About Our Job

The Chief of Public Services provides executive-level leadership in the planning, evaluation, and direction of library operations and public services. In this capacity, you will manage multiple divisions within a large municipal agency, advocating for divisional interests with a steadfast commitment to the delivery of superior customer service. You will collaborate closely with the City Librarian to articulate and implement a strategic vision that prioritizes equity, inclusion, and comprehensive community access.

Our next Chief of Public Services will oversee complex operational budgets, directing performance through department-level key performance indicators (KPIs), and establishing rigorous standards for divisional excellence. You will serve as a primary consultant for elected officials and community stakeholders while providing mentorship to a high-level team of division Directors, ensuring the organization is positioned for long-term success. 

• Develops, articulates, and implements a strategic vision for public services that promotes equity, inclusion, and broad community access across all library locations and service points. 

• Ensures the organizational structure, staff assignments, service levels and administrative systems accomplish the library’s mission and objectives in an effective and efficient manner; directs the identification and analysis of opportunities for service enhancements. 

• Oversee a network of branch libraries across a large urban area, which involves strategic oversight of organizations and facilities to include ensuring continuity of library materials and services for diverse communities. 

• Works with the public services division leadership team to develop and establish standards, procedures, systems and guidelines for the divisional areas of responsibility. 

• Provides expertise and consultative guidance to internal and external stakeholders which may include elected and appointed officials, citizens, and members of the business community. 

• Provide direct supervision, mentorship, and professional development to a team of division Directors and/or other high-level managers within the public services structure. 

• Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with community organizations, government agencies, and other external organizations to expand the library's reach and impact. 

• Oversee the financial operations of the public services division to include resource allocation in support of short-term and long-range strategic planning initiatives. 

• Anticipate and respond to evolving community needs, leveraging data and customer feedback to drive service innovation and continuous improvement.

What You Would Bring

Our ideal candidate is a sophisticated operational leader who possesses the following experience, skills, and characteristics:

• A proven ability to translate complex visions into actionable divisional priorities that promote equity and broad community access.

• Ability to oversee complex administrative systems to ensure the library’s mission is met with efficiency and integrity.

• Ability to maintain fiscal accountability across multiple divisions while achieving organizational goals.

• Ability to build and maintain relationships with community organizations, government agencies, and elected officials. You can navigate political processes with professional diplomacy to gain agreement and commitment from diverse groups.

• Possess a comprehensive understanding of EDI principles and how to identify and remove barriers to community access.

• Ability to maintain operational continuity during city-wide emergencies or significant organizational shifts.

• Ability to develop talent, providing clear direction and empowering high-level managers to build a robust leadership pipeline.

Minimum Qualifications

• Master's degree in Library Science or Public Administration from an accredited college.

• Six (6) years of leadership experience, which must have included at least three (3) years of director-level management responsibilities.

Preferred Qualifications

• Executive leadership experience within a large, multi-site urban public library system.

• Experience with budget and fiscal oversight responsibility, evaluation of business processes, and polic