Library Division Manager - Central Services

Job Description:

Library Division Manager - Central Services

Description

JOIN THE CITY OF AUSTIN TEAM

At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer-we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. As we strive to fulfill our commitment as public servants, it is important that we ground our efforts in a set of guiding principles - Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity - anchors in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austinites. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

What Makes the City of Austin Special?

• Make a Difference : Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
  
• Value and Innovation : Work in an environment where employees are valued and innovation thrives.
  
• Competitive Benefits : Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
  
• Retirement Security : Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
  
• Sustainable Transportation Options : Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
  
• Focus on Wellness : Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
  
• Career Growth : Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
  
• Modern Workspaces : Work in innovative and sustainable environments that foster collaboration and inspiration.
  

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

Working independently, this position organizes and manages a major division or program to provide library services.

Job Description:

Purpose:

Working independently, this position organizes and manages a major division or program to provide library services.

Duties, Functions, and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Develops short- and long-range plans.
  
• Develops and monitors division or section budget and grant applications.
  
• Chairs and serves on professional committees.
  
• Serves on Austin Public Library Management Team. Works or travels to several locations and serves on library-wide committees and task forces.
  
• Investigates and resolves customer complaints.
  
• Clarifies City and department regulations.
  
• Develops division policies and procedures and participates in the development of department policies.
  
• Prepares and presents programs, articles, reports, and projects.
  
• Represents the City of Austin and the Austin Public Library to the public.
  
• Represents the interests of the Library and/or division to City officials.
  

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

Responsible for the full range of supervisory activities, including selection, training, evaluation, counseling, and recommendation for dismissal.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Must possess required knowledge, skills, abilities, and experience and be able to explain and demonstrate, with or without reasonable accommodations, that the essential functions of the job can be performed.

• Knowledge of professional library procedures, systems, and techniques.
  
• Knowledge of equity, diversity, and inclusion principles and practices in libraries.
  
• Knowledge of fiscal planning and budget preparation.
  
• Knowledge of reference and research procedures.
  
• Knowledge of library materials/tools available for library work.
  
• Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws.
  
• Knowledge of City practice, policy, and procedures.
  
• Knowledge of supervisory and managerial techniques and principles.
  
• Knowledge of contract development and management.
  
• Skill in oral and written communication.
  
• Skill in handling multiple tasks and prioritizing.
  
• Skill in using computers and related software, including Microsoft Office products.
  
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
  
• Skill in planning and organizing.
  
• Ability to forecast public demand for services.
  
• Ability to analyze/evaluate major programs, policies, procedures, services, and facilities to develop recommendations.
  
• Ability to facilitate discussions and resolve issues.
  
• Ability to stay abreast of library trends.
  
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with other City employees and the public.
  
• Ability to provide high-level customer service.
  
• Ability to work with people of diverse backgrounds.
  

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Graduation with a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a related field, plus seven (7) years of related experience, including four (4) years of experience in a lead or supervisory capacity
  

OR

• Graduation with a Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in a related field, plus five (5) years of related experience, including three (3) years of experience in a lead or supervisory capacity.
  

Licenses and Certifications Required:

Valid Class C Driver License.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Customer Service & Service Excellence: Proven ability to lead teams in delivering high-quality, consistent service in diverse and flexible environments.
  
• Leadership: Demonstrated experience guiding managers, developing leadership capacity, and making complex decisions with emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, and clear communication.
  
• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion: Committed to fostering an inclusive, equitable environment and promoting diversity in people, ideas, and organizational practices.
  
• Library Knowledge & Expertise: Comprehensive knowledge of library services, programs, and operations, including emerging technologies and digital resources; understanding of community engagement and outreach strategies; and familiarity with relevant laws, policies, and compliance standards related to libraries.
  
• Communication - Demonstrated internal and external communication skills that inspire and motivate, including engaging presentation skills and the ability to connect with an audience.
  

Notes to Candidate:

Working with the City of Austin provides a number of health and welfare benefits such as low-cost medical, dental, vision, paid leave time, a highly competitive retirement plan, training opportunities and more. Please click HERE for more information.

To view the City of Austin recruitment video, please click here.

The Central Services Library Division Manager leads operations at the Central Library, including Circulation, Reference, Teen Services, and Youth Services Divisions. This manager oversees policy development, service standards, and coordinates across work groups to ensure efficient, high-quality service delivery.

Work Location:

Austin Central Library - 710 West Cesar Chavez St., 78702

Salary Range:

$75,930 to $96,430 annually

Hours:

Exempt | Full-time | 40 hours per week
Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

• Hours and schedule may vary based on operational or business needs; evenings and weekends may be required.
• This position offers the opportunity to telework, subject to departmental needs and approval.

Application Information:

• A detailed, complete COA employment application is REQUIRED. It helps us to better evaluate your qualifications and will be used to determine your salary if you are selected for this position.
  
• Please be sure to provide a COMPLETE and detailed employment history, including all previous employment that you wish to be considered as part of your qualifications.
  
• For each position, please describe your specific experience as it relates to the minimum and preferred qualifications.
  
• Incomplete applications will not be considered.
  

Note: A cover letter and/or resume will NOT be used to substitute for an incomplete job application

• Please understand that your job application, cover letter, and resume will be used to measure or assess your written communication skills, including grammar, punctuation, and spelling, in helping us screen applications and determine candidates to be interviewed.
  

Additional Information:

• TRAVEL: If you are selected for this position and meet the Driver Safety Standards in the City of Austin Driver Safety Program , you may drive when necessary to multiple locations as part of your regular job duties. Otherwise, you are responsible for getting to and from these locations.
  
• All new employees are required to attend City of Austin and Austin Public Library training as scheduled and should arrange their outside schedules to accommodate such training.
  
• This posting may be used to fill additional vacancies of the same job title that may become vacant. The additional vacancies may include a difference in work location, workweek hours, and schedule. Filling additional vacancies from this posting is based on the business needs of the department.
  

Driving Requirements:

• This position requires a Valid Texas Class C Driver’s License or the ability to acquire one by your hire date. External New Hires must meet the City of Austin’s Driver Record Evaluation (DRE) requisite . To be considered for a driving position, applicants cannot have more than three moving violations or a total of six Driver Record Evaluation points within a period of thirty-six (36) months.
  

If Selected as a Top Candidate:

• Verification of the minimum qualifications (Graduation with a Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in a related field, plus seven (7) years of related experience, including four (4) years of experience in a lead or supervisory capacity OR Graduation with a Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in a related field, plus five (5) years of related experience, including three (3) years of experience in a lead or supervisory capacity) will be required.
  
• VETERAN: veteran candidates will be required to provide a copy of their DD-214
  

Language:

• Must have the ability to read, write, and speak fluently in English.
  

Important Note to Applicants:

The Austin Public Library reserves the right to close posted positions prior to the advertised close date, based on recruitment strategies and business needs.

Please be aware that the Job Posting Close Date reflects the final day to apply, but the posting will close at 11:59 PM the day before the date listed. All application steps, including attachments and submission, must be fully completed before that time.

EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

Closing Date/Time: 2026-02-19