Library Director

City of Rapid City; Rapid City (SD); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Rapid City is seeking an experienced Library Director to lead the planning, development, and administration of the Rapid City Public Library. The role emphasizes equitable access, long-term stewardship, and strong community engagement to support literacy and lifelong learning.

The Director will oversee facilities, collections, digital services, and programs, and will serve as a key advisor to the Library Board, Mayor, and City Council.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s degree preferred.
• Ten years of progressively responsible library administration experience, including seven years in leadership.
• Valid SD driver’s license or ability to obtain within 30 days from date of hire.
• Grade 1 Library Director certification from the SD State Library preferred.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience managing budgets and organizational strategy at a department or division level.
• Comprehensive knowledge of public library operations, digital services, community engagement, and emerging technologies.

Responsibilities

• Oversees planning, development, and evaluation of facilities, collections, digital resources, technology-based services, and community programs.
• Leads, motivates, and develops team members; fosters accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Serves as primary advisor to Library Board, Mayor, City Council, and department heads on operations and trends.
• Develops and implements long-term strategic plans, goals, and priorities for Library Board consideration.
• Administers the library’s annual budget, ensuring fiscal accountability and compliance with city policies.
• Enforces library policies and best practices for regulatory compliance and operational effectiveness.
• Directs research, statistics, and analysis of service trends; evaluates service models for improvement.
• Builds and maintains relationships with government agencies, partners, and volunteers to expand impact.
• Coordinates public awareness, programming priorities, and communication strategies with stakeholders.
• Represents the library in City Council and other bodies to advocate for needs and standards.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Public administration

Communication

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic planning

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Library Science / Public Administration / Business Administration

Master’s degree preferred

Tools

Library management systems

Policy development tools

Job description

This job description outlines the general nature and level of work performed. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.

Location: Rapid City, SD

Job Summary: This position is a key member of the City’s executive leadership team, responsible for directing the planning, development, and administration of the Rapid City Public Library. This role ensures high-quality, equitable access to library services, long-term stewardship of library assets, and strong community engagement that supports literacy, lifelong learning, and residents’ quality of life.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Oversees the planning, development, and evaluation of library facilities, collections, digital resources, technology-based services, and community programs to ensure modern, accessible, and responsive library operations.
• Leads, motivates, and develops team members while fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Serves as the primary advisor to the Library Board, Mayor, City Council, and City department heads on library operations, policy matters, community needs, and emerging trends.
• Develops and implements long-term strategic plans, goals, and service priorities for Library Board consideration and approval.
• Develops and administers the library’s annual budget, ensuring fiscal accountability, resource optimization, and compliance with City financial policies and appropriations.
• Develops and enforces library policies, procedures, and best practices to ensure regulatory compliance and operational effectiveness.
• Directs research, statistical reporting, and analysis of service trends. Evaluates digital and traditional service models to guide innovation and improvement.
• Builds and maintains positive relationships with government agencies, community groups, the Library Foundation, volunteers, professional organizations, and other partners to strengthen library services and expand community impact.
• Coordinates public awareness efforts, programming priorities, and communication strategies with the Library Board, staff, community agencies, and municipal partners to support consistent, effective public engagement.
• Represents the library in interactions with City Council, the County Commission, advisory boards, committees, and professional organizations to advocate for library needs and advance professional standards.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Library Science, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field required. Master’s degree preferred.
• Ten years of progressively responsible experience in library administration, public administration, or related area required, including seven years of leadership or management experience.
• Must possess a valid South Dakota driver's license or ability to obtain within 30 days from date of hire.
• Grade 1 Library Director certification from the South Dakota State Library preferred.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience managing budgets, leading organizational strategy, and overseeing complex operations at a department or division level required.
• Comprehensive knowledge of public library operations, collections, programming, digital services, community engagement, and emerging technologies that support modern and accessible library services.
• The noise level in the work environment is typically quiet.
• Regularly required to sit; use hands to handle or feel objects; and communicate clearly by talking and hearing.
• Occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms.
• Requires close vision abilities necessary for reading, computer work, and detailed tasks.
• Must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.