Manager 18-

“Your words build bridges
Across every distance
You bestow footsteps and wings
So I am not alone.”
(Last paragraph of the poem commissioned by the West Achterhoek Library, by Eva Schuurman. Poet of the Achterhoek)

The West-Achterhoek Library is transforming from a traditional library into a “community service center.” The West-Achterhoek Library does much more than just lend out books: it combats low literacy, helps people find (new) jobs, organizes courses to help residents develop their digital skills, and hosts events and debates. With nearly 450,000 visitors per year, this library is the most visited institution in the municipalities of Doetinchem, Bronckhorst, and Doesburg. Bibliotheek West-Achterhoek collaborates with, among others, institutions for children aged 0–4, schools in the service area, the PABO, libraries in other regions, social and cultural institutions, welfare organizations, businesses, and government agencies.

Bibliotheek West-Achterhoek is currently undergoing organizational development. The goal is to consolidate all services for young people into the 18- team and to do the same for services for adults. Both teams work at the branches alongside nearly 200 volunteers and with partners from education, the welfare sector, healthcare organizations, ROC Graafschap College, the Dutch Council for Refugees, social services, the Doetinchem City Museum, youth health care, and many other social and cultural partners. The teams also implement nationally developed services, such as the Library at School or the Digital Government Information Point (IDO). The Team 18- is tasked with providing equal opportunities to children by offering a rich learning environment. In this regard, they primarily partner with preschool education, primary, and secondary schools. The 18+ team focuses on specific target groups who have yet to find their way to the library. Both teams operate on structural grants, supplemented by occasional targeted grants from government and private funds. Both teams create vibrant meeting places where residents can develop with a smile, engage with culture, and contribute to skills, connection, and imagination. Both teams consist of approximately 14 people. For the 18- team, we are looking for an enthusiastic, development-oriented manager with leadership experience.

For more information, please refer to the appendix: “Old Values, New Paths”; the vision statement and the explanation of policy guidelines. For more information about the organization: organization and annual report.

What are we looking for?
Library services are undergoing a major transition. With your experience in a similar social context, you will help shape this transition as an innovative connector in collaboration with our partners. In this role, you will be a strong and results-oriented partner who helps further improve and ensure the quality of our services.

You are a networker who can connect issues and stakeholders and mobilize people and resources. You are well-informed about social, political, and economic developments at the national and regional levels. You are able to translate this knowledge into and apply it to the innovation of our services, particularly within the Education agenda. You understand the challenges faced by growing youth, parents, and caregivers. You can take a broad perspective on what young people need and, by thinking outside the box and collaborating with the right partners, design a comprehensive and diverse program that complements formal education during this target group’s free time.

You identify and evaluate opportunities and developments at an early stage. Together with the people on your team, you create an attractive service package for our clients and partners. You focus on coherence, efficiency, and the big picture. You are accustomed to making decisions, taking the lead, and maintaining an overview.

You have at least five years of experience in a managerial role and combine your external focus with attention to the team’s support and capacity. With your coaching approach, you foster ownership, motivation, and initiative among your team members. You act with trust and know how to leverage each employee’s talents.

In your role as Manager 18, the following policy priorities will be central in the coming years:

• Digital citizenship—developing the complex skills needed to explore and experiment independently. This includes skills and knowledge in the areas of artificial intelligence, virtual reality, fake news, programming, robotics, and media literacy
• Multilingualism - An increasing number of children are being raised speaking a different language at home. Parents play a vital role in their multilingual child’s language development, though they may not always realize it. Libraries can help by offering activities and reliable information on multilingualism
• Reading Campaign and Family-Focused Approach – We want to engage children, teens, parents, and partners in an exciting and fun reading campaign. In this role, you’ll work closely with your fellow 18+ manager.

What is being asked?

The manager:

• Supports the organization's mission and vision
• Is an experienced manager and has previously led organizational change initiatives
• Has experience in or an interest in issues related to children’s development. This could include a background in education, culture, or social services
• Is responsible for the budget and can operate within the established parameters, both in terms of policy and finance
• Is socially entrepreneurial and innovative, and spots opportunities
• Has a broad range of social and cultural interests
• Has experience in or an affinity for securing and managing grants and maintaining contact with partners
• Is adept at navigating developments in information and communication technology and can capitalize on the opportunities these technologies offer, both in service delivery and in collaboration
• Contributes to strategic responsibility for the HRM portfolio within the organization as a member of the management team
• Serves as a good sounding board for the CEO.

What do we offer?

• Work in a dynamic, socially relevant organization in the heart of the beautiful Achterhoek region
• An enthusiastic team and an open, informal work environment
• A schedule of 32–36 hours per week
• A salary in pay grade 11, up to 5,419 euros gross per month on a full-time basis
• One-year contract with the possibility of a permanent position
• Competitive benefits package and travel allowance
• Option to take advantage of a relocation program.

What is the application process?
Bibliotheek West Achterhoek is working with the executive search firm Colourful People for recruitment and selection. For more information about the library, the organization, and the positions, please contact Monique Spaansen, a partner at Colourful People (M.Spaansen@colourfulpeople.nl). You can express your interest by submitting your cover letter and resume via the Colourful People website by April 20. The initial interviews are scheduled for April 25 and 26. Interviews with the selection committee are scheduled for the afternoons of May 9 and 17, with the goal of having the new manager start as soon as possible. An assessment may be part of the process.