Position Overview    

Under the direction of the Chief of Digital and Online Services, the Web Services Manager is responsible for the design, development, implementation, and operation of the library’s online services, primarily delivered on web and mobile platforms. This role is seen as a hands-on management role, informed by the ideal of online library services as a 24-7 function. The role must embody a customer service philosophy based on delivering services that are user-friendly, responsive, and reliable.

Reports To: Chief of Web & Digital Services

Supervises: Professional and support staff

Responsibilities:

1. Under direction, governs development and design of all library-managed web and online sites and mobile applications. Informs growth and maturation of site content and interfaces in collaboration with key internal and external stakeholders, in particular with Library Services leadership, Communications Office staff, IT leadership, and the Application Manager.
2. Assists with the development of policies and procedures related to online library services and technologies.
3. Assists with the development of the BPL’s strategy for offering library services across mobile platforms, technology choices, and online services to staff across web platforms, such as through the staff intranet and portal; as well as the implementation and maintenance of same, in conjunction with library service and budget priorities.
4. Monitors the customer experience; evaluates customer service requests; develops project plans, initiates services, activities and changes in operation to provide highest quality service through application of best practices.
5. Works closely with the Communications team on the implementation, editing, deployment, and content of web and online library technology services.
6. Responsible for the library’s online discovery layer and its integration with the Integrated Library System.
7. Acts as chief liaison to appropriate vendors to ensure vendor responsiveness to Library needs and problems, both short term and long term, regarding both proactive and reactive stances.
8. In partnership with the Communications Office, works to ensure the library’s online presence, brand and messaging, across all platforms, are managed and developed in a timely, consistent and professional manner, in alignment with the Library’s Strategic goals.
9. Participates in the supervision, recruitment, selection, training, performance, discipline, development, and evaluation of staff.
10. Performs related duties and functions as assigned.

Competencies

• Ability to act as team leader and to work as part of team. Demonstrated ability to work in team environment and to be responsive to stakeholder needs.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze public service needs and to develop work processes designed to effectively support public services.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with all library units to improve library service delivery to the public.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated facility with web application and library technologies, including HTML, CSS, REST APIs, SIP, and webhooks.
• Ability to plan and supervise the work of others.
• Demonstrates initiative and independent decision-making skills.
• Communicates effectively and presents ideas clearly.
• Ability to think creatively and innovatively.
• Identifies, plans, and prioritizes job responsibilities and tasks; determines and implements project timelines.
• Demonstrates flexibility and the ability to adapt to change.
• Ability to collaborate with library staff, external partners and resources.
• Initiative in generating new ideas; a proven ability to work well under pressure and meet inflexible deadlines.

Qualifications

1. Education – A bachelor’s degree from a recognized college or university and a master’s degree in library science from an ALA accredited library school.  Relevant subject knowledge and/or specialized training required.  In exceptional instances, training and/or experience may be substituted for part or all of the educational requirements.
2. Experience – Five years of appropriate library experience, including a minimum of two years supervisory and/or management experience, or any equivalent combination of education, experience and training sufficient to indicate ability to do the work.  Technology skills appropriate to perform the duties of the job. Experience working with library technology desired. Experience with library cataloging principles desired.

Proficiency in a language other than English desirable.

Requirements

1. Demonstrated knowledge web development technologies, standards, issues and trends.   
2. Residency – Must be a resident of the City of Boston upon the first day of hire.
3. CORI – Must successfully clear a Criminal Offenders Record Information check with the City of Boston.

Union Code/Salary Plan/Grade: PSA/P-5

Hours per week: 35