Salary : $147,472.00 - $184,329.60 Annually
Location : County of San Mateo, CA
Job Type: Regular
Job Number: D061O
Department: County Library
Opening Date: 07/24/2026
Closing Date: 8/7/2026 11:59 PM Pacific
Bargaining Unit: 50B

Description
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 to lead teams and system-wide initiatives. These key leadership positions oversee one or more divisions, including Communications, Outreach, Collections, Human Resources, Programming, IT, Youth Services, and Facilities. This recruitment will fill current and future vacancies; if you have an ambitious vision and a passion for public library leadership, we encourage you to apply.

While this recruitment may be used for additional areas of library services management, we are currently seeking to fill two immediate leadership vacancies:

• Library Communications Manager: This strategic leadership role oversees the Library's communications, marketing, and public relations efforts to strengthen the Library's visibility, advance our mission, and deepen engagement with diverse communities. The position provides oversight of the Library's brand strategy, messaging, internal and external communications, media relations, and digital presence. Communications professionals who are passionate about public service, community engagement, and amplifying library services are encouraged to apply.

• Partnerships and Outreach Manager: This leadership role advances the Library's commitment to equitable access and community connection by developing and sustaining high-impact partnerships with community organizations, schools, and local stakeholders. The position will lead strategic outreach initiatives designed to extend library services beyond traditional locations and increase opportunities for engagement among diverse and underserved populations. This role oversees system-wide community engagement efforts and mobile services, creating innovative approaches to deliver programming, resources, and services where they are needed most.

This is a rare opportunity to lead and inspire teams, develop responsive and innovative services, and help bring our Strategic Plan to life. You will 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.

The ideal candidate should be energized by new challenges, driven to make a difference, and skilled at communicating across a wider range of backgrounds and perspectives. You are someone who leads with empathy, builds strong relationships, and sees change as an opportunity to grow.
The ideal candidate will have the ability to:

• 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.
• Use data, community insights, and emerging trends to inform decisions and measure success.

Qualifications

Any combination of experience that would likely provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to qualify is a background and training in communications, marketing and branding, or in community programming and outreach, public administration, or a related field, and five (5) years of increasingly responsible experience in communications or community programming and outreach, including two years in a supervisory or management capacity.

• A 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.

Bilingual or multilingual skills, as well as experience in public libraries or related community-serving organizations, are desirable.

Knowledge of:

• Management principles and practices.
• Library purposes, organization techniques and procedures.
• Principles and practices of library science.
• Budget principles and practices.
• Principles and techniques of supervision.

Skill/Ability to:

• Plan, develop, direct and evaluate programs and activities.
• Select, train, supervise, and evaluate staff.
• Analyze and resolve problems.
• Work cooperatively and effectively with others.
• Conduct needs assessments and perform community outreach.
• Make determinations on library materials.
• Administer a budget.
• Communicate effectively orally and in writing.

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.

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.

The examination process will consist of an application screening based on the candidates' application and responses to the supplemental questions (weight: pass/fail). Candidates who pass the application screening may 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. Applicants meeting the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed advancement through any subsequent phase of the examination. All examinations will be given in San Mateo County, 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, you may click the"Apply"button. If you are not on the County's website, please go to http://jobs.smcgov.orgto apply.

TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULEFinal Filing Date: Friday, August 7, 2026, 11:59 PM PSTApplication Screening: August 17 - 21, 2026Civil Service Panel Interview: September 3 and/or 4, 2026

Analyst: Sedrick Dixon (07242026) (Library Services Manager - D061)
We invite you to explore our page for a snapshot of the comprehensive and competitive benefits available to eligible employees of the County of San Mateo. From health and wellness to financial security, our benefits are designed to support you at every stage of your career. (Please note that benefits are subject to change.)

In addition to core benefits, the County is proud to offer a variety of wellness and professional development programs to help you grow both personally and professionally. Most of these enriching opportunities are available during work hours and come at no cost to you.

As a County employee, you'll also be covered by the federal Social Security system, earning valuable retirement benefits based on your salary and years of service.
01

NOTE: 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 and to proceed to the supplemental questions.

02

Considering recent trends and innovations, what is your vision for the future of public libraries, and how would you put that vision into action in this role? Please describe how your leadership experience, strategic thinking, and understanding of community needs would help you bring this vision to life.
03

What techniques or practices do you employ to ensure authentic and successful communication? Describe specific instances where your ability to manage influential stakeholders, peers, and staff contributed to achieving a major organizational goal.
04

Please upload one professional document you personally created (e.g., a strategic plan, board report, policy recommendation, budget presentation, or grant narrative) and briefly explain your role in its development.
05

To confirm that you have uploaded the document requested for question 4, please select yes.

• Yes
• No

Required Question