Library Services Manager (Open & Promotional)

County of San Mateo•San Mateo, CA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

San Mateo County Libraries is seeking passionate and experienced leaders for an opportunity to join their award-winning, forward-thinking organization. They are looking for team members who are flexible, creative, and committed to delivering exceptional library services that meet the dynamic needs of their communities. The Library Services Manager will play a vital role in shaping the library’s future, working under the general direction of the Library Director or Deputy Director to lead teams and system-wide initiatives. The organization is seeking visionary leaders to oversee key divisions, including Communications, Outreach, Collections, Customer Service, and Operations (IT, HR, and Facilities), as well as multi-generational Programs and Services spanning youth, families, adults, 55+, and maker spaces. This recruitment will fill current and future vacancies. Two immediate leadership vacancies are for: Library Communications Officer, who leads communications, marketing, and public relations strategies, and Partnerships and Outreach Manager, who leads efforts to build relationships with community organizations, schools, and local partners to expand library access and oversees targeted community engagement initiatives and outreach services. The ideal candidate will lead and inspire teams, develop responsive and innovative services, and help bring the Strategic Plan to life. They will work at the intersection of strategy and community, aligning people and projects to meet real needs and deliver measurable results. Candidates with a strong equity lens, who value diverse perspectives, and have experience engaging effectively with people from all backgrounds are especially desired. The ideal candidate should be energized by new challenges, driven to make a difference, and skilled at communicating across a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives. They should lead with empathy, build strong relationships, and see change as an opportunity to grow.

Requirements

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.
At least four years of increasingly responsible experience including two years of supervisory experience.
Master of Library Science or recognized equivalent degree, from an American Library Association-accredited college or university.
Four years of experience as a librarian, including one year of supervisory experience.
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.

Nice To Haves

Individuals with communications experience who are passionate about supporting community engagement and amplifying library services are encouraged to apply (for Library Communications Officer role).
Candidates who bring a strong equity lens to their work, value diverse perspectives, and have experience engaging effectively with people from all backgrounds.
Energized by new challenges, driven to make a difference, and skilled at communicating across a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives.
Ability to lead with empathy, builds strong relationships, and sees change as an opportunity to grow.

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.
Lead communications, marketing, and public relations strategies (for Library Communications Officer role).
Oversee the Library’s brand and messaging, internal and external communications, media relations, and digital platforms (for Library Communications Officer role).
Lead efforts to build sustainable, high-impact relationships with community organizations, schools, and local partners (for Partnerships and Outreach Manager role).
Oversee targeted community engagement initiatives and direct outreach and Bookmobile services (for Partnerships and Outreach Manager role).