Sonoma County - Library Director

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Library Director
Sonoma County Library (CA)

Discover, Engage, and Thrive. The Sonoma County Library (CA) seeks an experienced leader who will be engaged with the community and open to new ideas. The Sonoma County Library is a Joint Powers Authority created in 1975 to serve the County’s nearly 500,000 residents through 11 full-service locations throughout the county, two rural stations, and specialized collections such as the Wine Library and Genealogy and Local History collections. The Library is governed by an independent seven-member Library Commission in a community in which almost half the service population has a library card. With a $15 million annual budget, a challenge for the new Director and staff (129.5 FTEs) will be to work with the Commission, Library Advisory Boards, Friends of the Library groups, county-wide Library Foundation and other political entities to usher in a new era in community outreach and responsiveness—potentially under a newly revised Joint Powers Agreement.

Sonoma County--what more could you want? Just a short drive north of San Francisco, Sonoma County and its vibrant communities offer the beauty and bounty of a world-class wine region, with abundant opportunities to enjoy the outdoors including redwood forests, mountains, scenic rivers, and the Pacific Ocean. Santa Rosa is the largest city, with a population of just over 150,000 and active arts, entertainment, education, and business communities. There are a variety of towns and cities in Sonoma County that offer lovely downtowns, unique shopping and entertainment, as well as a friendly, small-town quality of life. Sonoma County residents are civic minded and engaged in their communities. The beauty and climate of Sonoma County will lure you in--and the individual charm of the local communities will make you stay. For additional information on the Library and the region, see Sonoma County Links.

Responsibilities. Under the general policy and program direction of the Library Commission, the Director will manage and direct the library’s operations to assure a balanced county-wide library system that includes a comprehensive program of library services. Key responsibilities include: manage and direct library operations, plan and develop library services, coordinate governance and support, and build public understanding and support. Please see the full Director Job Description for typical duties, tasks, desired skills and abilities and additional details.

Qualifications. Graduation from a college or university approved by an accrediting association of more than statewide standing; plus possession of a graduate library degree from a school accredited by the American Library Association; ten years of experience with increasing levels of responsibility in a public library and/or public agency, at least six of which shall have been in administrative positions; or any combination of education and experience that demonstrates the ability to successfully perform the requirements of the position. Required knowledge includes: all aspects of library administration; pertinent state and federal laws and regulations; organizational, administrative, and management and labor relations principles and practices; supervisory techniques; resource allocation; planning and budgeting; and sources and methods of funding for public agencies. Prior success reporting to a governing board and working with a bargaining unit are highly desirable.

Compensation. The starting hiring range is $128,378-$153,920 (dependent on experience and qualifications) with an excellent benefits package.