Library Services Manager Job at City of Sunnyvale in Sunnyvale

LIBRARY SERVICES MANAGER

Regular Full‑Time Employment Opportunity

The City of Sunnyvale is seeking a Library Services Manager for the Lakewood Branch Library at the Sunnyvale Public Library. Under the general direction of the Deputy Director of Library Services, the manager will develop, implement, and evaluate public services at the Lakewood Branch Library and Learning Center with a focus on community engagement, access, equity, and innovation. They will provide strong leadership for adults, children, technology, and outreach to deliver services, programs and resources in response to community needs, and will manage a multifaceted team of full‑ and part‑time librarians and support staff.

The Library Services Manager is a coach, mentor, and guide with proven skills in leading people and managing programs and budgets. They will be a highly collaborative, motivated and customer‑focused individual with excellent communication skills. The ideal candidate will want to be part of a dynamic leadership team, a risk‑taker, solve problems with a growth mindset, and promote new initiatives in Sunnyvale’s first‑ever branch library facility. They will have experience in at least one or more major public library functional areas and the ability to apply their skills across all ages, community and operational needs. Previous experience demonstrating successful collaboration with school and community partners, and bilingual skills are valued.

In addition to the responsibilities that support daily operations, the Library Services Manager works occasionally on nights and weekends to support library programs and services.

City of Sunnyvale offers:

• City paid 2% contribution to a deferred compensation plan
• Classic CalPERS members have 4% of the employee contributions paid by the City, leaving only 3% for the employee to contribute
• Comprehensive City paid medical, dental, and vision benefits
• Excellent Retiree Medical Benefits

Job Summary

Under general direction of the Deputy Director of Library Services, the manager plans, organizes, oversees, coordinates, and manages staff and operations of the Lakewood Branch Library, including adult services, children and teen services, and technical services; participates in the development of policies and strategies for operations, manages resources to improve productivity and customer service, provides support to the Deputy Director in areas of expertise, and performs related duties as assigned.

Supervision

Receives general direction from the Deputy Director of Library Services. Exercises direct supervision over professional, technical, and administrative support staff.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Plan, manage, and oversee the daily functions, operations, and activities of the Lakewood Branch Library
• Participate in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, work plans, policies, and priorities; recommend appropriate service and staffing levels; recommend and administer policies and procedures
• Administer the library budget; determine funding needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; ensure compliance with budgeted funding
• Develop and standardize procedures and methods to improve and continuously monitor the efficiency and effectiveness of programs and service delivery methods; assess and monitor workload, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identify opportunities for improvement
• Select, train, motivate, evaluate assigned personnel; provide or coordinate staff training; collaborate with employees to correct deficiencies; recommend and implement discipline and termination procedures
• Perform project management responsibilities; develop logical and efficient project plans; establish priorities; monitor and manage task completion; anticipate and avoid problems; work collaboratively with team members and user groups to ensure project accountability
• Develop and manage requests for proposals for professional and/or contracted services; prepare scope of work and technical specifications; evaluate proposals and recommend award; negotiate and administer contracts
• Collaborate with library support groups, community‑based organizations, vendors, the public, and other stakeholders to implement services, programs, collection development, marketing, and outreach based on municipal priorities
• Research, evaluate, write, and direct the implementation of grants; develop budgets; monitor and report, ensuring grant requirements are met; interact with grant monitors
• Manage library technology projects; coordinate communication between City IT staff and other impacted departments and vendors
• Serve as liaison with other City departments, divisions, and outside agencies; provide staff support to commissions, committees, and task forces
• Provide complex staff assistance to the Deputy Director; prepare and present staff reports and other written materials; supervise the establishment and maintenance of official division files; ensure proper documentation of operations
• Possess a clear understanding of the City Council Work Plan and how the division contributes to it
• Review staff work to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local laws, codes, and regulations
• Represent the City in meetings with public and private organizations, contractors, and the public
• Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of contemporary trends and innovations in public library services
• Monitor changes in regulations and technology; implement policy and procedural changes after approval
• De‑escalate patron situations, answer questions, provide information; investigate and respond to complaints and inquiries from residents, other departments, and agencies
• Ensure staff observe and comply with all City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols
• Perform other duties as assigned

Working Conditions

Physical Demands: Primarily sedentary office work with occasional standing and walking between work areas; finger dexterity required for computer use; occasional lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling up to 25 pounds; occasional participation in special events requiring mobility on uneven or slippery surfaces. Some requirements may be accommodated for qualified individuals.

Environmental Conditions: Office environment with moderate noise levels and controlled temperature; moderate exposure to public and occasional interaction with upset staff or patrons.

Education and Experience

Minimum qualifications: four (4) years of professional public library experience, including prior experience in a lead or supervisory capacity; and a master’s degree in library and information science or a similar field from an ALA‑accredited institution.

Knowledge

• Organization and management practices for program, policy, and operational needs of a library
• Employee supervision including planning, evaluation, discipline, and training
• Leadership principles and practices
• Administrative principles, practices, and methods for program development, policy, quality control, and work standards
• Team interaction and group work principles
• Budget development and administration
• Contract administration and management
• Risk management principles
• Modern public library organization, materials, operations, and services
• Library automation systems
• Collection development practices
• Research methods and techniques
• Current developments in library operations
• Technical and administrative report preparation and business correspondence
• Applicable federal, state, and local laws, codes, regulations, industry standards, and best practices
• City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols
• Customer service techniques for public, vendors, contractors, and City staff
• English language structure, composition, and grammar
• Modern communication tools and software for business functions and project coordination

Ability to

• Select and supervise staff, provide training and development, and evaluate performance objectively
• Develop and implement goals, objectives, and work standards
• Provide administrative, management, and professional leadership for the division
• Prepare and administer complex budgets; allocate resources cost‑effectively
• Analyze, evaluate, and choose library materials appropriate to all levels
• Research and provide answers to advanced reference questions
• Stay abreast of professional issues and developments
• Perform quick and accurate mathematical calculations
• Research, analyze, and evaluate new service delivery methods and techniques
• Supervise filing, record‑keeping, and tracking systems
• Interpret and apply laws, codes, regulations, policies, and standards relevant to work
• Represent the division and City in meetings with governmental agencies, community groups, and the public
• Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, and documentation
• Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within policy guidelines
• Organize work, set priorities, meet deadlines, and follow up on assignments
• Communicate clearly, orally and in writing, using correct English grammar and syntax
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with stakeholders
• Effectively use computer systems, software, and modern equipment to perform work tasks

Licenses / Certificates

• Valid class C California driver’s license or alternative approved transportation; maintain a safe driving record

APPLICATION PROCESS

The application period closes on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at 5:00 pm. Postmarks or faxes are not accepted. Candidates are asked to fully describe any training, education, experience, or skills relevant to the position. Electronic applications may be submitted online through the City’s employment page at https://sunnyvale.ca.gov and clicking on "City Jobs". Late or incomplete applications will not be accepted.

EXAM PROCESS

Applications will be competitively screened based on the minimum qualifications. Selected candidates will be invited to participate in an oral examination scheduled for Thursday, January 15, 2025. The examination process may be changed as deemed necessary by the Director of Human Resources.

SELECTION PROCESS

Those who receive a passing score will be placed on an eligibility list for up to one year in accordance with the City’s Civil Service Rules and Administrative Policies. Top candidates will be invited to a selection interview tentatively scheduled for the week of January 26, 2025.

POST‑EMPL. REQUIREMENTS

Selected candidates must successfully complete a pre‑employment process, including a background check, medical examinations, and a fingerprinted conviction history check. Positions covered by Department of Transportation regulations require a pre‑employment drug test and random drug/alcohol testing.

PROOF OF EDUCATION

Successful candidates must submit proof of education (diploma or transcripts). Degrees earned outside the United States must be evaluated by a credential evaluation service at the candidate’s expense.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Positions in this classification are represented by the Sunnyvale Managers Association (SMA). For assistance on how to fill out the application, watch the following video: How to Apply for a City of Sunnyvale Job – YouTube (5:13).

EEO Statement

The City of Sunnyvale is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The City prohibits discrimination against applicants or employees on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship status, veteran status, marital status, disability, age, and other protected characteristics. Applicants needing special accommodations for testing should submit a request to the Department of Human Resources at the time of application.

The information contained within this announcement may be modified or revoked without notice and does not constitute either an expressed or implied contract.