Library Services Manager (Open & Promotional)

San Mateo County Libraries is thrilled to announce a dynamic opportunity for a passionate and experienced leader to join our award-winning, forward-thinking organization. We’re looking for team players who are flexible, innovative and eager to reimagine what a modern library can be. If you’re energized by collaboration, committed to equity, and ready to make a meaningful impact in the community, we want to hear from you!

As a Library Services Manager, you will play a vital role in shaping our library’s future. Working under the general direction of the Library Director or Deputy Director, you’ll lead systemwide initiatives in one or more key areas, such as programs and services for all ages, community outreach, partnerships, collections, facilities, and customer service.

This is a chance to lead and inspire teams, develop responsive and innovative services, and help bring our Strategic Plan to life. You’ll work at the intersection of strategy and community, aligning people and projects to meet real needs and deliver measurable results.

We are especially interested in candidates who bring a strong equity lens to their work, value diverse perspectives, and have experience engaging effectively with people from all backgrounds. Bilingual skills are highly valued, as we proudly serve a richly diverse population across San Mateo County.

The ideal candidate is energized by new challenges, driven to make a difference, and skilled at communicating across a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives. You’re someone who leads with empathy, builds strong relationships, and sees change as an opportunity to grow.

The ideal candidate will have the ability to:

• 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 colleagues, community partners, and stakeholders across the County.
• Help shape and execute strategic plans and initiatives that align with the Library’s mission, values, and brand.
• Oversee the effective design, implementation, and evaluation of programs and services, using data and feedback to 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 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.

To support service to our diverse communities, bilingual skills are desired but not required for this position.

Qualifications

Education and Experience:

Any combination of experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to qualify is completion of a Master of Library Science or recognized equivalent degree from an American Library Association accredited college or university and four years of experience as a librarian, including one year of management experience.

IMPORTANT: Applications for this position will only be accepted online. If you are currently on the County's website, you may click the "Apply" button. If you are not on the County's website, please go to https://jobs.smcgov.org to apply. Responses to the supplemental questions must be submitted in addition to our regular employment application form. A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for the required employment application and supplemental questionnaire.

TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE

Final Filing Date: Wednesday, April 30, 2025 11:59 PM PST

Application Screening: May 5 - 9, 2025

Civil Service Panel Interview: May 19 and/or 20, 2025