Salary: $142,334.40 - $177,923.20 Annually
Location : City Hall Complex - 630 East Hopkins, San Marcos, TX
Job Type: Full-time Exempt
Job Number: 1795
Department: Library
Division: LIBRARY - DIRECTOR
Opening Date: 10/05/2026
Closing Date: 10/22/2026 11:59 PM Central
FLSA: Exempt
Work Hours: Varies
JOB SUMMARYThe Director of Library leads and oversees the operations, programs, and services of the San Marcos Public Library to ensure effective, community-focused service delivery. It provides strategic direction for library development, manages key initiatives and projects, and represents the Library in partnerships with external agencies and the public. The role ensures organizational excellence through leadership, operational oversight, and supervision of assigned staff. This position advances the Library's mission and long-term goals.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONSThe following list highlights the main responsibilities of this position. While it covers the core tasks, it may not include every duty that could be assigned. Employees may be asked to take on other responsibilities as needed to support the team and department.
- Ensures excellence in library facilities, collections, technology, and public services by overseeing safe, well-maintained spaces; maintaining current and well-organized collections; and supporting high-quality programs and community access to technology resources.
- Leads library development and community engagement efforts by collaborating on long-range planning with the Library Board, supporting fundraising partnerships, and strengthening relationships with educational institutions and community organizations.
- Guides major projects and initiatives by planning and implementing facility improvements, coordinating construction and renovation efforts with other City departments, and preparing and supporting procurement and contract activities for architectural and automation services.
- Oversees departmental staffing and personnel management by hiring, training, supervising, evaluating, and developing employees; ensuring service standards and equitable treatment; and ensuring alignment with City Human Resources policies and procedures.
- Manages financial stewardship by developing and justifying budgets, monitoring expenditures for alignment with annual goals, ensuring compliance with City financial policies, and administering grant funding, applications, and reporting.
- Provides operational support across library functions by assisting at service desks as needed, preparing reports and presentations, managing special projects, participating in meetings and training, and performing related duties to advance departmental and City objectives.
- Serves as a visible and accessible representative of the Library, engaging with patrons and community members, listening to concerns, and addressing complex or sensitive issues with professionalism, empathy, and sound judgment.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS & PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS- Master's degree in library science or information studies from an American Library Association-accredited graduate school.
- Five (5) years of managerial experience in a public library.
- Valid Texas driver's license with an acceptable driving record.
COMPETENCIES AND ENVIRONMENT KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES- Knowledge of budgets, technical manuals, departmental policies, grant and bid documentation, administrative reports, and professional correspondence sufficient to read, comprehend, review, and prepare required materials.
- Knowledge of library operations, program and service delivery, personnel management, and budget administration to support effective departmental oversight.
- Skill in verbal and written communication to represent the Library in the community, deliver public presentations, and maintain constructive relationships with City officials, departments, outside agencies, vendors, contractors, community organizations, patrons, and the public.
- Skill in hiring, training, supervising, and evaluating professional librarians and supervisors to ensure high-quality performance and service delivery.
- Ability to manage complex library operations, programs, projects, and budgets while aligning resources with departmental goals and standards.
- Ability to apply administrative and technical information, interpret documentation, and produce accurate and professional written materials.
- Ability to lead, collaborate, and maintain positive working relationships across diverse internal and external stakeholders.
PHYSICAL DEMANDSThis position requires lifting up to 25 pounds rarely. Subject to vision constantly; sitting, handling, fine dexterity, hearing and talking frequently; standing, walking, lifting, carrying, pushing/pulling, reaching, balancing and foot controls occasionally; kneeling, crouching, bending, twisting and climbing rarely.
WORK ENVIRONMENTWorking conditions involves sitting for extended periods of time.
The City of San Marcos offers its employees a broad range of benefits to enhance their personal and occupational lives. We are committed to a total rewards strategy that provides employees with competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and an environment that supports a healthy work/life balance.View Our BENEFITSMedical, Dental & Vision Coverage
- United Healthcare
- Choice Plus PPO Plan
- Prescription Drug Plan
- Wellness Initiatives
- Virtual Doctor Visits 24/7
- Dental Plan
- Base Vision Plan
- Premium Vision Plan
- Laser Vision Correction discounts
Retirement
- Texas Municipal Retirement System (TMRS)
- Mission Square Retirement Corporation - optional 457-deferred compensation plan & Roth IRA
ADDITIONAL BENEFITS- Flexible Spending Accounts
- City-paid Life and AD&D Insurance
- Voluntary Life, AD&D and Long-Term Disability insurance
- Employee Assistance Program
- Medical Concierge Service
- Vacation
- Sick Leave
- Holidays
- Longevity pay
- Activity Center Membership
- Direct Deposit
The City of San Marcos is committed to supporting a flexible and positive work/life balance. Certain eligible positions may offer remote telework opportunities based on departmental operations and the nature of the work. Telework is not a fully remote arrangement, and eligibility and frequency are determined by the department director based on operational needs and the city's commitment to providing quality services to the community.
01
Do you have a master's degree in library science or information studies from an American Library Association-accredited graduate school?
02
Do you have at least five (5) years of managerial experience in a public library?
03
Do you have, or are able to obtain, a valid Texas driver's license with an acceptable driving record?
04
Describe your experience leading a public library team.
05
The Library Director serves as a visible and accessible community leader. Describe a time you handled a challenging interaction with a patron or community member involving a complaint, sensitive issue, or disagreement with library policy. How did you balance empathy, policy enforcement, and the needs of staff and other patrons?
06
Share an example of a library program, service, or initiative you developed or improved in response to community needs.
07
Describe your experience managing library budgets and allocating limited resources. Provide an example of a difficult funding decision, how you established priorities, and how you communicated your recommendation to leadership or other stakeholders.
Required Question
