Library Manager Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

DEFINITION MANAGEMENT OPPORTUNITY FLSA STATUS: Exempt TENTATIVE INTERVIEW DATE: To be determined by the department The City of Stockton Community Services Department (CSD) is seeking a Library Manager to join the Stockton-San Joaquin County Public Library (SSJCPL) and lead assigned branch library operations and systemwide youth services. This position offers a rare opportunity to combine strategic leadership with hands-on operational management. As Library Manager, you will help shape the future of services for youth across the library system while also supporting the day-to-day success of an assigned group of branch libraries.

You'll have the chance to develop innovative programs, mentor talented staff, build partnerships with schools and community organizations, and collaborate closely with Recreation and other CSD teams. This is an exciting opportunity to make a lasting impact both systemwide and in the communities served by our branches. The ideal candidate is an experienced and innovative library leader with a passion for serving children, teens, and families.

They are equally comfortable providing operational support to branch managers and staff as they are developing and implementing systemwide youth services initiatives. We are looking for someone who sees natural opportunities to partner across the department and create memorable experiences for youth and families. The successful candidate will have a strong understanding of public library service, demonstrated experience supervising and mentoring staff, and the ability to balance multiple priorities.

They will be skilled at building partnerships with schools, community organizations, and other City departments, and will be excited to work collaboratively with Recreation to create engaging and impactful opportunities for youth and families. THE COMMUNITY Located in California's great Central Valley, Stockton has grown from a community with rich agricultural roots to an urban destination with a rich arts and culture scene, fine dining, shopping, sports, recreation, and family activities. With a multi-ethnic, multicultural population of over 320,000 residents, Stockton is the 11th-largest city in California.

It is centrally located, 60 miles east of the San Francisco Bay Area and 45 miles south of Sacramento, offering an easy and scenic drive to numerous world-famous attractions such as Lake Tahoe, Yosemite National Park, and the California Coast. In addition, Stockton has many local natural resources, including the San Joaquin Delta. The community has a long tradition of established families who have called Stockton home for generations and many new residents have chosen Stockton as the community in which to live and raise their families.

The City has a number of beautiful residential neighborhoods along waterways and tree-lined streets, and it offers an affordable cost of living with home prices about one-third the price of Bay Area homes. With its comfortable California lifestyle, Stockton is enriched by the pleasures of metropolitan living without the congestion, overcrowding, and expense. Stockton is the seat of San Joaquin County, where wine grapes have recently become one of the leading crops, transforming the region into one of California's premium wine districts.

The robust and thriving Port of Stockton has direct waterway access to the San Francisco Bay and provides domestic and international distribution of dry and bulk cargo, containerized cargo, and steel, handling ships from all over the world. Home to several well-known higher education institutions, including the University of the Pacific, California State University - Stanislaus, Stockton Center, and San Joaquin Delta Community College, Stockton offers a variety of private and vocational schools. Year-round events and activities make Stockton a destination for venues and attractions such as the award-winning Stockton Flavor Fest, Annual Jazz Brubeck Festival, the Haggin Museum, Bob Hope (Fox California) Theatre, Children's Museum, and the Stockton Symphony.

The 10,000-seat multi-purpose, waterfront Stockton Arena is home to the Stockton Kings - the G-League affiliate of the NBA Sacramento Kings. The adjacent 5,000-seat Stockton Banner Island Ballpark, frequently ranked as one of the nation's top minor league ballparks, is home to the Stockton Ports single-A minor league baseball team - affiliate to the major league Oakland Athletics. THE ORGANIZATION The City of Stockton is a full-service, Charter city with a Council/ Manager form of government.

The Mayor is elected citywide, and the six Council members are nominated and elected within their respective districts. The City is one of the largest employers in Stockton, with 1,790 full-time employees and has a FY 2024-2025 annual budget of $955 million. The City Council directly appoints the positions of City Manager, City Attorney, City Auditor, and City Clerk.

All other departments report to the City Manager, including Administrative Services, Human Resources, Community Services (Library and Recreation), Economic Development, Public Works, Information Technology, Municipal Utilities, Fire, Police, and Community Development. Stockton's organizational culture is based on high performance, trust, and collaboration, and the executive management team is characterized by highly skilled, experienced leaders. THE DEPARTMENT The Community Services Department provides programs and services that support healthy, educated, and connected communities across all age groups.

Services are designed to meet diverse community needs, including services for youth, seniors, at-risk populations, and residents with limited resources or language barriers. Recreation - The Recreation Services Division provides programs, facilities, and services that enhance the health, wellness, and quality of life of Stockton residents. Through youth and adult sports, senior services, after-school programs, camps, nutrition programs, and community events, Recreation promotes physical activity, social equity, and community engagement.

The division operates community centers, sports fields, pools, and specialty facilities while working with community partners and volunteers to strengthen neighborhoods and expand access to recreational opportunities citywide. Library Services- The City of Stockton, in partnership with San Joaquin County, operates the Stockton-San Joaquin County Public Library system, a regional multi-branch network that provides educational, literacy, and technology resources to residents throughout the county. The library offers access to books, digital media, research tools, public computers, internet services, workforce and educational resources, and thousands of free community programs each year for children, teens, and adults.

Library services play a critical role in supporting lifelong learning, bridging the digital divide, and strengthening community connections through accessible and welcoming public spaces. The incumbent in this position will work a City of Stockton 9/80 schedule: 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m

Mondays through Thursdays; 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Fridays, with alternating Fridays off

This position is unclassified and is represented by the B&C- Supervisory Level bargaining unit (represented). Only those applicants who best fit the needs of the City will be referred to the hiring department. Applicants who fail to fully complete the online application/supplemental questionnaire or provide the required documentation (proof of education) will be subject to rejection.

Prior to appointment, eligible candidates will be required to submit to and successfully pass a background investigation, which will include fingerprinting. Under direction, assists the Deputy Director of Community Services- City Librarian in administering, coordinating, and supervising the Library System; plans, organizes, supervises, coordinates, reviews, and evaluates the activities of multiple library branches, programs, and services; coordinates and manages all operations of Collection and Technical Services; performs related work as assigned. CLASS CHARACTERISTICS The Library Manager is the management level in the professional Librarian series.

Incumbents are responsible for participating in the library management team and for planning, organizing, coordinating, and supervising an assigned branch, program and/ or service. Primary responsibilities involve developing goals and objectives, administering and monitoring the budget for assigned libraries, collection development, managing physical facilities, directing day-to day activities, and supervising professional, paraprofessional, and support staff. This class is distinguished from the Deputy Director of Community Services- City Librarian in that the latter has overall management responsibilities for the Library Division of the Community Services Department.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES (Illustrative Only) Participates as a member of the library management team and contributes to the development of departmental goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and service standards. Plans, organizes, schedules, supervises, reviews, and evaluates the work of professional, paraprofessional, and support staff. Recommends selection of assigned staff and provides for their training and professional development.

Participates in Library operations, including collection development, public service and community relations, and reference and readers' advisory service. Responsibility for the services and activities of the collection and technical Services of the Library system; participates in defining the goals and policies for the collection of the libraries. Makes studies and recommendations for improved service delivery, capital expenditures, and specialized program development.

Assists in developing budget requirements and monitors expenditures. Provides for facility upkeep and maintenance; has responsibility for security of assigned facilities and/or equipment. Represents the library in the community through participation in community organizations and in meetings with the public, citizen groups, and other agencies; makes presentations to community and outside agencies as required.

Participates in professional association activities, may serve on boards or commission with national or statewide impact; maintains relationships with community groups, organizations, and including, but not limited to, Friends of the Library. May develop bid specifications for materials, equipment or services; and administer assigned contracts. Maintains records and prepares periodic or special reports regarding division activities or related matters.

Participates in developing, updating, and maintaining departmental work procedures and policies; interprets and applies library policies and procedures. Performs other or related duties as assigned. QUALIFICATIONS Education/Experience: Possession of a Master's degree in Library Science from an American Library Association accredited college or university, and two (2) years of lead or supervisory experience as a professional librarian.

Other Requirements: Specified positions may require a valid California driver's license. Must be willing to work evenings and weekends. Knowledge of: Principles and practices of professional library services and administration, including service objectives, organization and procedure; Collection and needs assessment methods; Theory and philosophy of library services; Books, authors, and reference sources in a variety of fields; Principles and practices of employee supervision, including selection, planning, training, work evaluation, and discipline; Information systems, automation, and technology as applied to library activities; Computer user applications pertaining to the work; and Budgetary principles and practices.

Skill in: Planning, organizing, assigning, directing, coordinating, reviewing, and evaluating the work of assigned professional, paraprofessional, technical, and support staff; Selecting and motivating staff and providing for their training and professional development; Analyzing complex administrative problems, evaluating alternatives, and recommending effective courses of action; Assisting in developing, implementing and interpreting goals, objectives, policies, procedures, work standards, and internal controls; Preparing clear and concise reports, correspondence, and outreach and informational items; and Establishing and maintaining an effective working relationship with a variety of individuals and groups, including library staff, patrons, community groups, and service providers, including making verbal presentations. Physical/Mental Abilities: Mobility - Frequent Sitting for a long period of time while operating a keyboard; occasional walking, bending, climbing, kneeling, and twisting; Lifting and Carrying - Occasional lifting of 10 pounds or less; Vision - Constant use of overall visual capabilities; ability to read fine print, produce printed material and information displayed on a visual display terminal; Dexterity -Constant typing, hand use, repetitive motion and writing; frequent grasping, pushing, pulling, occasional reaching; Hearing/Talking - Constant hearing and talking of normal speech in person and on the telephone; occasionally speaking in front of large groups of people; Special Requirements - May require occasional evening, nights and weekend work; Emotional/Psychological - Constant concentration, decision making and public contact; ability to exercise sound judgment, especially under stressful situations; and while working alone; Environmental Conditions - Occasional exposure to indoor cold/heat and outdoor conditions; and Working Conditions- Work primarily performed in an office environment which is typically moderately quiet but may be loud at times; locations may vary. This class specification should not be interpreted as all inclusive.

It is intended to identify the essential functions and requirement of this job. Incumbents may be requested to perform job-related responsibilities and tasks other than those stated in this specification. Any essential function or requirement of this class will be evaluated as necessary should an incumbent/applicant be unable to perform the function or requirement due to a disability as defined by the American with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Reasonable accommodation for the specific disability will be made for the incumbent/applicant when possible. The Process: Only those applicants who best fit the needs of the City will be considered for this career opportunity. Applications and supplemental questionnaires will be reviewed and only the most qualified applicants will be referred to the Community Services Department.

Evidence of a Master's degree (unofficial t...