Chief of Branches (0952 - Deputy Director II) - San Francisco Public Library

Company Description

Department: San Francisco Public Library
Job class: 0952 Deputy Director
Starting salary range: $161,382.00 - $205,972.00 (Range A)
Role type: Permanent Exempt What does this mean?
Hours: Full-time

Application Opening: August 7, 2026

Application Deadline: Applicants are encouraged to apply immediately as this recruitment may close at any time, but no earlier than Friday, September 4, 2026. This recruitment will remain open until filled.

About San Francisco Public Library 

The San Francisco Public Library (SFPL) connects our diverse communities to learning, opportunities, and each other. The library system includes the architecturally significant Main Library, an anchor institution in the city's Civic Center, 27 neighborhood branch libraries that serve all neighborhoods throughout the city, two administrative buildings and four bookmobiles. With a collection of more than 5 million items, and circulation exceeding 14.5 million each year, SFPL serves more than 4.5 million visitors annually. 

The library embraces its role as the most democratic of institutions, providing safe and welcoming facilities for all. Through a robust array of services and programs, the library is dedicated to advancing literacy and learning, serving as a cultural amplifier, acting as a catalyst for community engagement, guiding patrons as a thoughtful navigator, and providing essential resources to support healthy, equitable communities. For more information about SFPL, please visit www.sfpl.org.  

SFPL Statement on Racial Equity:

SFPL must build a culture, space and workplace that is accessible and welcoming to all current and future employees and to actively build an environment in which all people regardless of background, identity, or ability, can be equal participants. In this way, our staff at all organizational levels can reflect the communities we serve. A safe, equitable public library is an actively anti-racist public library. Creating an inclusive public library means aligning with the lived realities of people of color. SFPL is committed to advancing racial equity for our workforce and community, and will actively engage in anti-racist practice programs, and collection development in carrying out the Library's mission. 

Why work at SFPL? 

Watch these videos where employees share personal stories and what they love about their work at San Francisco Public Library: Why I Work Here...SFPL

Learn more about career opportunities at Exploring Careers | San Francisco Public Library

Job Description

Position Overview

The Chief of Branches is a high-level executive position responsible for the strategic leadership, operational oversight, and management of the San Francisco Public Library’s Branch Library Division, which encompasses 27 neighborhood libraries and approximately 400 staff. Under the supervision of the Chief of Public Services (CPS), this role ensures optimal resource allocation, budget management, and policy implementation across all branches. A primary focus of this position is community-centric leadership—driving the development of specialized, innovative library services that meet the diverse needs of San Francisco’s unique neighborhoods by actively building coalitions with local organizations and constituencies.

The Role 

As a key member of the executive leadership team, the Chief of Branches provides strategic direction and administrative management for the Branch Library Division, the system's largest division encompassing 27 neighborhood libraries and approximately 400 branch staff. Under the supervision of the Chief of Public Services (CPS), the Chief of Branches collaborates closely with the City Librarian, Chief Operating Officer (COO), and other Division Chiefs to oversee system-wide planning, policy implementation, and forward-thinking innovations.

As the Chief of Branches, this role carries full operational responsibility for managing the division’s operating budget, analyzing emerging trends, directing personnel assignments, and providing direct supervision to the Assistant Chief of Branches, a 3618