Job Description
Job Summary
The Director and Librarian is the executive and administrative officer of the Texas State Library and Archives Commission (TSLAC) and reports to the agency Commissioners. Responsibilities include planning and directing the agencys operational, financial, and administrative activities, and directly overseeing the Archives and Information Services division, Library Development and Networking division, State and Local Records Management division, and Talking Book Program. The Director and Librarian provides leadership to staff and serves as the primary liaison to stakeholder groups throughout the State of Texas, the Texas Legislature, and other local, state, and federal government agencies.
Essential Tasks
Provides leadership and administers the daytoday operations of TSLAC and its employees.
Promotes and maintains consistent communication on agency activities and developments to Commissioners, TSLAC divisions, and staff.
Serves as the primary liaison between TSLAC and members of the Texas Legislature, Office of the Governor, and other state agencies, including the State Preservation Board, Texas Historical Commission, and Legislative Reference Library; and industry associations.
Administers the agencys budget.
Directs the development and implementation of agency regulations, policies, and procedures.
Directs the development of a strategic plan for achieving TSLACs goals and objectives in providing information services at the state and local level to support lifelong learning and education, economic opportunity, open government, and civic and community engagement.
Provides leadership and oversees the implementation of effective methods and procedures for carrying out TSLACs vision that Texans will have robust access to information and resources they need to live informed, productive, and enriched lives.
Participates in activities related to the legislative process, including responding to legislative requests for information, providing legislative testimony, and overseeing the implementation of legislative changes.
Represents TSLAC at meetings, hearings, conferences, workshops, and seminars.
Oversees operations to support state agencies and local government in the management of public records.
Directs agency initiatives and services for the preservation, management, and public access of Texas archival materials.
Oversees operations to ensure access to reading materials for Texans who cannot read standard print due to a visual impairment or other disability.
Directs the agencys programs that support library access, literacy, and education through libraries across the state.
Administers agency operations in multiple facilities in the Austin metroplex area and Liberty, TX.
Directs the expenditure of federal funds allocated to Texas to support library and archival programs and services.
Designates appropriate liaisons to advisory groups; state and local government officials; library, archival, historical, and records management organizations; and the general public.
Supervises the Assistant State Librarian, General Counsel, and Division Directors.
Minimum Qualifications
Graduation from an accredited fouryear college or university.
Two years of training in library science, or experience in teaching or researching library issues, policies and laws in a state library.
Two years of experience at a Director, Program Manager or above level for a multifaceted organization, including direct supervision of staff.
Experience in strategic planning for longrange goals.
Experience in policy administration, budgeting, or planning for an entity or organization.
Experience with the legislative process.
Preferred Qualifications
Advanced academic degree (masters or above) in library and/or information science or Juris Doctor.
Experience with state agency planning and budgeting, including preparing a Legislative Appropriations Request and Strategic Plan.
Certification by the Academy of Certified Archivists or the Institute of Certified Records Managers.
Experience with providing access to information resources to persons with special needs.
Experience managing more than one type of library, archive, or records management program.
Experience in the management and preservation of public records in digital and paper formats (among others).
Experience in planning the exhibition of archival and primary materials and knowledge of the physical conditions and requirements for the maintenance and exhibition of archival collections.
Experience working collaboratively with library, archival and/or public records professional leaders at state or national levels.
Experience with automated information management systems as used by government agencies in their creation and use of information, as well as technologies for project management, budgeting, and performance tracking.
Experience with existing and emerging technologies related to helping end users successfully navigate library and information services and collections.
Experience in directing media relations and communications.
Experience working with elected officials.
Knowledge Skills and Abilities
Thorough knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations relevant to TSLAC program activities; business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, and leadership techniques; and the principles and practices of public administration and management.
Skill in establishing plans and setting objectives and goals that support an overall business strategy; decisionmaking, including assessing risk and using good judgment to inform decisions and recommendations to leadership; and conflict resolution and working quickly and collaboratively to solve problems.
Ability to direct and organize program activities and/or business functions; to establish goals and objects that support the strategic plan; to identify problems, evaluate alternatives, and implement effective solutions; to develop and evaluate agency policies and procedures; to prepare concise reports; to communicate effectively; and to supervise the work of others.
Ability to make presentations and testify at hearings; to speak clearly and accurately before groups and provide information and testimony to elected and appointed officials.
Ability to direct an organization, evaluate program performance, and implement effective solutions to ensure ongoing program refinement and enhancement for improvement.
Ability to work successfully with legislative, governmental, or other types of policymaking body (such as academic institution).
Ability to communicate effectively, orally and in writing.
Ability to foster and build collaborative relationships with internal and external members to achieve organizational goals and use public relations to maintain effective relationships with a wide variety of individuals and groups.
Knowledge of Texas history.
Environmental/Physical Conditions
Normal office work environment and may have exposure to dust and environmental allergens consistent with normal business activities and human contact. Mostly sedentary in nature but may involve moving; standing; pulling and pushing kneeling, stooping and bending; performing tasks requiring fine motor skill and coordination to safely move items weighing up to 10 pounds. Must be able to work extended periods at a computer. May require working extended hours and some evenings and weekends as needed. Normal cognitive abilities including the ability to learn, recall and apply certain practices and policies and interpret data. May involve travel, some overnight (up to 10% of the time).
Other Requirements
Submit two samples of professional writing.
Successfully pass a criminal history background check if offered the position.
Be available for an inperson interview with the full commission, which will include making a formal oral presentation.
Reporting Relationships
Position reports to agency Commission and directly supervises 9 FTEs.
