Job Details

San Mateo County Libraries is thrilled to announce a dynamic opportunity for a passionate and experienced leader to join our award-winning, forward-thinking organization. We're looking for team players who are flexible, innovative and eager to reimagine what a modern library can be. If you're energized by collaboration, committed to equity, and ready to make a meaningful impact in the community, 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, you'll lead systemwide initiatives in one or more key areas, such as programs and services for all ages, community outreach, partnerships, collections, facilities, and customer service.

This is a chance to lead and inspire teams, develop responsive and innovative services, and help bring our Strategic Plan to life. You'll 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. Bilingual skills are highly valued, as we proudly serve a richly diverse population across San Mateo County.

The ideal candidate is energized by new challenges, driven to make a difference, and skilled at communicating across a wide range of backgrounds and perspectives. You're someone who leads with empathy, builds strong relationships, and sees change as an opportunity to grow.

The ideal candidate will have the ability to:

1. Collaborate with fellow managers and staff across the system to guide public services and advance library-wide priorities.
2. Build and lead a high-performing, adaptable team, fostering a culture of accountability, continuous learning, and innovation.
3. Inspire staff to embrace a growth mindset, take smart risks, and think creatively to deliver outstanding service.
4. Cultivate strong, collaborative relationships with colleagues, community partners, and stakeholders across the County.
5. Help shape and execute strategic plans and initiatives that align with the Library's mission, values, and brand.
6. Oversee the effective design, implementation, and evaluation of programs and services, using data and feedback to drive improvement.
7. Stay current on trends and emerging technologies, applying best practices and creative thinking to meet evolving community needs.
8. Represent the Library in community partnerships, the Peninsula system consortia, and internal committees with professionalism and purpose.
9. Lead the development of responsive policies and guide staff through change with clarity and empathy.
10. Develop and manage budgets and grants, ensuring responsible stewardship of resources.
11. Communicate clearly and effectively—whether presenting ideas, writing reports, or engaging with diverse audiences.
12. Use a collaborative, solution-oriented approach to problem-solving and decision-making.

To support service to our diverse communities, bilingual skills are desired but not required for this position.

About San Mateo County Libraries

Where Community Grows and Thrives

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.

Our Goals

1. Belonging: We listen to our community and design responsive services and welcoming spaces where everyone feels at home.
2. Connection: We bring people together and build strong partnerships to achieve shared goals.
3. Growth: We foster a culture of continuous learning, exploration, and personal development.
4. Access: We expand access to resources, experiences, and opportunities through meaningful outreach and inclusive services.

San Mateo County Libraries is a dynamic, award-winning network of community libraries serving 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 are a Joint Powers Authority committed to making a lasting impact in the lives of our residents. With a service area that spans a wide range of communities, our libraries 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.

Note: The eligible list generated by this recruitment may be used to fill current and future vacancies throughout San Mateo County Libraries.

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 completion of a Master of Library Science or recognized equivalent degree from an American Library Association accredited college or university and four years of experience as a librarian, including one year of management experience.

Knowledge of:
Management principles and practices, library purposes, organization techniques, and procedures principles and practices of library science, budget principles and practices, and 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; and communicate effectively orally and in writing.

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.

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 toto 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: Wednesday, April 30, 2025 11:59 PM PST
Application Screening: May 5 - 9, 2025
Civil Service Panel Interview: May 19 and/or 20, 2025

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.

Talent Acquisition Analyst: Sedrick Dixon (04162025) (Library Services Manager - D061)