Deputy Director Library Information Service Jobs

Introduction The Pamunkey Regional Library is seeking an experienced, forward-thinking library leader to serve as Deputy Director and play a key role in the leadership and day-to-day operations of our regional library system. Reporting directly to the Library Director, the Deputy Director serves as a senior operational leader for the organization, helping translate strategic direction into action across seven library locations serving Hanover and Goochland Counties and the Town of Ashland. This position is ideal for an experienced public library administrator who understands how to coordinate people, resources, projects, and priorities across a complex organization.

The Deputy Director will work closely with the Library Director in a chief-of-staff-style capacity-anticipating organizational needs, identifying challenges before they escalate, coordinating cross-departmental initiatives, and ensuring leadership priorities move forward. The successful candidate will be a strong systems thinker and problem solver who can take high-level direction and develop clear, actionable plans for implementation. This role requires a visible, collaborative leader who is comfortable working across library locations, supporting managers and staff, coordinating complex operational workflows, and building strong relationships with community and local government partners.

The Deputy Director will help strengthen consistency across the library system while maintaining a strong focus on customer service, staff support, organizational effectiveness, and the evolving needs of the communities we serve. We are looking for a leader who is resourceful, approachable, and ready to help move the Pamunkey Regional Library forward. For the right candidate, this is an opportunity to have a meaningful impact on the operations, services, and future direction of a growing regional public library system.

About This Role The Deputy Director serves as a key member of the Pamunkey Regional Library leadership team and is responsible for providing direct leadership and oversight of the Library's public service operations. This position directly oversees PRL's Branch Managers and works closely with them to ensure strong, consistent, and customer-focused library services across all seven library locations. A major focus of this role is supporting Branch Managers as leaders within their locations.

The Deputy Director will provide guidance, coaching, and accountability while helping managers navigate staffing, service, operational, and customer concerns. The Deputy Director will regularly visit library locations, build strong relationships with staff, and work to identify and address operational challenges before they impact library services. Beyond branch operations, the Deputy Director will coordinate major systemwide projects and initiatives that require collaboration across departments and locations.

Working closely with the Library Director and other members of the Library Leadership Team, this position will help turn organizational priorities into actionable plans, coordinate staff and resources, establish timelines, and ensure projects continue moving forward. The Deputy Director will also play an important role in strengthening public services throughout PRL by evaluating service practices, improving consistency between locations, and helping develop procedures and best practices that support an exceptional customer experience. This position requires someone who can see the larger organizational picture while also understanding the day-to-day realities of operating busy public library locations.

The successful candidate will be a visible, approachable, and solutions-focused leader who enjoys working with people, coordinating complex operations, and helping teams succeed. This is a hands-on leadership role for someone who can balance daily operational needs with long-term organizational priorities and help move the Pamunkey Regional Library forward. Minimum Requirements Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in library and information science, public administration, business administration, organizational leadership, management, or a related field.

A Master's degree in Library and/or Information Science from an American Library Association (ALA)-accredited program is preferred. A combination of relevant education, professional training, and progressively responsible work experience may be substituted for specific educational requirements. Five years of progressively responsible professional experience in administration, operations, organizational leadership, or public service management.

Experience within a medium-to-large public library system or similarly complex, multi-location organization is preferred. At least four years of management or supervisory experience demonstrating the ability to lead staff and managers, coordinate cross-departmental work, oversee complex operations, manage major projects, and support organizational alignment. Demonstrated experience translating executive or organizational priorities into actionable plans, coordinating staff and resources, anticipating operational challenges, and resolving issues before they escalate.

An equivalent combination of education, training, and experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to successfully perform the essential functions of the position may be considered. Preferences PRL is seeking a dynamic and highly engaged library professional who brings energy, confidence, and a forward-looking approach to organizational leadership. The ideal candidate is comfortable making decisions, providing clear direction, and serving as a visible presence throughout the library system.

The preferred candidate enjoys building relationships and is equally comfortable working with library staff, local government leaders, community organizations, and members of the public. They are eager to be present in the communities PRL serves, develop new partnerships, represent the Library at meetings and community events, and confidently communicate the value and impact of public library services. This individual will bring new ideas and a willingness to challenge traditional approaches when opportunities exist to improve services, operations, or the customer experience.

They can see opportunities for the future, inspire others around new initiatives, and help move ideas from conversation to implementation. The successful candidate will be approachable, collaborative, and highly communicative while also being comfortable setting expectations and holding teams accountable. We are looking for someone who wants to be actively involved, build connections, solve problems, and work alongside the Library Director and leadership team to help shape the next chapter of the Pamunkey Regional Library.

Pamunkey Regional Library is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Library will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer. SEE YOURSELF HERE!.