San Francisco Public Library (SFPL) is dedicated to free and equal access to information, knowledge, independent learning and the joys of reading for our diverse communities. The library system includes the architecturally significant Main Library in the city’s Civic Center, 27 neighborhood branch libraries, two administrative buildings and four bookmobiles. With a collection of more than 3.7 million items, and circulation exceeding 11 million each year, SFPL serves more than 6 million visitors annually. The library system has extraordinary political and fiscal support that mandates an annual funding allocation from the city’s property tax revenues, resulting in a budget of $185 million in FY 23. With a strong budget, SFPL has approximately 900 employees committed to outstanding public service.

San Francisco Public Library 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 workplace is an actively anti-racist workplace. Creating an inclusive workplace means aligning with the lived realities of people of color. Learn more about SFPL Racial Equity Commitment.

Position Description:

Reports to the City Librarian, this Chief of Public Services position is an integral member of the Library’s executive leadership team. This position provides high level administrative support to the City Librarian in planning, evaluating and directing the operations of the department such as the development and implementation of departmental policies and procedures related to all areas of Library operations. The position oversees several divisions within the Library including the Main Library, Branches, Collections & Technical Services, and Community Programs & Partnerships (a total of 560 FTE). In addition to budget development and direct oversight of public service divisions, the Chief of Public Services is responsible for representing the Library externally to City agencies, policy makers and community organizations.

The Chief of Public Services will work as a collaborative partner with the City Librarian and the Chief Operating Officer (COO) to develop and recommend new services and implement changes in organization, methods and procedures for improved public services. This position works closely with the COO to oversee major capital projects including branch renovations, new library construction, and capital enhancements at the Main Library. The Chief of Public Services also participates in proactive Labor/Management meetings to foster positive labor relations and interacts with staff members at all levels on special projects, task forces and library operations. As a key member of the Library’s executive leadership, the Chief of Public Services will be instrumental in leading and contributing innovative initiatives towards realizing the Library’s vision to provide equitable services improving the quality of life for residents and fostering shared experiences for a connected community.

The essential functions of the position include, but are not limited to:

1.     Directs the development and implementation of public service divisions’ goals, policies, and annual work plans; manages the allocation of resources and service levels to meet client needs;

2.     Oversees the operation of public service divisions’ functions, activities and programs; sets objectives and monitors the performance of subordinate staff engaged in defined activities;

3.     Monitors the organizational structure, staff assignments, service levels and administrative systems required to accomplish the San Francisco Public Library’s mission and objectives in an effective and efficient manner; directs the identification and analysis of opportunities for service enhancements;

4.     Consults with the Mayor’s Office, the Board of Supervisors, and other City and County of San Francisco departments’ staff regarding public library service delivery and coordinates with other City departments in addressing service needs; may represent the Department before or provide information to Library Commission and other representatives from federal, state and local agencies, community-based organizations, and the media;

5.     Directs the development and implementation of the operational budget; monitors expenditures to ensure adherence to the approved budget;

6.     Works collaboratively with the City Librarian and Chief Operating Officer (COO) to conduct long range planning initiatives including strategic planning, facilities master planning, and implementation of SFPL Racial Equity Action Plan (REAP);

7.     In partnership with the COO, administers major capital projects including library renovations and/or new construction; leads associated community engagement activities tied to capital enhancements;

8.     May serve as Acting City Librarian as assigned.

Click here to view the recruitment brochure.

Minimum Qualifications:

1.           Possession of a Master’s degree in Library and Information Studies (MLS/MLIS) from a college or university accredited by the American Library Association. AND

2.           Five (5) years of managerial experience providing oversight of major library programs, services, and/or other functional areas, of which all must include experience supervising professional librarians in an urban library.

Applicants must meet the minimum qualification requirement by the final filing date unless otherwise noted.

One (1) year full-time employment is equivalent to 2,000 hours (2,000 hours of qualifying work experience is based on a 40 hour work week). Any overtime hours that you work above 40 hours per week are not included in the calculation to determine full-time employment.

Desirable Qualifications:
The stated desirable qualifications may be used to identify job finalists at the end of the selection process when candidates are referred for hiring.

·       Ability to prioritize and organize activities for effective use of staff and other available resources.

·       Ability to direct administration of a large budget in a complex organization while adhering to internal and external procedures.

·       Ability to write and speak effectively to communicate with internal and external stakeholders.

·       Ability to promote, establish and maintain effective working relationships with the public, staff, community-based organizations and vendors.

·       Ability to prepare comprehensive, accurate and timely reports, records and other documents.

·       Knowledge of different functional areas of public library service delivery such as circulation, information services, children and adult services, collection management, digital strategy, community outreach, and library administration.

·       Ability to plan, direct and evaluate the work of senior managers and other staff.

·       Knowledge of technology trends and principles as they relate to library operations from an administrative and planning perspective.

·       Knowledge of management and business practices relevant to public administration.

·       Knowledge of service design and application of user experience principles to library programs and services.

·       Understanding of societal systems of bias, and ability to apply this knowledge to improve service delivery.

Application opening date: Friday, September 2, 2022

Application closing date: Tuesday, November 15, 2022

Recruitment ID: PEX-0953-125276 / RTF0125275-01123584

Appointment Type: Permanent Exempt (PEX). Pursuant to the City & County of San Francisco Charter, Section 10.104.6. Any person occupying a position under exempt appointment shall not be subject to civil service selection, appointment, and removal procedures. This Permanent Exempt appointment shall serve at the pleasure (at will) of the City Librarian.

Compensation and Benefits: The normal annual salary range is $175,864 to $224,484. Appointment above the maximum of the normal range may be considered based on documented and substantiated recruitment and retention issues or exceptional skills. A special approval process is necessary for appointment above the normal salary range.

In addition, the City and County of San Francisco (City) offers comprehensive benefit programs which include:
• Medical, Vision, Dental, and Life insurance
• Long-term disability plan; Flexible Spending Accounts
• Pension Plan; Retiree Healthcare; Deferred Compensation Program
• Paid Management Training Program; Wellness Program
• Paid Vacation, Holidays, Sick Leave; Management Leave
Additional information about the City’s Management Benefits.

Verification of Education and Experience: Applicants may be required to submit verification of qualifying education and experience at any point during the recruitment and selection process. For more information on how to verify your experience or education please click here.

Selection Procedure: The selection process will include evaluation of applications in relation to minimum requirements. Depending on the number of applicants, the department may establish and implement additional screening mechanisms to comparatively evaluate the qualifications of candidates.  San Francisco Public Library may administer additional position-specific selection procedures to make final hiring decision for this position. Only those candidates whose qualifications most closely meet the needs of the department will continue in the departmental selection process, which may consist of an oral interview, and/or performance exercise. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed to advance through all of the steps in the selection process.  

Additional Information Regarding Employment with the City and County of San Francisco:

• Information About The Hiring Process
• Conviction History
• Employee Benefits Overview  
• Equal Employment Opportunity 
• Disaster Service Worker
• ADA Accommodation
• Veterans Preference
• Right to Work
• Copies of Application Documents
• Diversity Statement

Recruitment Analyst Information: If you have any questions regarding this recruitment or application process, please contact the analyst at: Meiyi Ouyang at [email protected].

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT:  All City and County of San Francisco employees are required to be vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment.  For details on how it is applicable to your employment, please click here.

The City and County of San Francisco encourages women, minorities and persons with disabilities to apply. Applicants will be considered regardless of their sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition (associated with cancer, a history of cancer, or genetic characteristics), HIV/AIDS status, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, military and veteran status, or other protected category under the law.

CONDITION OF EMPLOYMENT:  All City and County of San Francisco employees are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment. Someone is fully vaccinated when 14 days have passed since they received the final dose of a two-shot vaccine or a dose of a one-shot vaccine. Any new hire must present proof of full vaccination status to be appointed. Any new hire who will be routinely assigned or occasionally enter High-Risk Settings, must provide proof of having received a COVID-19 booster vaccine by March 1, 2022, or once eligible.

The City and County of San Francisco encourages women, minorities and persons with disabilities to apply. Applicants will be considered regardless of their sex, race, age, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition (associated with cancer, a history of cancer, or genetic characteristics), HIV/AIDS status, genetic information, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, military and veteran status, or other protected category under the law.