Library Director

The City of San Marcos (TX) seeks a collaborative, hands-on leader with a passion for public service and cultivating community connections to be its next Library Director. San Marcos Public Library consists of one standalone 55,000 square feet location that staffs 25 FTE with a $1.8 million budget. The ideal library leader will shepherd the library and its staff, build upon existing relationships with local and county stakeholders, and curate new partnerships for collaborative projects and services that will continue to serve and enrich the lives in the San Marcos community.

The San Marcos Public Library offers its users a wide variety of helpful public programs, materials, and physical spaces, playing a large role in providing social services to the community. The library extends resources and expertise in such areas as ESL, citizenship, job search and resume assistance, HVAC Level One certification, Small Business Counseling, Legal Aid, mental health programs and more. As the leader of this thriving community hub, the Library Director plans, coordinates, and directs library activities to deliver quality programs and services to a diverse community. Key functions include maintaining high standards for facilities and collections, collaborating with community partners, overseeing project management tasks such as construction and renovation projects, and supervising staff. The Library Director also handles budgeting and financial management, including preparing budget requests and managing grant projects. Decision-making responsibilities involve hiring and evaluating personnel, managing daily operations, as well as envisioning and planning strategic priorities of the organization.

San Marcos has a population of approximately 83,000 people and is conveniently located just a 30- to 45-minute drive from both San Antonio and Austin, Texas. This charming yet vibrant river town is home to the spring-fed San Marcos River, which flows through Texas State University (TXST) and the city itself. The river serves as the heart of the town, maintaining a comfortable temperature of seventy-two degrees year-round, which helps alleviate the summer heat and enriches the local culture. Residents and visitors can enjoy numerous outdoor recreational opportunities throughout San Marcos, including parks with biking and walking trails, as well as access to the river for swimming, fishing, tubing, and canoeing. Arts-supportive organizations offer a wide range of dramatic performances, art galleries, and public art installations. The community values education, libraries, and various intellectual pursuits.

Responsibilities: The Library Director will uphold and direct the highest standards for library facilities, collections, and services; coordinate and manage multiple projects effectively; lead library development and enhance community relations; collaborate with the library board to create and implement visionary long-term plans and policies positioning the library for future success; engage with Friends of the Library, corporate sponsors, and individuals to drive fundraising initiatives that expand library resources; and execute budgeting and financial management tasks efficiently. The next Library Director will prepare and present budget requests to the city, county, and Friends of the Library to secure necessary funding; monitor expenditures to ensure alignment with established annual goals; ensure compliance with the city’s financial policies to safeguard the library’s fiscal integrity.

Qualifications: The minimum qualifications for this position include a master’s degree in library science or information studies from an American Library Association-accredited graduate school, a minimum of five years’ experience in management or administration of a public library, and a valid Texas Driver’s License with an acceptable driving record.

Compensation: The hiring salary range is $142,000 – $178,000 (with placement negotiable dependent on experience and qualifications) and an excellent fringe benefits package.

For further information, contact Bradbury Miller Associates (https://bradburymiller.com/). Apply with a meaningful cover letter and resume via our application portal (https://bradburymiller.com/current-clients/) by clicking on San Marcos Public Library followed by the apply button. This position closes on Sunday, March 2, 2025.

View the most up to date version of this announcement in its entirety along with accompanying links on our website (https://bradburymiller.com/current-clients/).