MELSA seeks Project Manager

This position has been filled.

Text courtesy of Metropolitan Library Service Agency.

MELSA (Metropolitan Library Service Agency) is a regional library serving Anoka, Carver, Dakota, Hennepin, Ramsey, Scott and Washington County Library systems and the Saint Paul Public Library. MELSA provides leadership and partners with member libraries to support the delivery of high quality public library services across the metro area.

This is a professional position that requires managing multiple projects for MELSA and its member libraries. At the present time, these include oversight of the regional program planning services for Legacy-funded arts and cultural programming efforts, coordination of the MELSA Jobs and Small Business Task Force and the World Language and Adult Programming Interest Groups, and may include similar assignments to other MELSA teams or programs. Other duties may include conducting research and reporting on a variety of issues relating to support of the regional library system and member libraries including coordination of MN Reads / MN Writes programs statewide. This position will report to the MELSA Executive Director.

Legacy funding is provided through the State Legislature on a biennial basis. Continued appropriation of Legacy Funds to the State's public library systems is not guaranteed. In the event of loss of Legacy Funds, the parameters of this position may change substantially.

Minimum Qualifications

• The incumbent should hold a Master's degree in Library Science or Information Media or equivalent; and
• minimum three years progressively responsible experience with public librarianship or project management
• OR, an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Preferred Education Beyond Minimum Qualifications

• Experience in program coordination, particularly in a multi-library environment, is preferred.
• Experience in web development/content management systems is desirable.

Duties & Responsibilities

These examples do not include all possible tasks in this work and do not limit the assignment of related tasks in any position of this classification. Regular attendance according to the position's management approved work schedule is required for all positions.

1. Manage and coordinate projects that support the MELSA system's strategic plan and its member libraries as assigned by the Executive Director
2. Manage contracting and reporting functions for Legacy-funded arts and cultural projects on a metro-wide level including assisting member libraries with local program functions
3. Coordinate other potential regional initiatives as assigned by the Executive Director, collaborating with MELSA and its member library staff, as well as local community groups in such planning efforts
4. Lead and manage activities of MELSA teams or groups as assigned
5. Explore partnerships opportunities for MELSA or its member libraries with other organizations
6. Identify and propose issue and trends for discussion and/or program development
7. Develop and implement project plans in coordination with the Executive Director, with approval from MELSA Advisory Board and Board of Trustees
8. Coordinate with MELSA member libraries and MELSA administrative staff to define project success criteria and disseminate them to involved parties throughout the project lifecycle
9. Determine and manage project budgets and priorities in conjunction with Executive Director
10. Research and report on statistics and other information, as needed, and file reports to members and the State Library Services

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities and Work Environment

• Excellent communications skills including creative writing, grammar, and editing abilities and ability to effectively communicate in person, by phone, and by written correspondence
• Strong public speaking skills are important
• Ability to engage work focusing on details, as well as work focusing on establishing big picture priorities Strong leadership and consensus building skills
• Ability to facilitate team development including setting agendas and organizing meetings
• Ability to establish and maintain positive and effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work
• Ability to apply judgment and problem-solving techniques
• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines
• Ability to organize and prioritize workload to effectively complete the essential function of this position
• An understanding of delivery structures for public library services within the MELSA area
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office software necessary for successful job performance

Work Environment

Work is primarily sedentary, although there is some movement, travel and carrying of lightweight items such as briefcases, notebooks and work papers. The work is typically performed in an adequately lighted and climate-controlled office. The position may require occasional evening/weekend hours and travel within the seven-county metropolitan area.

Selection Process

The examination/selection process for this classification will consist of a rating of your training and experience from the application materials submitted. The top scoring candidates will be forwarded to MELSA for further consideration.