The City of San Mateo Library Department is looking for a highly qualified Deputy City Librarian
Why Join our Department?
The San Mateo Public Library is a dynamic organization that serves as a vital resource and gathering place for the community. The Main Library functions as the cultural center of the City, offering extensive programs and services, while the Hillsdale and Marina branches provide convenient neighborhood access and additional resources for a diverse set of library patrons.
The Library recently adopted a new Strategic Plan that will guide its priorities and initiatives over the next three years. This is an exciting time to join the organization and contribute to its continued growth and innovation.
The Position
The City of San Mateo is seeking a qualified and experienced Deputy City Librarian to serve in a key leadership role within the Library Department. Reporting to the City Librarian, the Deputy City Librarian acts as the Library’s chief operating officer and directly supervises division managers overseeing Children’s/Literacy Services, Information Services, and Circulation/Technical Services. The Deputy City Librarian also plays a lead role in cross-divisional project management, operational oversight, strategic plan implementation, and in representing the Library at meetings and public events.
This position requires a balance of operational excellence, strategic thinking, and strong people-centered leadership. The Deputy City Librarian helps ensure the delivery of high-quality library services while cultivating a positive, inclusive, and responsive workplace culture.
- The ideal candidate will possess:
- A collaborative, thoughtful, and pragmatic leadership style.
- Strong discernment and empathy when working with staff, partners, and the public.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- A commitment to public service and to advancing equity, access, and inclusion.
- Demonstrated experience managing complex library operations and multi-functional teams.
- A proactive approach to problem-solving and decision-making.
- A strong track record of successfully leading or contributing to strategic initiatives.
- The ability to build trust, navigate change, and foster a supportive work environment.
Examples of Duties - Duties may include but are not limited to, the following:
- Prioritizes work of staff; develops and trains staff; conducts performance evaluations; approves actions regarding hiring, promoting, and disciplining; and approves recommendations on all employee actions.
- Reviews changes in laws, regulations, and guidelines for their effect upon Library activities; evaluates the effect of such changes, and recommends and implements changes to policies and procedures as required for compliance.
- Assumes management responsibility for all daily operations, departments, programs, and services of the Library.
- Manages and participates in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for assigned services including human resources administration, library development, library service plan, outreach and marketing and is involved in the planning, implementing, and managing of new technologies.
- Monitors and evaluates the efficiency, effectiveness and quality of service delivery methods and procedures for the department.
- Reviews the work plan for the Supervising Librarians and Supervising Library Assistant; meets with each to identify and resolve problems.
- Negotiates and resolves significant and controversial issues.
- Conducts meetings and makes presentations; functions as the Library’s project manager for special projects as assigned;
- Assists in the coordination of library activities with other City departments and outside agencies.
- May participate in the delivery of library services.
- Be a community liaison and lead in fundraising relating to service outreach and marketing.
- Assists in the preparation of the annual budget for the library; estimates staffing, equipment, and supply needs based upon recent trends and planned activities; monitors monthly expenditures after budget adoption; oversees disposition of surplus materials; and approves purchase requisitions.
- Prepares a variety of reports and correspondence; reviews internal policies and procedures; develops content for press releases and other material for dissemination to the public.
- Represents the City and Library in the community, within the Peninsula Library System, and at professional meetings and committees, as necessary.
- Responds to citizen inquiries; investigates and resolves patron complaints and concerns; applies the principles of good customers service and instills it in staff members.