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. 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.
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.
To learn more about who we are and what we do, visit www.smcl.org
TENTATIVE RECRUITMENT SCHEDULE
Final Filing Date: Friday, August 7, 2026, 11:59 PM PST
Application Screening: August 17 - 21, 2026
Civil Service Panel Interview: September 3 and/or 4, 2026
Analyst: Sedrick Dixon (07172026) (Library Services Manager - D061)
Work Location: In person
