Emerging Technology Administrator

Job Number:

The King County Library System (KCLS) is seeking an equity centered future focused Emerging Patron Technology Administrator to lead the exploration testing and responsible adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and other emerging tools that advance KCLS service to patrons and staff.

About the opportunity:

The Emerging Patron Technology Administrator will guide systemwide work on AI and emerging technologies with a strong focus on community needs digital equity and privacy. This role partners closely with multiple internal departments and community based organizations to design and run pilots develop staff facing workflows and support patrons across King County with particular attention to those who encounter barriers to technology access and use.

In this position you will identify and test new tools design and evaluate pilots and translate what you learn into practical guidance training and standards for KCLS. You will help staff experiment with AI in thoughtful ways document responsible use practices and share clear stories about impact with colleagues and leadership. Strong skills in collaboration communication listening and change management will be essential.

This is a three year grant funded position that plays a key role in shaping how KCLS uses AI and emerging technology to support welcoming accessible and inclusive libraries across King County.

REQUIRED: Applicants must attach a current resume and cover letter which addresses relevant work experience education and training as it relates to this position.

About King County Library System (KCLS):

KCLS has a vision of a world where knowledge allows diverse communities to prosper and order to support this vision we create opportunities through meaningful connections by acting as the knowledge sharing center for over 1.5 million diverse patrons providing an unparalleled collection of library materials resources technology services and programs.

Approximately 1000 engaged and passionate staff provide service in 50 community library locations and patron engagement using direct outreach programs and virtual assistance. Our service area includes cities towns tribal lands and unincorporated districts of King County with the exception of the city of Seattle.

From a 2021-2022 comprehensive Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Assessment Demographics and Language Report of the more than 1.5 million residents who live within the KCLS service area almost half identify as Black Indigenous or People of Color (BIPOC). Moreover roughly one-third of the KCLS community speaks a language other than English as their first language.

The King County Library System values the diverse perspectives lived experiences and cultures of all qualified individuals. We seek applicants that reflect the diversity of the communities we serve and encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply including BIPOC (Black Indigenous and other people of color) immigrants refugees women LGBTQIA individuals with disabilities veterans etc.

KCLS welcomes reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities as an opportunity to assist qualified individuals to participate in the job application or interview process and/or perform the essential functions of the position upon hire.

Need an accommodation to apply or interview Call or email .

KCLS ensures equal opportunities and consideration for all job applicants without regard to race color religion age sex national origin disability status genetics protected veteran status sexual orientation gender identity or expression or any other characteristic protected by federal state or local laws. KCLS does not tolerate discrimination or harassment during any stage of employment including in recruiting hiring promotion termination leave of absence compensation or training.

The items listed in this section are the key duties and responsibilities for this job and do not represent an exhaustive list. Our organization is dynamic and therefore duties may change based on business necessity; however any new duties will remain within the scope of the job.

• Leads development and testing of emerging technologies with a focus on AI smart devices and interactive digital services and other tools that improve the patron experience.
• Collaborates with Public Services staff to co-design pilot programs and services that are responsive to community needs and challenges launching at least two patron-facing pilots annually.
• Develops and pilots staff-facing technologies and AI tools that enhance service delivery capabilities with a focus on internal efficiencies that meaningfully improve the patron experience.
• Conducts systemwide listening tours and needs assessments with Public Services staff to identify community-driven technology opportunities ensuring pilot projects address needs of underserved or digitally vulnerable populations.
• Identifies and evaluates trends in emerging technology for relevance in delivering engaging inclusive and accessible patron experiences.
• Builds partnerships within the library and with external innovators educational institutions and community groups to co-create projects and expand impact.
• Develops proof-of-concepts to test the viability of new tools platforms and service models.
• Advises internal departments on responsible adoption of emerging technologies to support workflows policy compliance and organizational efficiency.
• Develops and delivers staff training for pilot programs ensuring participating staff gain confidence in using and supporting new tools.
• Monitors performance and evaluates usability effectiveness and equity of pilot programs and technologies. Develops strategies for changes enhancements testing and upgrades based on evaluation and feedback.
• Creates and maintains complete and accurate technical documentation internal knowledge bases and training resources to support systemwide adoption of successful pilot programs.
• Prepares annual evaluation reports measuring pilot program effectiveness patron satisfaction and community impact using surveys focus groups and usage data.
• Organizes change management strategies and ensures compliance with KCLS policies data privacy standards accessibility requirements and ethical guidelines for responsible and equitable implementation of emerging technologies.

1. Attends and actively participates in meetings trainings and serves on various committees as assigned.
2. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience
The items listed below are the minimum requirements for the job and are relevant to this position. The organization values both work experience and education and realizes that individuals take different paths to acquire knowledge.

• Bachelors degree from an accredited school in information technology computer science information systems or related field.
• Five years of experience in information systems and service in a multi-server multi-agency integrated application environment.
• Any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the necessary qualifications to successfully perform the duties of the position will be considered.

• Proficiency in evaluating and implementing emerging technology platforms and innovation programs.
• Proficiency in project management methodologies and pilot program development.
• Advanced technical skills with emerging technology tools and platforms.
• Model for innovation-conscious behavior and technology adoption readiness.
• Skills to manage time and meet project implementation deadlines.
• Prioritize technology initiatives and manage various pilots simultaneously.
• Analytical and decision-making skills to assess technology opportunities to determine optimal implementation.
• Attentive to detail and accuracy in technical documentation and project tracking.
• Flexible in an environment with evolving technology trends and changing community priorities.

• Professional certification in technology innovation project management or related field preferred.

Work Environment
Work is performed in a typical office environment. Work schedule may include occasional early morning evening and/or weekend meetings or commitments. Incumbent may be permitted hybrid telework schedule upon request.

Physical Demands

• While performing the duties of this job the employee will:
• Constantly sit throughout work shift and will occasionally stand and walk.
• Frequently reach out at chest level with hands and arms and occasionally reach up or down.
• Constantly use hands in conjunction with finger use. Keyboarding may be repetitive up to occasionally.
• Rotate neck up to frequently.
• Change tasks depending upon the shift.
• Require extensive close work including use of a computer monitor.
• Occasionally lift up to 10 lbs. and seldom up to 35 lbs. Seldom carry up to 20 lbs.
• Seldom push or pull carts and wheeled equipment with light force.