Senior Librarian

City of San Rafael; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Paid vacation leave

Sick leave

Job summary

The City of San Rafael Library is seeking a full-time Senior Librarian in Branch Services to oversee branch operations, guide program development, and ensure high-quality reference and readers advisory services. This role focuses on youth, adults, and diverse communities, with emphasis on outreach and marketing of library programs.

The ideal candidate will have a master’s in library science and at least four years of public library experience, including supervisory responsibilities, and may be

Qualifications

• Master's degree in library science or equivalent preferred.
• Four years of professional public library experience with at least one year in a lead/supervisory role.
• Ability to communicate effectively in Spanish, Vietnamese, ASL, or other community languages is desired.

Responsibilities

• Oversee a major unit within the library system, such as branch services.
• Supervise and train subordinate staff; conduct performance evaluations.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate library programs, events, and services.
• Lead recruitment and training of staff, volunteers, and temporary staff.
• Enforce library guidelines to ensure a safe, welcoming environment.

Skills

Staff supervision

Leadership

Program development

Community liaison

Education

Master's in library science

Job description

The City of San Rafael is a charter city founded in 1913. The mission of the City is to enhance the quality of life and to provide for a safe, healthy, prosperous and livable environment in partnership with the community. The City has a staff of 441 regular FTEemployees and an annual budget of $172million. City departments include the City Manager’s Office, Management Services, Finance, Community Development, Community Services, Fire, Library, Police, and Public Works. Click here to watch a short video and learn more about the City of San Rafael.

The City of San Rafaelwas voted one of the2022 Best Places to Work in local government by ELGL, a nationally recognized organization.The City was recognizedfor our cross-departmental work that is key to advancing community programs and projects. Employees from all departments worked together, allowing us to break down silos, and model our culture initiative, Together San Rafael .

A strong emphasis on innovation, equity, and a commitment to our employees are a vital part of creating a wonderful community and for the trust we instill and have for providing ongoing learning opportunities to all staff are just some of the perks that make San Rafael the Best Place to Work.

Non-Discrimination Policy
The City of San Rafael values a diverse, inclusive workforce and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.
In accordance with the Immigration Reform and Control Act, all potential employees are required to provide proof and/or be verified of U.S. Citizenship or authorization to work in the United States.
Disaster Service Workers
California Government Code Title I, Sections 3100 - 3109, declare all public employees to be Disaster Service Workers, subject to such disaster service activities as may be assigned to them by their superiors or by law. More information can be found here .
Reasonable Accommodation
The City of San Rafael will make reasonable accommodations at any phase of the application and interview process, to accommodate persons with disabilities. If you have a disability for which you require an accommodation, please advise Human Resources upon submittal of your application. For examination accommodations, please contact Human Resources at least seven (7) calendar days before the test date, at [phone].

Apply by Friday, September 11, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.

THE CITYis focused on enhancing our community members’ quality of life through well-designed services and a positive workplace culture. San Rafael is the economic and cultural heart of Marin County, and its high quality of life is centered on its commercial districts, engaged neighborhoods, active lifestyle, and natural environment. San Rafael, with a population of approximately 60,000, is a full-service city with a City Council/City Manager form of government with 12 departments, more than 400 employees, and a fiscal year 2025-2026annual budget of approximately $193million. The City’s vision is to be a vibrant economic and cultural center reflective of its diversity. The City Council is engaged and seeks to strengthen the urban and commercial areas as well as sustain the beautiful natural environment.

San Rafael’s Organizational culture framework is an initiative called“Together San Rafael.” City employees are our greatest asset, and we seek talented individuals with diverse backgrounds who are creative, curious, and excited about a challenge. We are a results-driven team focused on the needs of community members. TheTogether San Rafael initiative is focusedon modernizing City services and increasing the engagement of employees. This initiative recognizes the interconnectedness of the customer and employee experience.

ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT

The Library and Recreation Department is comprised of two divisions, Library and Recreation & Childcare, that are dedicated to enhancing the quality of life of San Rafael residents.

The Library Division operates with a $5.4 million dollar budget and 22 full-time employees in fiscal year 2026/2027. The San Rafael Public Library consists of three branches, Downtown, Pickleweed, and Northgate, and is part of the MARINet consortium. Exciting projects include a $2 million dollar renovation of the Pickleweed branch. Additionally, the City is planning a new, joint Library and Community Center at Albert Park while also focusing on operational improvements and championing innovative library programs and services.

THE POSITION

The Library is seeking a full-time Senior Librarian in Branch Services. This position is responsible for a full-range of complex librarian duties including classification; cataloging; reference; readers advisory; collection development; program planning, development, and evaluation; outreach and marketing; and service to specialized populations including youth, adults, and/or non-English speaking individuals.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES (including but not limited to - view the full job specHERE)

• Oversee a major unit within the library system, such as branch services.
• Supervise and train assigned subordinate staff; assign, schedule and review staff work, and write performance evaluations for professional and paraprofessional staff; instruct employees in new or existing policies, procedures, and regulations; conduct on-the-job training.
• Provide direction, training, and support to staff in one or more of the following areas: collection development, programs and services, events, outreach, and marketing.
• Lead the recruitment and training of professional and paraprofessional staff, volunteers, and various temporary staff classifications.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate library programs, events, volunteers and services.
• Support and provide content for the development of marketing strategies.
• Assist with the administration and organization of core library services, planning, organizing, and coordinating library-wide activities.
• Enforce library guidelines and policies to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all library visitors.

IDEAL CANDIDATE

The Branch Services Senior Librarian is an experienced public library professional and collaborative leader who is passionate about delivering exceptional library services and fostering an inclusive, welcoming environment for all community members. As the Senior Librarian who will be overseeing the Pickleweed and Northgate libraries, they are skilled at assessing community needs and developing innovative services, collections, and programs that support lifelong learning and reflect the diverse interests of the population they serve. The ideal candidate is bilingual in Spanish and English and is committed to building strong relationships with the diverse communities served by both library branches.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Any combination equivalent to education and experience that would most likely provide the required knowledge and abilities would be qualifying. A typical way to obtain the knowledge and abilities would be:

• Equivalent to a master's degree in library science, library and information services, or similar curriculum, issued by a college or university accredited by the American Library Association is preferred.
• Progressively responsible related experience may be substituted for the college coursework ona year-for-year basis.
• Ability to communicate effectively in Spanish, Vietnamese, ASL, or other community languages is desired, and may be required for some assignments, AND
• At least four years of professional experience in a public library setting, including at least one year in a lead/supervisory role.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License with a satisfactory driving record is desirable.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This position is a regular position of the City’s SEIU Local 1021 employee group and is eligible to receive benefits including but not limited to:

• MEDICAL | City group health coverage, with the City paying a fixed dollar amount toward the cost of the monthly insurance premium: Employee only: $998.00 | Employee plus one: $1,995.00 | Family: $2,520.00
• DENTAL | Premium fully paid for employee plus eligible dependents.
• VISION | Premium fully paid for employee.
• VACATION LEAVE | 10 days annually, increases after 3 years of service
• SICK LEAVE | 12 days annually
• HOLIDAYS | 12 paid City holidays plus 1 floating holiday per year
• BEREAVEMENT LEAVE | Up to 5 days paid leave
• PAID PARENTAL LEAVE (if eligible) | Up to 300 hours paid leave. SEIU employees also contribute to State Disability Insurance (SDI)
• END OF LIFE CARE LEAVE | Up to 80 hours paid leave
• LIFE INSURANCE & AD&D | $20,000 Life policy and $20,000 AD&D policy
• LONG TERM DISABILITY | 66.67% of salary, up to $1,000 per month
• Tier 2 - hired on or after 7/1/2011: 2% @ 55, Average of 3 highest years
• Tier 3 PEPRA - hired on or after 1/1/2013: 2% @ 62, Average of 3 highest years
• GYM MEMBERSHIP REIMBURSEMENT | Up to $198 per year
• BILINGUAL PAY (if eligible) | Up to $250 per month

Special Instructions

APPLICATION DEADLINE: Apply by Friday, September 11 ,2026, at 5:00p.m.

Tuesday, September 22nd - First panel interviews

It is recommended to plan your schedule accordingly.