Deputy County Librarian

This posting covers Santa Clara County. The location shown is the county; the work may be anywhere in it.

Description

Champion Innovation at the Heart of Silicon Valley Libraries

The County of Santa Clara is a nationally recognized public-sector leader, recognized for its innovation, strategic vision, and unwavering commitment to equitable access and community enrichment. With a population of more than 1.9 million residents, Santa Clara County is the largest of the nine Bay Area counties in Northern California, and larger than 12 states. With a workforce of more than 23,000 employees across 30+ departments, the County operates one of the most dynamic and diverse public library systems in the region, empowering communities through learning, connection, and opportunity.

With a network of eight libraries serving over 440,000 residents across suburban and rural communities, our library district is powered by professionals dedicated to fostering knowledge, curiosity, and belonging for all.

We’re on a mission to shape the future of exemplary public library services—and we’re looking for a visionary leader to help guide that transformation.

As the Deputy County Librarian, you’ll influence the evolution of a modern, responsive, and community-centered library system positioned at the heart of one of the most innovative regions in the world. This is your opportunity to strengthen a best-in-class public library experience that advances learning, equity, and connection for Santa Clara County’s diverse communities.

Your Mission

Partner with the County Librarian to set strategy, design programs, and deliver exceptional and equitable library services across the entire system. In this executive role, you’ll plan, organize, and direct key programs; and support long-term strategic visioning. You will manage through your leadership team and serve as a trusted advisor shaping policy, service delivery, and community impact.

What Makes This Role Unique

Systemwide Leadership: You will guide operations and service delivery across the library district, including multiple community libraries, outreach vehicles, and specialized service points—each with unique programs, needs, and partnerships—ensuring high-quality, consistent, and responsive library services.

Innovation in Public Learning: In the heart of Silicon Valley, our library system embraces technology, creativity, and excellence. You’ll help modernize systems, expand access, and explore innovative ways to meet evolving community needs.

Community-Centered Approach: Our libraries serve as hubs of inclusion, belonging, and civic engagement. You will work directly with communities, commissions, other County departments, and partners to strengthen services and ensure alignment with local needs.

Equity at the Core: Libraries play a vital role in advancing equitable access to information, resources, and opportunities. You will help ensure programs reflect and uplift the diverse communities we serve and support in their life-long learning.

High-Level Influence: As part of the Executive Team, you will represent the County Library District at community, professional, and governmental meetings—shaping decisions that influence systemwide operations and long-term strategy.

What You’ll Do

Strategic Leadership

• Plan, organize, and direct systemwide operations through managers;
• Evaluate service needs and delivery models, implementing improvements and action plans;
• Collaborate on administrative policies and lead their implementation;
• Develop and support long-term strategic planning.

Program & Service Excellence

• Oversee staffing analysis and resource allocation;
• Guide development of programs that respond to community needs;
• Manage initiatives supporting collection development, circulation, outreach, and information services.

People Leadership

• Support recruitment, training, goal setting, mentoring, team building, and evaluation;
• Strengthen the library management team through collaboration and continuous development.

Fiscal & Resource Management

• Review budget requests, recommend allocations, and monitor expenditures;
• Assess building and capital program needs in partnership with community library supervisors.

Community Engagement

• Represent the Library at public, community, and intergovernmental forums;
• Build strong relationships with library users, staff, partners, and community organizations.

Executive Support

• Serve as acting County Librarian when needed;
• Support organizational development.

More About Our Competitive Executive Benefits

Strategic Financial and Retirement Benefits

• CalPERS pension with reciprocity across most California public agencies (2.5% @ 55 for Classic Members, 2% @ 62 for Non-Classic Members)
• 457 Deferred Compensation Plan with both pre-tax and Roth options, up to IRS limits
• $325,000 in term life insurance plus $300,000 in accidental death and disability coverage
• Eligible employer under the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program

Executive-Level Health, Wellness, and Family Support

• Premium health insurance options (Kaiser, HealthNet, Valley Health Plan) with up to 96% County-paid coverage
• Fully covered dental (Delta or Liberty) and vision (VSP) plans for individuals and families
• Employee Assistance Program, Dependent Care Assistance, and Flexible Spending Accounts
• Access to wellness and leadership development programs designed to support executive performance and resilience

Leadership Mobility, Time Off, and Professional Growth

• 39 days of annual leave with a cash-out option, plus 13 paid holidays
• Relocation assistance to support seamless transitions
• Tuition reimbursement and internal executive development programs
• To learn more about benefits, check out our dedicated page.

Ready to join the leadership team? Apply now.

Learn more about the County and the impact you can have as a leader.

Application Process and Key Dates

This recruitment will remain open until the position is filled. The first review of applications will be Friday, October 23, 2026. This recruitment may close or be extended as early as 10 days after posting. Early application is strongly encouraged. Please check the website regularly for updates.

Apply at:

What to include in your application:

1. Résumé
2. Cover Letter (maximum 3 pages)
   Describe why you are the ideal candidate, highlighting relevant leadership experience and accomplishments.

Next steps in the process:

Following mutual interest, a comprehensive background investigation and reference check will be conducted. Finalists will be asked to provide at least five professional references, with prior authorization obtained by Executive Services.

Questions regarding this Executive recruitment may be directed to Adrian Cudal, Executive Services at  
 
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Qualifications

What You Bring:

• At least five years of progressively responsible supervisory and administrative experience in a public library system;
• Experience participating in policy and program determination at a systemwide level, or leadership of a community library;
• Knowledge of library administration, operations, personnel management, fiscal management, collection development, reference services, and staffing strategies;
• Ability to lead comprehensive programs, supervise diverse teams, communicate effectively, and build strong community and organizational relationships.

To view the full job specification, including the employment standards, click the link below:

Job Specifications | County of Santa Clara:

What Success Looks Like:

In the first 6-12 months, you will :

• Strengthen the coordination of library programs and services across locations;
• Enhance communication, collaboration, and trust with staff, community partners, and local government representatives;
• Begin development of a new strategic plan.

In the long term, you will :

• Implement strategic enhancements to systemwide programs;
• Improve operational consistency and responsiveness;
• Advance innovation, equity, and community engagement within the library system;
• Position the County Library as a regional leader in public learning and community service excellence.

Why Join Us?:

• Be part of a mission-driven public agency dedicated to enriching community life;
• Influence the future of one of California's most impactful public library systems;
• Support an organization that values inclusion, professional growth, creativity, and collaboration;
• Help ensure that all residents-regardless of background-have access to resources and opportunities that support learning, connection, and personal growth

Virtual Executive Insight Session:

• Thinking about whether this executive role might be the right next step for you? Wondering what kind of difference you could help make for the people and communities we serve? Join us on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, from 12:00 NN-1:00 PM for a relaxed virtual conversation with our hiring team
• We'll walk through what the role is all about, the community-focused work it supports, and what success looks like for leaders in this space
• It's a chance to ask questions, get a feel for the responsibilities, and see whether this opportunity aligns with your values and leadership style
• If you already know what you'd like to ask, feel free to submit your questions ahead of time through the RSVP form - it helps us make the session as useful as possible
• We hope you'll join us! RSVP Here

Work for Warriors is a no-cost employment program of the California Military Department for Service Members, Veterans, and military family members. The Veteran Staffing Consultant for County of Santa Clara is Philip Downs.