JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE: Joint Automation Project Manager FLSA: Exempt
REPORTS TO: Executive Director of SALS DATE: 11/3/2025
STAFF SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: Yes
SUMMARY:
Under the direction of the Executive Directors of the Southern Adirondack Library System (SALS) and the Mohawk Valley Library System (MVLS), the Joint Automation Project Manager provides operational and administrative leadership, project management leadership, and strategic direction leadership for a wide range of Automation and Information Technology services as well as plans, organizes, and administers information systems for the Joint Automation (JA) Project for MVLS and SALS.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
This class specification lists the major duties and requirements of the job and is not all-inclusive. Incumbent(s) may be expected to perform job-related duties other than those contained in this document and may be required to have specific job-related knowledge and skills.
- Manages all aspects of the work of JA staff, including training and management of a team of JA/IT staff. This includes evaluating performance, scheduling, and fostering a collaborative, service-oriented environment.
- Works closely with and reports regularly to the SALS and MVLS directors, the JA Council, and JA committees.
- Administers all aspects of technology infrastructure, including directing and overseeing, planning, installing, maintaining, and supporting of the Integrated Library System (ILS), networks, servers, telecommunications, public and staff computers, and peripherals.
- Prepares, administers, and monitors the JA budget, including forecasting resource needs, justifying budgetary recommendations, and ensuring alignment with JA strategic priorities.
- Manages contracts and vendors, tracks and reviews expenditures against the budget, identify opportunities for cost savings, and report on fiscal performance to library management.
- Researches, recommends, and procures hardware and software and manages the purchasing process for new IT equipment and software.
- Identifies, applies for, and manages grants to support technological improvements.
- Plans and oversees system-wide projects of varying types and sizes, managing the scope, process, and project lifecycle as well as setting performance standards and ensuring projects are completed on time and within budget.
- Ensures data security and recovery by developing, implementing, and maintaining IT policies and procedures for security, data backup, and disaster recovery to protect the libraries’ technology and patron data.
- Manages statistics gathering and dissemination.
- Develops strategies, processes, and workflows related to the ILS and other technology solutions.
- Researches and reports on best practices and trends related to Integrated Library Systems for libraries, emerging technologies, and other practices and solutions to best meet the needs and goals of both library systems.
- Collaborates with System Directors, System Boards, and member library Directors to continually improve system-wide service, internal workflows, and efficiencies.
- Serves as liaison to vendors for troubleshooting and advocating ILS-related and other assigned issues on behalf of library staff and patrons.
- Works with both library systems to help develop and implement policies, procedures, and practices related to the ILS and technology.
- Participates in local, state-wide, and national meetings, committees and/or organizations furthering the JA Project’s mission and goals.
- Promotes a harmonious and effective workplace environment.
- Performs other duties as assigned and required.
QUALIFICATIONS:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
Education and Experience:
Bachelor’s Degree in information systems, or a related field; AND a minimum of 5 – 7 years of progressively responsible experience in information technology, with at least 3 years in a management or supervisory role; OR an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience. A Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science is preferred, but not required.
Required Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations:|
Continued employment is contingent upon all required licenses and certificates being maintained in active status without suspension or revocation.
Requires travel to member libraries and off-site locations. A valid driver’s license and reliable personal transportation are necessary for this function. Mileage will be reimbursed at the federal rate.
Required Knowledge and Skills:
Required Knowledge:
- Strong knowledge and understanding of Integrated Library Systems (ILSs) for libraries, current and emerging library technologies, and customer service best practices.
- Best practices in public library services and the ability to have a broad vision for the future.
- Principles and practices of budget development and administration.
- Principles and practices of developing teams, motivating employees, and managing in a team environment.
- Systems development methodologies and their application in a large agency setting.
- Operational characteristics, capabilities and limitations of various hardware, software and network equipment and systems.
- Voice/data network and transmission technology.
- Public library and technology-related policies and procedures.
- Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting, project development, implementation and evaluation, and the management of employees through multiple levels of supervision.
- Principles and practices of statistical analysis.
- Correct business English, including spelling, grammar and punctuation.
- Applicable laws, codes, and regulations.
Required Skills:
- Ability to administer an Integrated Library Systems (ILS).
- Problem-solving, critical thinking
- Strong project management skills.
- Aptitude for problem solving.
- Planning, organizing, and supervising staff.
- Training others in best practices, policies, and procedures related to work.
- Coordinating efforts with a wide variety of staff.
- Proficiency with library technologies and Microsoft products.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills, a positive attitude, and enthusiasm for learning.
- Ability to give effective oral presentations to large and small groups.
- Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with a variety of individuals contacted in the course of the work.
- Using tact, discretion, and prudence in working with those contacted in the course of the work.
PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:
The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Mobility to work in an office setting, use standard office equipment and stamina to sit, stand, and walk for extended periods of time; ability to move up to 20 pounds; vision to read printed materials and computer screens; and hearing and speech to communicate in person or over the telephone.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT:
Work is performed in a hybrid setting as set by SALS’ policy and procedure.
Travel required to member libraries of two library systems.