Chief Administrative Officer, Austin Public Library

Job Description:

Chief Administrative Officer, Austin Public Library

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:

Purpose:

Performs work under minimal supervision. This position reports directly to a Department Director or Assistant Director within the organization and is responsible for overseeing multiple support services within a department.

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.

• Plans, organizes, directs, audits and controls support services within the department. The services assigned to this type of workgroup provide a more complex strategic focus to the overall business operations.
  
• Analyzes business and workforce needs to develop targeted short and long range strategies, and implement operational plans to meet performance measures. Operational plans include the strategic involvement and mediation for departmental workforce issues.
  
• Works to align the programmatic services and activities of internal systems, which are associated with the desired outcomes for the department.
  
• Serves as a direct or indirect resource for the department's operational needs.
  
• Works to influence and serve as an advisor by communicating the business strategy to Executive leadership, City Officials or policy makers both internal and external to the department. Confers with the stakeholders to execute comprehensive program development which impacts the departmental policy initiatives.
  
• Provides solutions to complex problems and works to resolve difficult issues between involved parties.
  
• This job may have the responsibility for the development and monitoring of a departmental budget. In large departments, this job serves as an administrative resource tying budget needs to the programs of the organization.
  
• Develops and evaluates short range and long range strategic plans and establishes the criteria for a variety of human resources and business services projects, programs, and plans.
  
• Administers contracts and vendors to ensure delivery of agreed upon deliverables.
  
• Prepares and reviews reports as part of the process of monitoring and communicating performance results.
  
• Makes recommendations associated with purchasing and expenditures for departmental programs.
  

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 business case development, strategic business planning, reengineering, organizational change strategies, performance measurement, and project management.
  
• Knowledge of fiscal planning and budget preparation.
  
• Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws.
  
• Knowledge of City practices, 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.
  
• Skill in data analysis and problem solving.
  
• Skill in planning and organizing.
  
• Skill in handling conflict and uncertain situations.
  
• Ability to analyze and resolve irregular events.
  
• Ability to work with frequent interruptions and changes in priorities.
  
• Ability to establish and maintain good working relationships with City employees and the public.
  

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in a field related to Business; Finance; Accounting; or Economics or related field, plus five (5) years of experience associated with department wide budget programs or programs associated with operational services, of which three (3) years must be supervisory.
  
• Masters degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, Economics or other related field may substitute for two (2) years of the required managerial experience.
  

Licenses and Certifications Required:

• None.
  

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Drives Operational Excellence: Brings strategic vision and operational insight to lead effective process improvements and long-term planning initiatives that align with institutional goals. Demonstrates a strong track record of developing and refining policies and procedures to drive organizational efficiency.
  
• Strategic Communication & Collaboration: Excels in transparent, purpose-driven communication that fosters alignment across divisions, leadership teams, and stakeholders. Builds trust and ensures organizational priorities are clearly conveyed, advancing cross-functional initiatives and strategic partnerships.
  
• Insight-Driven Decision Making: Applies executive-level judgment and critical thinking to guide complex administrative and operational decisions. Experienced in evaluating organizational structures, aligning resources with strategic objectives, and driving institutional effectiveness through data-informed planning.
  
• Funding Acquisition & Oversight: Demonstrates extensive experience in writing, securing, administering, and reporting on grants and external funding. Ensures alignment with compliance requirements and strategic objectives, supporting sustainable resource development and institutional growth.
  
• Organizational Leadership & Governance: Experienced in navigating complex personnel and structural issues within Municipal Civil Service environments, with a deep understanding of public sector policies, governance frameworks, and institutional accountability.
  

Notes to Candidate:

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

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.

The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) for the Austin Public Library plays a critical leadership role in overseeing a range of non-traditional library divisions and administrative functions. This includes managing grant development and implementation, as well as leading special projects, emergency response efforts, and high-priority strategic initiatives at the direction of the Director of Libraries.

The ideal Chief Administrative Officer will possess strong critical thinking and decision-making skills, along with excellent communication, collaboration, and problem-solving abilities. They have demonstrated experience navigating complex challenges, building trust, and fostering effective working relationships across all levels of the organization.

Work Location:

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

Salary Range:

$104,300 to $134,000 annually

Hours:

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.
  

If Selected as a Top Candidate:

• Verification of the minimum qualifications (Graduation with a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in a field related to Business; Finance; Accounting; or Economics or related field, plus five (5) years of experience associated with department wide budget programs or programs associated with operational services, of which three (3) years must be supervisory. Masters degree in Business, Finance, Accounting, Economics or other related field may substitute for two (2) years of the required managerial experience. ) 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.

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: 2025-10-28