Assistant Director / Chief Operating Officer

Kansas City Public Library

Kansas City, Missouri

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. 

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: 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.