Description

San Mateo County Libraries is excited to announce an opportunity for passionate and experienced leaders to join our award-winning, forward-thinking organization. We are looking for team members who are flexible, creative, and committed to delivering exceptional library services that meet the dynamic needs of our communities. Every day, our libraries inspire, inform, and engage residents across San Mateo County. If you are energized by collaboration, committed to equity, and ready to make a meaningful impact, 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 to lead teams and system-wide initiatives. We are seeking visionary leaders to oversee key divisions, including Communications, Outreach, Collections, Customer Service, and Operations (IT, HR, and Facilities), as well as multi-generational Programs and Services spanning youth, families, adults, 55+, and maker spaces. 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 Officer: Reporting to the Director of Library Services, this role leads communications, marketing, and public relations strategies that promote library services and advance the Library’s mission across our diverse communities. This role includes oversight of the Library’s brand and messaging, internal and external communications, media relations, and digital platforms. Individuals with communications experience who are passionate about supporting community engagement and amplifying library services are encouraged to apply.

Partnerships and Outreach Manager: Reporting to the Deputy Director of Support Services, this role will lead our efforts to build sustainable, high-impact relationships with community organizations, schools, and local partners to expand library access beyond our walls. This role oversees targeted community engagement initiatives and directs outreach and our Bookmobile services to provide innovative programming for diverse and underserved populations.
 

This is a chance 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 wide 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.
Possess 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. 
At least four years of increasingly responsible experience including two years of supervisory experience.
About San Mateo County Libraries

At San Mateo County Libraries, our mission is simple and powerful:

Together, we build meaningful connections and inspire lifelong curiosity.

We believe libraries are more than buildings—they are places of belonging, connection, growth, access, compassion, and creativity. Our work is guided by a deep commitment to serving our diverse communities and creating inclusive experiences for all.

San Mateo County Libraries is a Joint Powers Authority comprised of the cities of Atherton, Belmont, Brisbane, East Palo Alto, Foster City, Half Moon Bay, Millbrae, Pacifica, Portola Valley, San Carlos, Woodside, and the unincorporated areas of San Mateo County. We serve approximately 280,000 residents and cover a service area of 351 square miles. Our 13 community libraries are open 7 days per week and are vibrant hubs for learning, creativity, connection, and exploration.

From book clubs to bike clinics, video game design to resume workshops, Mid-Autumn Festivals to salsa tastings—our libraries offer a rich mix of programs and events that reflect and celebrate the diversity of the people we serve. Whether you’re seeking inspiration, information, or a sense of belonging, San Mateo County Libraries is where community comes to thrive.

To learn more about who we are and what we do, visit www.smcl.org 

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:

Education: Master of Library Science or recognized equivalent degree, from an American Library Association-accredited college or university.

Experience: Four years of experience as a librarian, including one year of supervisory experience.

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.org to apply.

TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE
Final Filing Date: Friday, July 31, 2026, 11:59 PM PST
Application Screening: August 10 - 14, 2026
Civil Service Panel Interview: August 27 and/ or 28, 2026

About the County
San Mateo County is centrally located between San Francisco, San Jose, and the East Bay. With over 750,000 residents, San Mateo is one of the largest and most diverse counties in California and serves a multitude of culturally, ethnically, and linguistically diverse communities.

The County of San Mateo, as an employer, is committed to advancing equity in order to ensure that all employees are welcomed in a safe and inclusive environment. The County seeks to hire, support, and retain employees who reflect our diverse community. We encourage applicants with diverse backgrounds and lived experiences to apply. Eighty percent of employees surveyed stated that they would recommend the County as a great place to work.

San Mateo County is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion at all levels.