Library Services Manager (Open & Promotional)
About The Position
San Mateo County Libraries is seeking passionate and experienced leaders for its award-winning, forward-thinking organization. The Library Services Manager role is vital in shaping the library's future, leading teams and system-wide initiatives under the general direction of the Library Director or Deputy Director. These positions oversee divisions such as Communications, Outreach, Collections, Human Resources, Programming, IT, Youth Services, and Facilities. This recruitment aims to fill current and future vacancies, with a particular focus on two immediate leadership roles: Library Communications Manager, overseeing communications, marketing, and public relations to enhance visibility and engagement; and Partnerships and Outreach Manager, focusing on equitable access, community connection, and extending library services to underserved populations through strategic outreach and mobile services. The ideal candidate will have a strong equity lens, value diverse perspectives, and excel at leading with empathy, building relationships, and driving innovation. The role involves leading and collaborating with staff, developing responsive services, managing budgets, and staying current with library trends.
Requirements
- Background and training in communications, marketing and branding, or in community programming and outreach, public administration, or a related field.
- Five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience in communications or community programming and outreach, including two years in a supervisory or management capacity.
- A Master’s degree from an accredited college or university with coursework in public administration, communications, library and information science, education, business administration, or a related field.
- Knowledge of management principles and practices.
- Knowledge of library purposes, organization techniques and procedures.
- Knowledge of principles and practices of library science.
- Knowledge of budget principles and practices.
- Knowledge of principles and techniques of supervision.
- Ability to plan, develop, direct and evaluate programs and activities.
- Ability to select, train, supervise, and evaluate staff.
- Ability to analyze and resolve problems.
- Ability to work cooperatively and effectively with others.
- Ability to conduct needs assessments and perform community outreach.
- Ability to make determinations on library materials.
- Ability to administer a budget.
- Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
- Ability to use a collaborative, solution-oriented approach to problem-solving and decision-making.
- Ability to use data, community insights, and emerging trends to inform decisions and measure success.
Nice To Haves
- Bilingual or multilingual skills.
- Experience in public libraries or related community-serving organizations.
Responsibilities
- Lead and collaborate with fellow managers and staff across the system to guide public services and advance library-wide priorities.
- Build and lead a high-performing, adaptable team fostering a culture of accountability, continuous learning, and innovation.
- Inspire staff to embrace a growth mindset, take smart risks, and think creatively to deliver outstanding service.
- Cultivate strong, collaborative relationships with community partners and stakeholders across the County.
- Help shape and execute strategic goals and initiatives that align with the Library's vision, mission, values, and brand.
- Oversee the effective design, implementation, and evaluation of programs and services, using data and feedback to prototype solutions that drive improvement.
- Stay current on trends and emerging technologies, applying best practices and creative thinking to meet evolving community needs.
- Represent the Library in community partnerships, the Peninsula Library System consortia, and internal committees with professionalism and purpose.
- Lead the development of responsive policies and guide staff through change with clarity and empathy.
- Develop and manage budgets and grants, ensuring responsible stewardship of resources.
- Communicate clearly and effectively - whether presenting ideas, writing reports, or engaging with diverse audiences.
- Use a collaborative, solution-oriented approach to problem-solving and decision-making.
- Use data, community insights, and emerging trends to inform decisions and measure success.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
