Library Administrators

Multco; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 89,000 - 136,000; Full time

Job summary

Multnomah County Library is seeking a Library Administrator to oversee operations at a neighborhood location, ensuring excellent service to diverse patrons. You will supervise staff, mentor team members, and collaborate with regional leaders on goals and strategic planning.

In this role you will address safety, enforce policies, manage performance, and drive change across the library system, while engaging with the community and participating in system-wide committees.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent experience.
• At least three years of public library experience, including reference and reader's advisory, circulation, stacks management, collection development or public programming.
• At least two years of supervisory experience.
• At least two years of experience working with diverse patron populations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee operations of the library location to ensure excellent service.
• Provide direct customer service and reference assistance to patrons.
• Lead staff through mentoring, daily huddles, and performance discussions.
• Collaborate with regional leaders on goals and strategic planning.
• Address safety concerns, enforce policies, and maintain a welcoming environment.

Skills

Public library experience

Supervisory experience

Experience with diverse patron groups

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent experience

Job description

Pay Range

Pay Range: $88,604.78 - $135,792.20 Annual

Department: Library Department

Job Type: Regular Non-Represented

Exemption Status: United States of America (Exempt)

Closing Date (Open Until Filled if No Date Specified): November 08, 2026

The Opportunity

We are your neighbors.

You'll find our libraries throughout Multnomah County. Each location reflects the unique community neighborhood it serves, but all locations serve as centers of community life, providing books, internet access, music, programs and meeting spaces for community members.

Library Administrators oversee operations across our locations, serving patrons of all backgrounds and cultures.

As a Library Administrator, you will be responsible for ensuring your location meets the needs of our diverse patrons. You will oversee all operations of the location ensuring excellent service to the community. You will provide direct customer service such as reference assistance and circulation help. We are a dynamic and innovative library system, so you must be ready to embrace changes to serve our community in new ways.

You will use your demonstrated leadership skills to lead a diverse staff by modeling excellent communication skills while encouraging those skills in others. You will not shy away from the hard conversations and will engage your employees when managing their performance. You will promote collaborative decision making and negotiation as you work with your staff on change management. You will mentor and encourage the professional development of your staff through daily huddles, monthly staff meetings, and regular one-on-one meetings with your direct reports.

You will partner with regional leaders to establish goals, contribute to strategic planning, and adapt services to meet community needs. Additionally, you will lead projects and participate in system-wide committees, encouraging staff involvement.

You will address safety concerns and rule violations with sound judgment, cultural sensitivity, and effective interpersonal skills. When necessary, you will enforce policies, take protective measures, or contact emergency services to maintain a safe and welcoming environment.

Of course, there will be other duties as assigned, but nothing you can’t handle.

Multnomah County Library is committed to supporting our communities of color and other communities subjected to marginalization by centering race and intersectionality in the services we provide. As a member of our team, all staff are expected to act as allies to library staff and patrons from communities of color and other groups subjected to marginalization by:

• Speaking up to support staff and patrons subjected to marginalization


• Speaking out against racism and oppression


• Demonstrating behavior that is culturally aware and sensitive

To Qualify

We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific about how your background is relevant.

Minimum Qualifications/Transferable Skills

• A Bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent experience.


• At least three years of public library experience, including some experience in the areas of reference and reader's advisory, circulation services, stacks services management, collection development and management, or library public programming.


• At least two years of supervisory experience.


• At least two years of experience working with diverse patron populations.


• Ability to pass a criminal records check should a job offer be extended and you're not currently employed by the library. Results of the records check will be reviewed on an individualized basis. A conviction is not an automatic bar to employment.

Preferred Qualifications/Transferable Skills

You do not need to have the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills to qualify. However, keep in mind we may consider some or all of the following when identifying the most qualified candidates. Please clearly explain on your application how you meet any of the following preferred qualifications/transferable skills.

• A Master's degree in Library Science from a program accredited by the American Library Association.


• Bilingual language skills.


• Experience working in a unionized environment is preferred.


• Knowledge of principles and practices of public library service in the 21st century.


• Knowledge of strategic planning, change management, and project management principles.


• Thorough knowledge of public library functions and operations.

Screening and Evaluation

The Application Packet

• A completed online application.


• A current resume.


• Attach a cover letter addressing what makes you an excellent candidate for this position.