Library Services Director Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Salary: $11,567.00 - $14,763.00 Monthly
Location : Salinas Public Libraries, CA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 26-00755
Department: Library & Community Services
Division: Library Administration
Opening Date: 06/29/2026
Closing Date: Continuous
The Library & Community Services Department invites qualified professionals to apply for Deputy Director of Library & Community Services. This recruitment will be used to fill a vacancy in the Library Services Division. This position is integral to providing professional support to the Library & Community Services Director, while advancing the department's mission within the Library Services Division. Candidates who are committed to the City of Salinas values of accountability, collaboration, trust, innovation, and service excellence are encouraged to apply. This recruitment is open until filled and may close at any time.
Recruitment contact: Maria Avila, Senior Human Resources Analyst, , (831)758-7231
Summary of Duties: Under general direction, assists, plans, manages, oversees, and directs the day-to-day operations, programs, and services of assigned divisions or programs in the Library and Community Services Department, including parks, neighborhood services, recreation programming, special events, facility rentals, youth and family programs, social services, contract classes, library services, and customer service; oversees and manages contracts and ensures compliance with all funding initiatives, coordinates activities with City officials, departments, outside agencies, contractors, organizations, and the public.
Distinguishing Characteristics: This is a management level classification responsible for providing professional support to the Library and Community Services Director in several administrative and operations functional areas. Successful performance of the work requires an extensive professional background as well as skill in coordinating departmental work with that of other city departments, public agencies, community groups, and other organizations. Incumbents are responsible for performing diverse, specialized, and complex work involving significant accountability and decision-making responsibilities which include developing and implementing policies, procedures, and recommendations for assigned programs, budget administration and reporting. Performance of the work requires the use of considerable independence, initiative, and discretion within broad guidelines.
Supervision Received and Exercised: Receives general direction from the Library and Community Services Director. Exercises supervision over management, supervisory, professional, technical, skilled, administrative, and clerical support and volunteers through subordinate levels of supervision.
Essential Job Functions

1. Assumes management responsibility for major library, recreation, parks, and neighborhood programs, facilities, community events, and activities
2. Oversees and directs the daily operations of divisions, library and recreation services, youth sports, special events, senior programs, social services, arts and cultural programs, coordinates with other City departments and outside agencies on special projects
3. Manages and coordinates Citywide special events, including receptions, ground breakings, dedications, etc., with other City departments and external agencies; directs staff assigned to events and projects.
4. Develops, implements and coordinates divisional goals and objectives, policies and procedures; evaluates the operations and activities of the Department; assists with the formulation of goals, objectives, and priorities
5. Participates in the implementation and coordination of the library, parks, and neighborhood services programs and operations
6. Assists in the preparation, planning, and development of the annual operating budget and Capital Improvement projects for the entire Department and prepares and monitors division budgets
7. Researches, prepares, and submits grant proposals, required applications for funding opportunities to meet public needs and improve program services
8. Conducts a variety of operational surveys and organizational and operation studies; recommends modification to Library and Community Services programs, policies, procedures, and technology as appropriate
9. Selects, trains, motivates, and evaluates assigned personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline and termination procedures
10. Responds to public inquiries and requests related to library, parks, recreation, and neighborhood services
11. Responsible for the preparation and agenda management for the division and program area Commission and Committee meetings
12. Regularly attends City Council and Commission/Committee meetings and serves as a liaison as directed by the Library and Community Services Director
13. Coordinates public art projects including preparation of Request for Proposals (RFP), receiving, reviewing, evaluating and awarding bids
14. Prepares RFPs for professional services relating to master plans, grants, and other consultant work
15. Oversees facility and building maintenance; oversees development, planning, design, and implementation of Library, park or recreation facility renovation projects as assigned.
16. Promotes and publicizes community services programs, events and activities; prepares, proofs and approves press releases, brochures, digital content, and other marketing and promotional materials
17. Prepares written reports regarding operations, personnel, budget, statistics, grant reporting and a variety of other subjects
18. Coordinates with other management staff to meet the overall goals and objectives of the City
19. Ensures staff observe and comply with all City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols
20. Transports self to worksites or facilities as needed for meetings, special events, or to address emergent matters
21. Serves as acting Director in his/her absence
22. Performs other duties as assigned

When assigned to Library Services:

1. Represents the Library Division to and coordinates assigned activities with other departments, elected officials, and outside agencies; participates in community meetings and conferences as the representative of the Salinas Libraries; serves as staff liaison to the Friends of the Salinas Public Libraries; explains Library programs, policies, and activities; negotiates and resolves sensitive and controversial issues
2. Provides excellent customer service; develops strategies and training needed to ensure customer complaints and requests are handled timely, efficiently, and professionally.
3. Receives, investigates, and responds to difficult and sensitive problems and complaints in a professional manner; identifies and reports findings and takes necessary corrective action
4. Participates on a variety of boards and commissions; attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of Library Science.
5. Responds to emergency calls from staff during after-hours operations, activities, and/or special events

When assigned to Parks, Recreation and Community Services:

1. Represents Parks, Recreation and Community Services Division to and coordinates assigned activities with other departments, elected officials, and outside agencies; participates in community meetings and conferences as the representative of the Salinas Parks, Recreation and Community Services; Serves as a liaison for assigned Division with other City departments, division, and outside agencies; provides staff support to commissions, committees and task forces as necessary
2. Manages work related to developing, monitoring, and coordinating the maintenance, repair, and development of City recreation buildings and facilities based on community needs; develops and facilities long-range plans utilizing studies of local conditions and future community projections
3. Coordinates reviews, and participates in a variety of project activities; researches, compiles, reviews, and analyzes data for special projects, as well as ensures projects progress on schedule and within prescribed budget and required City guidelines; manages the preparation of forecasts for recreation fees and charges, revenue sources, and expenditures; contributes to sound financial planning
4. Responds to emergency calls from staff during after-hours operations, activities, and/or special events

Minimum Qualifications
Knowledge of:

• Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting, program development, implementation, and evaluation, and supervision of staff
• Public agency budgetary, contract, administration, administrative practices, and general principles of risk management related to the functions of the assigned area
• Organizational and management practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation of projects, programs, policies, procedures, and operational needs; principles and practices of municipal government administration
• Modern principles, practices and philosophies for overseeing parks, recreation, and library services programs and staff
• Budget preparation and administration; principles and practices of office management
• Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations
• Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, review and evaluation, and the training of staff in work procedures
• Modern office practices, methods, computer equipment and applications related to assigned programs
• Techniques for effectively representing the City in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, educational, regulatory, and legislative organizations
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors and City staff

Ability to:

• Recommend and implement goals, objectives, and practices for providing effective and efficient parks, recreation and library services
• Plan, organize, and direct effective parks, recreation and library services and programs
• Prepare and administer large and complex budgets; allocate limited resources in a cost-effective manner
• Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with Federal, State, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations, technical written material, department operations policies and procedures
• Plan, organize, direct, and coordinate the work of supervisory, professional, technical, skilled, and support staff
• Select, train, motivate, and evaluate the work of staff and train staff in work procedures
• Effectively administer special projects with contractual agreements and ensure compliance with stipulations
• Conduct effective negotiations and effectively represent the City and the department in meetings with governmental agencies, contractors, vendors, and various businesses, professional, regulatory, and legislative organizations
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and written material
• Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines
• Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and specialized software application programs
• Transport self to worksites, facilities, offsite meetings and events
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.

Education: A Bachelor's degree in public administration, recreation administration, library science, or related field is required.
Experience: Six (6) years of responsible professional administrative experience, including three (3) years as a manager in library services, recreation, or parks, with four (4) years of personnel supervision, as well as administrative, and program planning work; preferably with a governmental agency.
Licenses and Certifications: Avalid California Driver's License.
Supplemental Information
Primarily business office working environment subject to sitting at a desk or standing at a counter for long periods of time, bending, crouching, or kneeling at files, pushing/pulling of file drawers and supplies, reaching in all directions and prolonged periods of time working at a computer terminal. Occasional fieldwork required related to outside agency meetings, outdoor recreational activities and maintenance functions. Some driving required to attend out-of-town training, meetings, and to visit various centers/sites within the City.
This position may be exposed to inclement weather conditions at special events and will be required to work weekend and/or evening hours on an occasional basis.
Employee must complete SB 1343 Sexual Harassment Prevention Training within six months of appointment and every two years thereafter.
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills which may be required.
Veteran's Preference: A veteran is defined in accordance with California Government Code 18540.4. In order to exercise this preference, the veteran must submit the and provide a copy of the DD-214 form at time of application as proof of military status. Failure to submit the required forms will be deemed a waiver of veteran's preference. Military veterans shall be given preference in initial appointment to City service. Further details can be obtained from the Human Resources Department, at 831-758-7254.
Public Employee Disaster Service Worker: In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, all City of Salinas employees are required to perform assigned disaster service worker duties in the event of an emergency or a disaster.
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