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City of Cambridge
Manager of Innovation & Technology
Cambridge, MA
Jan 3, 2025
$124,778 - $137,000 a year
Full-time
Full Job Description

ABOUT THE LIBRARY:
At the Cambridge Public Library, we welcome all, inspire minds and empower community. We support a Cambridge where everyone has equitable opportunities to learn, people live their best lives, and democracy thrives. Since 1889, the Cambridge Public Library has been a place of learning and community where all are welcome to expand their horizons. Through the Main Library and six neighborhood branches — Boudreau, Central Square, Collins, O’Connell, O’Neill, and Valente — the Library operates as a unified system to offer free library services and programs to residents.

ABOUT THE ROLE:
Reporting to the Assistant Director of Libraries, the Manager of Innovation and Technology is a senior leadership position with responsibility for overseeing the daily operations of the Main Library Innovation and Technology Department and for coordinating system-wide helpdesk services, STEAM programming, and Digital Equity efforts. The Manager of Innovation and Technology supervises a team of 3 managers who collectively oversee 10 staff, liaises with the City of Cambridge IT department, manages budgets, procures hardware and software, establishes priorities, and sets the tone for providing excellent internal and external customer service. The successful candidate will be a passionate advocate for innovation and technology in a public service environment, possess a track record of effective managerial and organizational leadership, and be able to inspire and engage staff and community members.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBITILIES:

Technology management, strategy and planning:

  • Creates a clear, compelling and achievable vision for IT in the Library.
  • Partners with library leadership and stakeholders to build improvements, drive strategy and implement initiatives to optimize library operations, programs and services.
  • Leads strategic and operational planning for the use of technologies to achieve organizational goals.
  • Oversees staff responsible for the delivery of exceptional internal helpdesk support and provides backup helpdesk support.
  • Coordinates the evaluation, deployment and management of technology in the Library.
  • Develops, tracks and manages the department’s operating budget; identifies capital technology needs, and works collaboratively with City IT to procure equipment and software. Primary purchasing & approval responsibility for all department-funded items.
  • Coordinates with stakeholders to define system requirements for new technology implementations.
  • Ensures continuous delivery of service through the timely review of hardware and software maintenance contracts, and the implementation of a replacement schedule for equipment and software upgrades; ensures accurate inventory is maintained.
  • Communications with external vendors on service interruptions, escalation of incomplete work; reports of warranty repair/replacement issues; collaborate on vendor projects, upgrades & configuration changes.
  • Oversees library adherence to applicable laws, regulations, and standards including cybersecurity, public records, and personally identifiable information.

STEAM, Hive Makerspace, and Digital Equity:

  • Oversees staff responsible for the development, implementation, and evaluation of effective and relevant STEAM and Digital Equity programming that takes into consideration equity of access; library initiatives; community assets; and the diverse educational, recreational, and personal needs of patrons.
  • Administers technical aspects of the Library Takeout Technology service which circulates Chromebooks, Wifi Hotspots, and other technology to patrons.
  • Supports STEAM and Digital Equity through collaborations with local businesses, community groups, educators, applications for grants or special projects, and related outreach activities.
  • Supports the needs of STEAM Academy partners; attend STEAM academy events and support technology for STEAM Academy users.
  • Oversees staff responsible for the Hive makerspace, including the Fabrication Lab, XR/VR equipment, and Recording Studios.
  • Coordinates with relevant City of Cambridge departments to advance efforts to provide technology, access, and skills to residents.

Leadership and management for the Innovation and Technology Department:

  • Manages the department in a manner that supports overall Library goals and ensures that staff members offer the highest quality assistance to library users and staff.
  • Leads and motivates employees; provides feedback, coaching, and counseling to enhance or improve performance. Sets clear expectations and holds individuals accountable for their performance and behavior.
  • Supervises assigned professional and paraprofessional staff members at various levels and provides thoughtful leadership, mentorship, and development to each. Evaluates staff performance annually and set goals with staff for the coming year.
  • Aids in the recruitment of new staff, serves on relevant search committees, and trains new staff members, acquainting them with library policies, processes, and procedures.
  • Supports staffing gaps within department; finding substitutes, reorganizing staff schedules & responsibilities, and reassigning staff to fill in for absences
  • Raises awareness and understanding of library services in the larger community.
  • Communicates and applies library policies and procedures for patrons and staff, and leads department staff in addressing, resolving, and documenting violations of the library patron behavior policy. Monitors public areas of the library.
  • Responds to and resolves patron concerns and issues with STEAM and Digital Equity offerings.
  • Ensures that library initiatives are an active part of Innovation and Technology services.
  • Communicates the Library’s Innovation and Technology programs, philosophies, goals, and results to stakeholders.
  • Reports needed facilities and building repairs and servicing. Ensures cleanliness and good order in both public and staff areas.
  • Conducts staff meetings to provide information and to seek input.
  • Maintains accurate and current written policies, procedures, and knowledge base for the department.

Other Responsibilities:

  • Serves as a member of the leadership team of the Library.
  • Works closely with Library Administration to resolve issues.
  • Makes recommendations to improve or streamline services.
  • Serves on committees which review and develop library policies and services.
  • Serves on external and cross-departmental project teams.
  • Prepares reports and compiles statistics, including submission of mandatory benchmarks related to funding and certification from City and State agencies.
  • Represents the Library at City and professional meetings, conferences, and trainings.
  • Contributes positively to the public relations efforts of the Library.
  • Supports the Library’s strategic directions and plan.
  • Contributes positively to the work culture of the Library.
  • Any other duties required for the good of the Department and the Library.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

Education and Experience: A Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology or related field is required. Three to five years of successful experience overseeing the management, design and implementation of technology initiatives; at least five years of experience in the Information Technology field, three of which were in a leadership or management role. Customer service experience is essential. Or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

  • Knowledge and understanding of the Library’s mission, vision, values and strategic priorities.
  • Commitment to doing all work through a lens of diversity, equity, inclusion and anti-racism.
  • IT leadership experience and ability to motivate and achieve results in a team-orientated, collaborative environment.
  • Knowledge of supervisory and leadership principles and practices; demonstrated ability to direct the work of other staff members.
  • Experience working in large complex organizations.
  • Outstanding project management skills; proven ability to lead internal project teams, and to manage expectations and project timelines in order to implement complex technical projects.
  • Superior analytical and problem-solving skills. Strong track record of implementing strategic solutions. Ability to identify, analyze and creatively solve problems.
  • Exceptional customer service orientation. Ability to work with non-technically orientated end users. Appreciation of and sincere desire to work in a diverse, urban setting.
  • Experienced in external outreach with potential vendors and collaborative partners.
  • Effective communication and interpersonal skills, cultural sensitivity, and a positive attitude.
  • Adaptability, dependability, and flexibility especially during emergency staffing situations.
  • Demonstrated ability to work both independently and as part of larger department and system teams.
  • Knowledge of change management and process improvement principles and practices.
  • Sound judgment, flexibility and adaptability in stressful situations and times of change.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Experience working in the public sector
  • Experience managing in a union environment
  • Fluency in a language in addition to English

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. Ability to operate standard office equipment; transport carts of materials which can weigh more than 100 pounds across a level floor or on a ramp; carry baskets of materials weighing up to 30 pounds; pay attention to details and concentrate on tasks despite frequent interruptions and moderate noise levels; communicate effectively and exchange accurate information with coworkers and members of the public; read and organize written material; place library materials on shelves or carts which can be located at floor level or overhead.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Works in assigned area, including office areas, training rooms, library locations, as needed. Normal office exposure to noise, stress and interruptions. This position may be eligible for a hybrid work schedule under the City’s Telework Policy depending on operational needs.

SCHEDULE: The schedule requires a 37.5-hour work week, Monday-Friday, 8:30am-5:00pm, including ability to work occasional evening and Saturday hours in support of projects or events. Flexibility is required.

SUMMARY OF BENEFITS:

  • Competitive health, dental, and vision insurance
  • Vacation and Sick leave eligible
  • Paid parental leave
  • Sick Incentive Pay Eligible
  • 3 Personal days
  • 14 Paid Holidays
  • Management Allowance, $2,700/year
  • City employee commuter benefits (T-Pass reimbursement Bluebikes membership, EZRide Shuttle membership)

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:

Please upload the following documents to complete your application:

  • Resume
  • Cover Letter

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Manager of Innovation & Technology
City of Cambridge
Cambridge, MA
Jan 3, 2025
$124,778 - $137,000 a year
Full-time
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