Deputy Director of Library Services (Open and Promotional)

County of San Mateo, CA

$179K — $224K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Master's degree in Library Science or related field
  • 7+ years of experience in library services, including management/leadership roles
  • Proven track record in implementing innovative library programs
  • Strong understanding of community engagement and outreach strategies
  • Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills

Responsibilities

  • Lead the strategic planning and governance of library services
  • Manage and develop library staff to enhance service delivery
  • Engage with community stakeholders to assess library needs
  • Oversee library programs, collections, and technology initiatives
  • Develop and monitor budgets to ensure financial sustainability

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health coverage including medical, dental, and vision
  • Generous paid time off and holiday leave
  • Retirement plan with employer contributions
  • Opportunities for professional development and training
  • Supportive work environment fostering creativity and innovation
Full Job Description
Salary : $179,254.40 - $224,099.20 Annually
Location : County of San Mateo, CA
Job Type: Regular
Job Number: D142C
Department: County Library
Opening Date: 09/17/2026
Closing Date: 10/1/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit: 50B

Description
The County of San Mateo is currently seeking highly qualified applicants for the position of

Deputy Director of Library Services
Please view the online brochure for a detailed description of this position and instructions on how to apply!

Application/Examination
Open & Promotional. Anyone may apply. Current County of San Mateo and County of San Mateo Superior Court of California employees with at least six months (1040 hours) of continuous service in a classified regular, probationary, or extra-help/limited term position prior to the final filing date will receive five points added to their final passing score.

The examination process will consist of an application screening (weight: pass/fail) based on the candidates' application and responses to the supplemental questions. Candidates who pass the application screening will be invited to a panel interview (weight: 100%). Depending on the number of applicants, an application appraisal of education and experience may be used in place of other examinations, or further evaluation of work experience may be conducted to group applicants by level of qualification. All applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination. All examinations will be given in the County of San Mateo, California, and applicants must participate at their own expense.

IMPORTANT: Applications for this position will only be accepted online. If you are currently on the County's website, please 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: Thursday, October 1, 2026, by 11:59 PM PSTApplication Screening: October 13 - 16, 2026
Panel Interviews: October 29 and/or 30, 2026

IMPORTANT: Applicants for this position are required to submit responses to the supplemental questions below. Your responses will give us additional information about your background and experience related to this position and will be used in the selection process. Be concise, yet thorough, and specific. Neatness, clarity of expression, and the ability to follow instructions will be considered in the evaluation process.A resume will not be accepted as a substitute for your responses.
  • Check this box to indicate you have read and understand this information, affirm that you will not make use of generative AI tools to craft your responses, and to proceed to the supplemental questions.

02

Describe a complex organizational challenge you have addressed as a senior leader. How did you assess the situation, make decisions, engage others, and balance competing priorities? What was the result?
03

Describe a significant innovative change you have led in a library setting. What was your role, how did you engage staff, customers, and other key stakeholders, and what was the outcome?
04

What have you done in your organization to support and develop staff and create an environment that fosters risk-taking and creativity? Please provide a specific example.
05

Please upload one professional document you personally created (e.g., a strategic plan, board report, policy recommendation, budget presentation, grant narrative, etc.) and briefly explain your role in its development.
06

To confirm that you have uploaded the professional document requested for question 5, please select yes.
  • Yes
  • No

07

How did you learn about this position?
  • County of San Mateo Website
  • County of San Mateo Job Interest Card Notification
  • County Hosted Virtual Event
  • County Hosted Job Fair
  • CalOpps.org
  • Civic Match
  • College/University Career Center
  • Community-based Organization Posting
  • Facebook/Instagram
  • Friend or Relative
  • GovernmentJobs.com
  • Indeed
  • Job Fair
  • LinkedIn
  • Professional Publication/Website (Please specify in next question)
  • X (formerly called Twitter)
  • Zip Recruiter
  • Other (Please specify in next question)

08

If you answered, "Professional Publication/Website" or "Other" to the above question, please indicate below how you learned about this position. Your response to this question will help us in better marketing County jobs. Type NA if not applicable.
Required Question

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