsible for designing and enforcing the library’s internal systems including HR administration, staff training, discipline, onboarding, internal communication, and performance standards. While payroll processing is handled by the comptroller, this role ensures that HR processes feed accurately and efficiently into payroll operations.

You will help oversee daily operational consistency across departments, partnering with department heads to ensure smooth internal workflows and staff support. You’ll work closely with the Library Director to strengthen accountability, rebuild internal systems, and establish clear, consistent standards across the organization. You’ll also be a visible leader in how we set expectations, support supervisors, and develop staff capacity.

This role requires significant HR experience, a strong understanding of public-sector environments, and the judgment to drive real improvements in an organization with legacy systems and structures.

Key Responsibilities

Human Resources Administration

• Time and Attendance
• Track and manage leave (FMLA, sick, accommodations, etc.)
• Maintain employee records, job descriptions, and personnel files
• Oversee onboarding paperwork, I-9 compliance, and employee handbooks
• Coordinate with the comptroller on accurate HR-to-payroll reporting and documentation

Staff Training & Development

• Develop and manage a comprehensive training program for all staff
• Define and implement core competencies across departments
• Lead onboarding and role-based training for new hires
• Coordinate monthly training sessions and regular refreshers
• Provide coaching to supervisors on documentation, communication, and performance management
• Maintain the library’s learning platform

Professional Standards & Performance Management

• Establish procedures for performance documentation, coaching, and PIPs
• Lead progressive discipline processes in coordination with supervisors
• Ensure staff issues are addressed promptly, clearly, and fairly
• Support managers in holding their teams accountable

Culture & Internal Communication

• Help shape how the library talks about values, standards, and expectations
• Partner with the Director to plan and lead internal messaging and culture-building efforts
• Serve as a sounding board and support for staff navigating challenges
• Champion an organizational culture that is respectful, mission-driven, and functional

Qualifications

• SHRM, SPHR, PHR, or higher HR credential is strongly preferred. Candidates with a current certification and significant experience in HR leadership will be prioritized.
• At least 8 years of increasingly responsible HR experience, including demonstrated expertise in public-sector or unionized environments.
• Experience in public libraries, municipalities, schools, or nonprofits strongly preferred.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Familiarity with QuickBooks, payroll systems, and HRIS platforms is a plus.
• Demonstrated experience designing or leading staff training programs
• A Master’s in Library and Information Science (MLIS) from an ALA-accredited program or equivalent leadership experience in a library or public-sector organization is preferred but not required.

Details

Salary: $90,000+ per year - commensurate with experience

Schedule: Full-time, 35 hours/week. Some flexibility required for meetings, events or staff training.

Reports to: Library Director

Benefits: Health insurance, sick and vacation time, pension (PERS), and professional development support

Application Process

• Submit cover letter, resume, and three professional references to director [at] montclairlibrary.org (director[at]montclairlibrary[dot]org). Please put “Asst Director of Operations – [Your Name]” in the subject line.
• Applications accepted until position is filled

Montclair Public Library is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Reasonable accommodations available during application/interview processes per ADA. NJ residency required per State Law.