Library Manager

Job Description:

Library Manager

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. Our guiding principles-Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity - anchor our approach in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austin residents. 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.
  
• Diverse and Inclusive Workplace: Work in an environment where every voice is 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 designed to 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.

Job Description:

Library Manager

Purpose:

Working independently, this position manages daily operations of branch, work unit, or major support function for the Library system.

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, implements, and evaluates short- and long-term plans for a library branch. Stays abreast of library trends.
  
• Assists in development of budget and grant applications and directs or monitors work-unit expenditures. Oversees cash handling and reporting. Collects and monitors statistics and prepares reports.
  
• Provides input into the development of policies and procedures for the library.
  
• Oversees programs, including outreach engagement, based on community needs and City’s and department's strategic priorities.
  
• Advises library staff on library procedures and issues.
  
• Provides outreach services to the public. Works or travels to several locations and serves on library-wide committees and task forces. Conducts meetings, training, and public programs.
  
• Ensures high level of customer service for all customers.
  
• Oversees maintenance, security, and physical attractiveness of facility, grounds, and equipment.
  
• Oversees resource sharing and coordination of services with other libraries and organizations.
  
• Represents the City of Austin and Austin Public Library to the public. Interprets and explains policies to public and staff.
  

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 books, electronic databases, internet resources, bibliographic sources, reference materials, circulation software, and library automation systems.
  
• Knowledge of library procedures, systems, and techniques.
  
• Knowledge of equity, diversity, and inclusion principles and practices in libraries.
  
• Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws.
  
• Knowledge of City practice, policies, and procedures.
  
• Knowledge of supervisory and managerial techniques and principles.
  
• 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.
  
• Skill in collection development.
  
• Ability to facilitate discussions and resolve issues.
  
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
  
• Ability to use library automation and the internet.
  
• 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 five (5) years of relevant experience, including two (2) years of experience which were in a lead or supervisory capacity.
  

OR

• Graduation with a Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in a related field, plus three (3) years of relevant experience, including two (2) years of experience which were in a lead or supervisory capacity.
  

Licenses and Certifications Required:

Valid Driver Class C License.

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to stoop, bend, walk, and reach heights of up to six (6) feet.
  
• Must be able to lift or pull book bags and equipment up to fifty (50) pounds.
  
• Must be able to push loaded book carts/truck up to three hundred (300) pounds.
  
• Must have manual dexterity to operate computer keyboard.
  

Preferred Qualifications:

• Customer Service: demonstrated experience in providing a positive customer experience, including handling escalated concerns; comfortable making decisions, and always prioritizes excellent customer service.
  
• Problem Solving: demonstrated advanced skills in discovering, analyzing, and solving problems, including independent and objective decision-making, taking initiative, and utilizing critical thinking skills.
  
• Management: demonstrated management experience to effectively supervise, hire, train, develop, coach, counsel, and evaluate performance; experience in providing team management and team development
  
• Collection Maintenance: demonstrated experience overseeing collection maintenance through evaluation to provide up-to-date, diverse materials of interest to the community.
  
• Diversity and Equity: demonstrated commitment to proactively promoting and embracing diversity in ideas, people, and organizations, and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment
  
• Ability to travel to more than one work location.
  

Notes to Candidate:

Selected candidates will be interviewed for the following positions:

• Library Manager, Willie Mae Kirk Branch, PCN 102295, and
  
• Library Manager, Yarborough Branch, PCN 102309
  

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 Library Manager oversees the daily operations of a library branch within the Austin Public Library system. This role is responsible for leading a team of library staff, ensuring high-quality public service, and offering strategic oversight for programs, collections, and community engagement initiatives. The Library Manager fosters an inclusive, welcoming environment and ensures alignment with the Library’s mission, vision, and strategic goals. Key responsibilities include supervising staff, developing branch services, maintaining facilities, and serving as a liaison between the library and the community.

Work Location:

Willie Mae Kirk Branch- 3101 Oak Springs Dr., Austin, TX, 78702

OR

Yarborough Branch - 2200 Hancock Dr., Austin, TX 78756

Salary Range:

$68,660 to $85,830 annually

Hours:

Shift Work - Full Time/40 hours a week

• Hours and shifts may vary to include weekends, holidays, and extended shifts.
  

• Hours subject to change based upon Library needs.
  

Note: Hours and schedule may vary based on operational or business needs; evenings and weekends may be required.

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 Top Candidate:

• Verification of the minimum qualifications (Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in a related field, plus five (5) years of relevant experience, including two (2) years of experience which were in a lead or supervisory capacity. OR Graduation with a Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in a related field, plus three (3) years of relevant experience, including two (2) years of experience which were in a lead or supervisory capacity.) will be required. You must provide proof of education from an accredited organization/institute
  

• 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.

We also recommend that you save or print a copy of the job posting for your records. Once a posting has closed, it will no longer be viewable in the system.

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: 2025-10-14