Executive librarian

Executive Librarian SDCC is an equal opportunities employer.
Canvassing will automatically disqualify.
Opportunitystartshere Come to SDCC to do your greatest work.
Were forward-thinking and focused on diversity, inclusion and community.
As an equal opportunities employer, were opening the doors to new careers, creating flexible ways of working and putting people at the heart of everything we do.
Were the people responsible for local government in South Dublin County.
Aside from the exciting range of opportunities to make a real difference in your community, SDCC is a great place to work.
Working with us will give you the opportunity to gain experience at the heart of local government and to develop your career in a diverse work environment.
At SDCC we provide plenty of opportunity for career progression with structured training, personal development, coaching and mentoring.
We offer flexible working including blended working arrangements and a positive work environment.
Read our accompanying Employee Value Proposition to find out more.
Welcome to a team thats making a difference powered by people like you.
Applications Applications will only be accepted through SDCCs e-Recruitment system before midnight on Thursday, 27th November 2025.
The Role The Executive Librarian is a professional frontline management position in SDCC and is assigned responsibility for the management of a public library or section within SDCC Libraries.
The Executive Librarian will be responsible for the management and development of library services, staff, resources and buildings and will report to the County Librarian and / or library management team.
The office is wholetime, permanent and pensionable.
A panel will be formed to fill permanent and temporary vacancies.
Persons employed will be required to work in any location within the South Dublin administrative area.
Salary €57,322 - €58,689 - €60,356 - €63,491 - €65,363 - €67,690 (1st LS1) - €70,030 (2nd LSI).
Hours of Work The successful candidates normal hours of work will be 35 hours per week.
Hours worked will include weekends and late evenings as required by the Library Service.
Annual Leave Annual leave entitlement for this position is 30 days.
Qualifications Character Candidates will be of good character.
Health Each candidate must be in a state of health such as would indicate a reasonable prospect of ability to render regular and efficient service.
Essential Education, Training and Experience Eachcandidatemust,onthelatestdateforreceiptofcompleted application forms: holdadegree(leveleightonthe National Frameworkof Qualifications)intheareaof Libraryand Information Studies, have satisfactory experience of library work.
Desirable Education, Training and Experience Demonstrated ability to lead, manage and supervise large teams, with a proven track record of motivating, empowering, and supporting staff to achieve high performance, in line with the principles of the Performance Management and Development System (PMDS).
Extensive experience as the first point of contact in managing difficult or sensitive situations, ensuring professional resolution and maintaining high standards of service and conduct.
Strongleadershipskillswithafocusonachievingcommongoals,underpinnedbyacommitmenttoupholdingrobustgovernanceandethicalstandardsacrossallareasofresponsibility.
Established career history evidencing responsibility for managing staff, including the delegation of duties, performance oversight, and support for professional development.
Ability to provide high-quality customer service, with a solid understanding of South Dublin County Councils Customer Service Plan and Citizens Charter.
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, essential for building strong working relationships both within the team and with external stakeholders.
Experienceworkingcollaborativelywithother Councildepartmentsandexternalagencies,ensuringjoined-upservicedeliveryandeffective partnerships.
In depth knowledge of the role of the Executive Librarian, including its responsibilities and potential for future development within the evolving public service landscape.
Adaptable and responsive to the changing operational environment in South Dublin County Council, with a focus on continuous service improvement.
Goodadministrativeexperienceatahighlevel,demonstratingorganisational,planning,anddecision-makingcapabilities.
Solid understanding of the structure and functioning of public service organisations in Ireland, especially within a local authority context.
Strong grasp of the role digital technologies play in the development and delivery of modern public library services.
Proficientinpreparing,managing,andoverseeingbudgets,withanunderstandingoffinancialaccountabilityandresourceplanning.
Knowledge of Health and Safety legislation and regulations, and a clear understanding of their application in the workplace.
Awareness of the managerial responsibilities in workplace safety management, ensuring compliance and promoting a culture of safety.
Self motivated with the ability to work independently and use initiative, while also contributing effectively to a wider team environment.
Key Competencies / Skills Managementandchange Deliveringresults Performancethrough People Personaleffectiveness Local government knowledge and understanding Candidates are requested to give an example of a situation which highlights the behaviour, skills and attitude that underpin effective performance in these areas and which demonstrates their suitability to meet the challenges of this role.
Candidates should ensure the example used clearly demonstrates their ability in this area and that the scale and scope of the example given is appropriate to the post and level of the post.
Duties The duties of the Executive Librarianwill be consistent with the provision of a modern public library service that is responsive to the changing requirements of customers of all ages and abilities.
The duties will include but are not limited to: Ensuringthatthe Library Development Programmeisimplementedtodeliveronthe Councilsstrategiesandobjectivesfortheoverall developmentofthe Countyoutlinedinvariouscorporateplansand strategies.
Identifyingopportunitiesforimprovementsinservicedeliveryand tousekeyperformanceindicatorsorotherperformanceindicatorseffectively as appropriate.
Assistinginthedevelopmentoflibrarypolicies;development programmes, plans and strategies.
Generalbranchmanagementanddevelopment.
Leading and managing a team effectively, while aligning with the organisation's culture and development objectives.
Adapt to changes in the organisational culture and development objectives and adjust their leadership style accordingly.
Organisingandpromotingeventsincludinguseofsocialmedia.
Forgingstronglinks,throughoutreach,betweenthelibraryandthewidercommunity,educationandbusinesssectors.
Developing, delivering and promoting an innovative programme of events and user education including exhibitions, lectures and other activities.
Planning and delivering literacy support services.
Promotinglibraryservicesandgrowingmembership.
Management of information systems and services.
Providing access to information; circulation control, collection development and user education.
Preparingandmanagingbudgetsincludingcashmanagement.
Communicating andliaisingeffectivelywithemployees,senior managers,customersandelectedrepresentativesinrelationtooperational matters forthe Library Service.
Providingspecialistassistanceandsupportinthedeliveryof projects as required.
Supportingthe Senior Executive Librarianorothernominatedseniorofficialtocommunicate,implementandmanage allchange managementinitiativeswithinthe Library Service.
Management,trainingandsupervisionofemployeesinsupportingrolesuptotheposition/gradeof Librarianincludingassigning dutiesandworkload,managingannualleaveandstaffinglevels.
Providing on-going support to employees undertheircontrol, includingperformancemanagement,handlingday-to-dayproblemsandidentifyingtraininganddevelopmentrequirementsas appropriate.
Ensuring full compliance with all organisational policies and procedures.
Ensuring good governance in their area of responsibility in respect of child protection, data protection, business continuity and other relevant matters, in accordance with Council policies.
Supporting the Senior Executive Librarian or designated Senior Official in the management and implementation of Health and Safety for the Branch Library or Library HQ.
Deputisingforthe Senior Executive Librarianasrequired.
Undertaking any other duties of a similar level and responsibility within the Library Service, as may be required, or assigned, from time to time.
The particular duties and responsibilities attached to the post may vary from time to time, without changing the general character of the duties or level of responsibilities entailed.
The post holder may therefore be required to perform duties appropriate to the post, other than those detailed above, and to take instructions from and report to, an appropriate Officer or such designated Officer as may be assigned from time to time by the Council.
Thesedutiesareindicativeratherthanexhaustiveandarecarriedoutunder general guidance.
Persons employed will be required to work in any location within the South Dublin administrative area.
Recruitment Selection will be by means of a competition based on an interview conducted by or on behalf of SDCC.
We conduct interviews face to face or online through Microsoft Teams and this will be decided by SDCC.
SDCC will not be responsible for any expenses a candidate may incur in attending for interview.
Applicants should be prepared for interview any time after the closing date.
A candidate who does not attend for interview when and where required by the Council will have no further claim to consideration.
Interview results will be available on our website.
Rolling Recruitment Onlyapplicationsreceivedelectronicallythroughthe Councilse-Recruitment system will be accepted.
South Dublin County Council applies rolling recruitment to fill some critical post.
The nature of rolling recruitment is that there is no closing date.
This allows us to capture as many applicants as possible to fill these posts on an on-going basis.
Competitions which are subject to rolling recruitment will close temporarily at short notice once a sufficient number of applications have been received.
Shortlisted applicants will be brought forward for interview to fill existing vacancies, and the competition will be re-opened to new applications when required.
Competitionsthatoperateonarollingbasiswillbeclearlyindicatedin the advertisement It is in your best interest, therefore, to submit your application as soon as possible.
Shortlisting SDCC reserves its right to shortlist applications.
Shortlisting may include desktop shortlisting and / or preliminary interviews.
Shortlisting will be on the basis of information supplied on the application form and the likely number of vacancies to be filled.
For this reason, you should provide a detailed and accurate account of your qualifications and experience on the application form and ensure you fully complete the competency questions where applicable.
When providing examples to demonstrate your ability under a particular competency, you should ensure the example is appropriate in scale and scope for the requirements of the position you are applying for.
Panels A panel may be formed on the basis of such interviews.
The life of the panel will be for a period of one year from the date of its formation.
Candidates whose names are on a panel and who satisfy the Council that they possess the qualifications declared for the post and that they are otherwise suitable for appointment may, within the life of the panel, be appointed as appropriate vacancies arise.
Acceptance of Offer SDCC will require persons to whom appointments are offered to take up such appointments within a reasonable period as determined by SDCC.
If they fail to take up appointment within such period or such longer period as the Council in its absolute discretion may determine, the Council will not appoint them.
Pre-Employment Checks For the purpose of satisfying the requirement as to health, it will be necessary for successful candidates to undergo a medical examination by a qualified medical practitioner to be nominated by SDCC.
Appointment will not proceed without SDCC obtaining two satisfactory references from responsible persons known to but not related to the candidate.
A responsible person should be a person under whom the candidate has serviced in employment, or in the case of relevant voluntary work a person who has held a supervisory position.
At least one of references must be from a current employer.
Garda Vettingwillbesoughtpriortoappointmentinaccordancewiththe National Vetting Bureau Act 2012 - 2016.
A candidate who is found to be ineligible at any stage of the competition will not be further considered.
Provision of inaccurate, untrue, or misleading information will lead to disqualification from the competition, withdrawal of employment or dismissal.
Citizenship Critical Skills Occupations Candidates must, by the date of submission of application form, have a Critical Skills Employment Permit (stamp 1 G).
Candidates should ensure that the post they are applying for is included in the Critical Skills Occupations List Non-Critical Skills Occupations Candidates must, by the date of submission of application form, be: A citizen of the European Economic Area(EEA).
The EEA consists of the Member Statesofthe European Union, Iceland, Liechtensteinand Norway; or Acitizenofthe United Kingdom(UK);or A citizen of Switzerland pursuant to the agreement between the EU and Switzerland on the free movement of persons; or Anon-EEAcitizenwhoisaspouseorchildofan EEAor UKor Swiss citizenandhasastamp4visa;or Apersonawardedinternationalprotectionunderthe International Protection Act2015,oranyfamilymemberentitledtoremaininthe Stateasaresultoffamilyreunificationandhasastamp4visa;or A non-EEA citizen who is a parent of a dependent child who is a citizen of, and resident in, an EEA member state or the UK or Switzerland and has a stamp 4 visa.
In the case of relief positionsadvertised by the Council, a person awarded a stamp 2 Visa (student visa) is allowed to work to a maximum of 20 hours work per week.
Blended Working SDCC is committed to supporting a flexible and balanced working environment.
In line with this commitment, we operate a Blended Working Policy in accordance with the provisions of the Work Life Balance and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 2023.
Under this policy, successful candidates may apply to work remotely up to two days per week, provided that the role is deemed suitable for blended working.
Applications for blended working arrangements will be considered in line with operational requirements and the needs of the service.
Please note that blended working arrangements cannot commence until six months of continuous employment have been completed.
This ensures adequate time for onboarding, training, and integration into the team and organisational culture.
Probation Whereapersonisappointedto South Dublin County Council,the following provisions will apply: therewillbeaperiodafterappointmenttakeseffect,duringwhich such a person will hold the position on probation.
suchperiodwillbeoneyear,butthe Chief Executivemay,athisdiscretion, extend such period.
suchapersonwillcease toholdthe positionattheendoftheperiod ofprobationunlessduringthisperiodthe Chief Executivehascertified that the service is satisfactory.
theperiodat(a)abovemaybeterminatedongivingoneweeksnoticeasperthe Minimum Noticeand Termsof Employment Acts.
there will be assessment(s) during the probationary period.
Officers who have already completed a probationary period with another Local Authority will not be obliged to serve probation with South Dublin County Council.
Salary / Wages Entry point to a salary / wages scale will be determined in accordance with Circulars issued by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage.
Inaccordancewith Departmental Circularletter EL02/2011,apersonwhoisnotaservinglocalauthorityemployee on or after 1st January 2011, will enter the scale for the position at the minimum point.
Rate of remuneration may be adjusted from time to time in line with Government Policy.
Duties In accordance with Section 159(3) & (4) of Local Government Act 2001 an employee of the local authority shall perform the duties of the office and give the local authority under the general direction and control of the Chief Executive or of such other officer as the Chief Executive may from time to time determine, such appropriate services of an executive, administrative, technical, or management nature as are required for the exercise and performance of any of its powers, functions and duties and to exercise such powers, duties and functions as may be delegated to him or her by the Chief Executive from time to time including the duty of servicing all committees that may be established by the local authority and such duties as may be required in relation to the area of any local authority.
The holder of the office will, if required, act for an officer of a higher level.
Residence Holders of the office will reside in the district in which their duties are to be performed or within a reasonable distance thereof, as determined by South Dublin County Council.
Outside Employment Employees may not engage in private practice or be connected with any outside business which would interfere with the performance of official duties.
Superannuation Contribution Theprovisionsofthe Local Government(Superannuation)(Consolidation)Scheme 1998 may apply.
Persons who become pensionable officers who are liable to pay the Class A rate of PRSI contribution will be required, in respect of their superannuation contribution, to contribute to the local authority as follows: 1.5%oftheirpensionableremuneration plus 3.5%ofnetpensionableremuneration (i.e.
pensionable remuneration less twice the annual rate of social insurance old age contributory pension payable at the maximum rate to a person with no adult dependent or qualified children).
Persons who become pensionable officers who are liable to pay the Class D rate of PRSI contribution will be required, in respect of their superannuation contribution, to contribute to the local authority at the rate of 5% of their pensionable remuneration.
Theprovisionsofthe Spousesand Childrens/Widows&Orphans Contributory Pension Scheme will continue to apply.
New entrants will be admitted to the Single Public Service Pension Scheme with effect from the date of appointment.
The scheme is contributory and provides pension, retirement gratuity, death gratuity and survivors benefits.
To qualify for a pension the successful candidate must have served a minimum of two years employment in a Local Authority.
Employees may not engage in private practice or be connected with any Holders of the office will reside in the district in which their duties are to be performed or within a reasonable distance thereof, as determined by 2025 Rates and Thresholds Local Government Superannuation Scheme members - €0.00 to €34,500 0% - €34,500 to €60,000 10% - Over €60,000 10.5% Single Public Sector Pension Scheme members - €0.00 to €34,500 0% - €34,500 to €60,000 3.33% - Over €60,000 3.5% Retirement Age There is no mandatory retirement age for new entrants to the publicservice as defined in the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004.
Anyone who is not a new entrant to the public service, as defined in the Public Service Superannuation (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2004, is subject to a compulsory retirement age of 65 years or as determined in accordance with Department Circulars and in line with Government Policy.
The maximum retirement age for new entrants as defined by the Public Service Pensions (Single Scheme and other Provisions) Act 2012 is 70 years.
The Council may refer staff to a medical advisor at any time to determine fitness for carrying out the duties to which they have been assigned.
Incentivised Scheme for Early Retirement (ISER) It is a condition of the Incentivised Scheme for Early Retirement (ISER) as set out in Department of Finance Circular 12/09 that retirees, under that Scheme, are debarred from applying for another position in the same employment or the same sector.
Therefore, such retirees may not apply for this position.