Director of Library

City of San Marcos, Texas; San Marcos (TX); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The 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.

This position advances the Library’s mission and long-term goals.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in library science or information studies from an ALA-accredited program.
• Five years of managerial experience in a public library.
• Valid Texas driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Oversee library facilities, collections, technology, and public services to ensure safe, welcoming spaces and access to resources.
• Lead development and community engagement through long-range planning and partnerships with educational institutions and organizations.
• Guide major projects: facility improvements, and coordinate procurement and contract activities for services.
• Manage staff: hiring, training, supervision, evaluation, and adherence to HR policies.
• Develop and monitor budgets, ensure financial policy compliance, and oversee grants and reporting.
• Provide operational support and prepare reports, presentations, and special projects to advance City objectives.
• Represent the Library publicly, listening to concerns and addressing issues with professionalism and empathy.

Skills

Budgeting and financial oversight

Staff leadership and management

Community engagement

Strategic planning

Public library operations

Communication with stakeholders

Education

Master’s degree in library science or information studies

Job description

Become part of a team that thrives on Professionalism, Innovation, Customer Experience, Integrity, and Teamwork — the values that guide how we serve our community.

The 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.

The 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.

• 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.

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 DEMANDS

This 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 ENVIRONMENT

Working conditions involves sitting for extended periods of time.