Posted on October 4, 2012

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Director of Human Resources

The Queens Library (“Library”) is one of the oldest and most progressive library systems in the United States, serving 2.3 million people in 63 locations throughout the borough of Queens. With its roots going back to the late-1800s, the Queens library’s mission has always been to provide quality services, resources, and lifelong learning opportunities through books and other formats to meet the information, educational, cultural and recreational needs of its patrons. Among its many services and programs, the Library runs the Children’s Library Discovery Center, a 14,000 square foot state-of-the art interactive library; houses a 48 workstation cyber center located at the Central Library with smaller cyber centers in other locations; operates latchkey programs providing tutoring and homework monitoring for after school children, mainly performed by locally hired high school students; develops cultural and educational programs including classical concerts, author readings, and puppet shows; manages adult learning and family literacy centers as well as business support centers; and of course, lends books and other materials.

In recent years, the Library has been focusing on growing its programs, upgrading and modernizing its facilities, and providing greater community access to its services. Though this is a challenging time for the Library as it moves into the next decade, both due to funding pressures and the development of new technologies that will mean changes in the way libraries are used, the Library has responded positively by developing smarter and more cost effective ways to ensure that its needs are met, including focusing on developing a professional workforce to manage library operations.

The Library is headed by President and CEO Thomas W. Galante who reports to a 19-member Board of Trustees. Through this leadership, the Library has become a dynamic, interactive place which is constantly adapting to conform to its changing constituency, serving as a model for other jurisdictions. It is supported by more than 1700 dedicated staff who make sure that the libraries open on time, that programs are relevant and meet community needs, that books and other materials are both available to circulate and are circulated, that questions are answered, and most of all, that patrons have a positive experience that makes them want to keep coming back!

The Position:

Specific responsibilities include:

• Leads the implementation of multi-HR automation projects, including identifying vendors, determining scope of work, and request for proposal.
  
• Supports the Vice President of Human Resources on strategic projects and daily activities.
  
• Coaches and advises managers on operational and tactical HR matters.
  
• Manages the Performance Management Program and consistently look to improve organizational performance through departmental and individual performance management plans.
  
• Develops and supports a management development system including succession planning. Manage key talent acquisition activities including workforce planning, recruitment and business-specific initiatives (e.g. internships).
  
• Provides leadership to direct reports. Monitors and analyzes Human Resource performance data and shares the data and implications with direct reports.
  
• Interfaces with all departments concerning staff and employment related issues.
  
• Develops and maintains records and reports to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s Degree in Human Resources preferred.
  
• Minimum of eight years supervisory experience at a management level for a complex organization.
  
• Must have managed an HR exempt staff and be able to apply principles of leadership.
  
• Excellent organizational skills and interpersonal skills, including ability to problem solve, resolve disputes and observe confidentiality.
  
• Must have a high level of personal and professional integrity.
  
• Must possess strong analytical skills.
  
• Outstanding ability to interact effectively with managers, supervisors and staff.
  
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, being able to communicate effectively with all levels of staff.
  
• Must be technologically savvy and possess in depth experience with HRIS database systems. Experience with SAP is a plus.
  
• Must possess strong multi-tasking capabilities and be willing to take a hands-on approach to problem solving.
  

Application Instructions

The Queens Library has retained the services of Harris Rand Lusk to conduct this search. Inquiries, nominations, and applications may be directed in confidence to:

Jack Lusk, Managing Partner
or
Anne McCarthy, Senior Director
Harris Rand Lusk
261 Madison Avenue, 11th Floor
New York, NY 10016
QPL-HR@harrisrand.com