The Moran Company is pleased to partner with the Kansas City Public Library to recruit the organization's next Assistant Director / Chief Operating Officer.

The Kansas City Public Library stands at the forefront of transforming lives and communities by fostering innovation, removing barriers, and creating a future where economic mobility is achievable for all. KCPL’s mission is comprehensive and ecosystem-driven, addressing the needs of diverse communities through a range of services that impact education, workforce development, and entrepreneurship.

As an urban public library system, KCPL is dedicated to providing equitable access to resources and opportunities across 10 neighborhood locations, extensive mobile outreach services, and robust digital platforms. The Library provides access to an extensive collection of materials, innovative programming, and services designed to inspire lifelong learning, creativity, and civic engagement. The library's collection includes over 1.2 million items, and it records an annual circulation of nearly 2 million. About 44% of Kansas City's population holds library cards, one of the highest percentages among large cities in the United States.

This is an exciting time to work at the Kansas City Public Library. The Assistant Director / Chief Operating Officer (“COO”) will have the opportunity to work closely with a dynamic Library Director and leadership team as they embark on a new strategic and facility planning process while transforming an organizational culture to build a strong sense of belonging and accountability for all employees.

The COO is a pivotal role within the Kansas City Public Library system. The COO works in partnership with the Library Director to lead a vibrant team of professionals. This role will model and nurture a culture of service, collaboration, communication, and belonging while setting clear performance standards to inspire a talented team to achieve high performance standards in service to the Kansas City community.

In alignment with the vision and mission of the Library, the COO will work in partnership with the Director and the executive leadership team to develop a comprehensive strategic plan that will shape the future of the Library. The COO will have direct oversight of the finance, information services, human resources, and facility operation departments. The reporting structure within the organization may adapt and change in response to evolving needs and priorities.

Requirements for this position include: a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Business, Finance, Information Technology, or a related field and a minimum of 10 years of professional experience in business-related fields or library administration, including at least 5 years in senior-level leadership. An advanced degree (e.g., MLS, CPA, MBA, MPA) and experience in libraries, nonprofits, or governmental organizations are preferred.

The annual salary for this position is $160,000, with potential for negotiation based on the candidate’s qualifications and experience. The role is accompanied by a comprehensive benefits package.

The search for the KCPL Assistant Director / COO is being conducted by The Moran Company. Questions about the position can be directed to Mike English, The Moran Company; mike (at) morancompany.com.

To apply for this position, submit cover letter and resume to Mike English, The Moran Company, via the secure online portal. Resume should include all professional education and experience, dates of employment (month and year) and position/title and organization names. Cover letter should articulate relevant experience and fit with the stated preferences of the position.

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Kansas City Public Library jobs

Chief Operating Officer / Assistant Director