Chief Technology Officer

Summary

The Chief Technology and Collections Officer (CTCO) serves as a member of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County's Executive Leadership Team (ELT) and provides strategic leadership for the Library's collections, technical services, information technology, digital platforms, and communication technologies. The CTCO ensures that technology and collections work together to create equitable customer experiences and oversees the stability and efficient operation of the Library's network and technology infrastructure. The CTCO also serves as PLYMC's cybersecurity lead and E-Rate coordinator. In collaboration with other ELT members, this position provides strategic leadership for assigned areas of responsibility and helps advance the Library's mission, vision, strategic priorities, and organizational goals. The position participates in organization-wide planning, decision-making, policy development, and leadership initiatives to ensure exceptional service and value to the community.

Primary Responsibilities

- Serves as an active member of Executive Leadership Team (ELT), and is committed to PLYMC's mission, vision and values. Participates in regular executive leadership meetings and discussions.

• Collaborates with ELT colleagues to develop and implement organizational strategies, priorities, and initiatives. Understands the origin and reasoning behind key policies, practices and procedures of the organization.

- Contributes to strategic decision-making, long-range planning, risk management, and continuous organizational improvement. Exercises sound judgment, takes accountability for decisions and outcomes, and ensures that assigned areas of responsibility operate effectively and in alignment with organizational policies, priorities, and values. Uses relevant data, feedback, and outcomes to evaluate effectiveness, identify opportunities for improvement, and inform decisions and adjustments.

• Provides strategic direction and focus in the area of technology for both the department and the organization as a whole; develops and implements long-term plans for acquiring and implementing efficient, cost-effective, organization-wide IT solutions that support the Library’s strategic plan and goals; collaborates with other departmental heads and members of the ELT, and coordinates with the Systems Administrator to plan, design, implement, and maintain technology infrastructure and systems that support organizational needs, facilities improvements, physical security, and emergency preparedness.

- Leads, manages, and motivates staff across the division, working in partnership with all Library departments. With department managers, establishes annual targets for IT and Collections operations, develops and manages short- and long-term projects within approved budgets, ensuring they align with established goals and guidelines and support the Library's strategic plan. Oversees overall department performance. Directs the activities and professional development of division staff in support of division and organizational goals. - In conjunction with the CEO and CFO, works to create the Technology Fund budget and oversees development of the operating budgets for IT and Technical Services. Develops appropriate business case justifications and cost/benefit analysis for spending and initiatives.

• Develops and coordinates technology and collection policies in conjunction with the CEO and other ELT members.
• Serves as PLYMC E-Rate coordinator and point person for adherence to state cybersecurity requirements.
• Ensures timely implementation of new technologies and content systems through oversite and use of sound project management methodologies.
• Communicates organizational priorities, decisions, and changes clearly and effectively, fostering understanding, alignment, and trust across the organization.

- Leads and supports organizational change by communicating its purpose, engaging affected stakeholders, and helping employees and patrons navigate transitions effectively. - Manages regular statistical collection and reporting, overseeing accurate regular responses to industry data collection requests. Works with other ELT members to tell the story of PLYMC’s impact on the community through data and visualizations. - Stays current on evolving technologies and topics surrounding collection access and management in Public Libraries and related fields, including intellectual freedom issues and challenges.

• Provides a high level of customer service to internal and external customers. This means identifying operational problems or inefficiencies with interfaces, promoting interdepartmental communication on technology issues, maintaining current software upgrades, recommending and implementing courses of action, and serving as a resource for other team members and project teams

- Provides leadership and perspective on system-wide issues that extend beyond assigned functional responsibilities.

• Fosters a culture of collaboration, accountability, innovation, equity, inclusion, and exceptional public service. Applies equitable and inclusive practices in leadership, decision-making, and workplace interactions, recognizing and respecting diverse perspectives and experiences. Understands organizational dynamics and works effectively across teams and relationships to advance organizational goals.

- Effectively represents PLYMC in interactions with community partners, professional organizations, government officials, and other stakeholders, demonstrating professionalism and serving as a positive ambassador for the Library and demonstrating a commitment to the Library's mission and values.

• Participates in organizational emergency response, business continuity planning, and other executive-level responsibilities as needed.
• Serves on Board committees, task forces, and special projects as assigned by the CEO.
• Any and all other duties as assigned.

- Degree in a technology-related field; master’s degree Library and Information Science and/or a technology-related field strongly preferred. Other technology certifications paired with relevant experience may also be considered.

• Minimum 10 years professional experience in progressively responsible positions related to technology and collections management, at least three of which have been in a senior level administrative and/or supervisory position, preferably related to library technology administration.

- Demonstrated ability to lead and supervise people and projects, maintain effective working relationships, and address concerns and disagreements constructively. Effectively navigates conflict, seeks to understand differing perspectives, and works toward equitable and respectful resolutions while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.

• Demonstrates an understanding of labor relations principles and the importance of complying with collective bargaining agreements, established policies, and applicable employment requirements. Maintains professional and constructive working relationships with union representatives and supports consistent, equitable application of workplace expectations.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with strong attention to detail and emotional intelligence. Demonstrates empathy, self-awareness, and the ability to navigate difficult situations with composure, tact, and sound judgment. Recognizes that employees are essential to the Library’s ability to serve its patrons/communities and fosters a culture of respect, trust, and support in which staff are valued, empowered, and equipped to deliver exceptional public service.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively supervise people and projects while maintaining a strategic, organization-wide perspective. Anticipates emerging trends, challenges, opportunities, and community needs and assesses their potential impact on the Library’s future. Balances organizational priorities with the needs and perspectives of employees and patrons, fostering a culture in which people feel supported, engaged, and connected to the Library’s shared mission. Articulates a compelling vision for future success, encourages innovation, and guides organizational learning and adaptation in a changing environment.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Integrated Library Systems and other library-specific technologies; generalized knowledge of collection and access procedures; and a strong understanding of public library technology and network infrastructure.
• Experience with technology planning and budgeting, E-Rate filing, Cybersecurity threat management, policy development, and end-user training.
• Well-versed in patron privacy, intellectual freedom issues, and collection management, policy development, and end-user training.
• Demonstrates adaptability and flexibility in responding to change, navigating uncertainty, and managing risk. Exercises sound judgment and takes timely, thoughtful action while evaluating available information and evolving circumstances, including when information is incomplete
• Effectively aligns organizational priorities with the needs of the workforce and community, fostering a supportive and engaged workplace that strengthens organizational effectiveness and exceptional public service.
• Excellent problem-solving ability. Able to compile and analyze data skillfully and make recommendations based on results.

The Chief Technology and Collections Officer (CTCO) serves as a member of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County's Executive Leadership Team (ELT) and provides strategic leadership for the Library's collections, technical services, information technology, digital platforms, and communication technologies. The CTCO ensures that technology and collections work together to create equitable customer experiences and oversees the stability and efficient operation of the Library's network and technology infrastructure. The CTCO also serves as PLYMC's cybersecurity lead and E-Rate coordinator. In collaboration with other ELT members, this position provides strategic leadership for assigned areas of responsibility and helps advance the Library's mission, vision, strategic priorities, and organizational goals. The position participates in organization-wide planning, decision-making, policy development, and leadership initiatives to ensure exceptional service and value to the community.