Director - Library (Unclassified)

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What do we offer?

A competitive salary, five-year vested pension plan, great benefits package that includes health, vision and dental insurance, pet insurance, tuition reimbursement, qualifying childcare assistance, paid time off and more.

Join our diverse workforce and help us in providing excellent service to the residents of Dallas while building a rewarding career.

Job Summary

The current salary range for this position is $125,855 to $188,782. The salary listed on this job posting is the entire salary range; Amount offered will depend on qualifications. The position is subject to relocation assistance through the City for selected candidate. A complete benefits guide can be found here: City of Dallas - Benefits Guide 2025

Interested candidates should apply online at GovHRjobs.com with a cover letter, resume, and contact information for at least five professional references. This position will remain open until filled. For further information, contact MGT Senior Consultant Sarah McKee at 847-380-3240 ext. 120 or smckee@mgt.us.

Overview

Job Description

The Director-Library oversees all library facilities within the City of Dallas to ensure that library services are equally distributed across the City. Directs the development of free educational opportunities, entertainment, and enrichment by offering professional programs that meet the community needs and keeps the library system on the cutting edge of library services.

Essential Functions

• Collaborates, engages, and communicates with different agencies to find various funding sources to support all of the library systems services and programs; administers all grant writing and applications, solicits corporate donations and funding, and researches and discovers sponsorships and other sources of money; develops strong partnerships to enhance the library's impact on the community.
• Responds to community inquiries for partnership opportunities or for assistance from the library for a project or event; attends community meetings, neighborhood safety meetings, school outreach events, and nonprofit opportunity sessions to connect with and expand the reach of the library in the community.
• Manages, directs, and oversees all staff serving in every area of the library system; facilitates and administers system-wide personnel recruitment, interviewing, selection, evaluation, corrective action, staff training, and professional development.
• Supervises, plans, coordinates, and assigns the work of the various libraries across the City; directs all library managers, program administers, and information technology and web design staff.
• Reviews, evaluates, and determines the strategic direction of the library and adjusts goals based on Mayor and City Manager's direction; evaluates library policies and procedures and makes adjustments and updates to meet the changing needs of the City and its community.
• Develops, creates, and implements the annual budget for the Library system; gathers and complies metrics and data to make impactful and mindful decisions on annual budget and spending habits; reviews library performance measures regularly, key performance indicators, and other metrics to facilitate effective changes, updates, and overall successful operations.
• Directs and coordinates all spending and procurement activities for library collections and programs; oversees and approves acquisition and cataloging, accounts payable and accounts receivable, and ensures the effective delivery of all services for system-wide success.
• Conducts, leads, and participates in meetings and system wide committees, departments, or branches; recommends changes, updates information, presents data and programming information, and makes recommendations on policy or service models to optimize the delivery of quality library services; works with the Municipal Library board to educate and communicate with City Council on the Library and its role int he community.
• Performs any and all other work as needed or assigned.
  
  

Knowledge And Skills

• Knowledge of current library trends and developing technologies.
• Knowledge of Business and Public Administration and management.
• Knowledge of Library management and administration.
• Knowledge of Library management systems, technology, and cataloging.
• Knowledge of budgeting, personnel management, and strategic goal setting.
• Ability to supervise, direct, lead, and manage system-wide staff serving in various different library's and setting.
• Ability to exercise independent judgement, decisiveness, and creativity in leadership and management.
• Ability to analyze data, assess programs, evaluate collections, and assist with community needs.
• Ability to provide project management and oversight.
• Ability to interpret, develop, and administer library policies.
• Ability to provide excellent public speaking and communications.
• Communicating effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.
  
  

Experience

10 years of experience in library management and administration, customer service, programming development, or other related work.

Licenses and Certifications

None

Education

Master of Library Science from an American Library Association-accredited institution.

At least 10 years of experience in library management and administration, customer service, programming development, or other relevant work in a similarly sized library system.

Candidates must demonstrate the ability to manage multiple library branches, lead interdisciplinary teams, and effectively solve problems. Experience in managing library construction and/or renovation projects is highly preferred.

Salary Range

$125,854.96 - $157,318.70

The salary listed on this job posting is the starting salary range; amount offered will depend upon qualifications.

City of Dallas is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity at all levels of its workforce.