Chief Operating Officer (0953 - Deputy Director III) - San Francisco Public Library (Northern)
Chief Operating Officer (0953 - Deputy Director III) - San Francisco Public Library Full-time Job Code and Title: 0953-Deputy Director III Fill Type: Permanent Exempt About San Francisco Public Library The San Francisco Public Library (SFPL) connects our diverse communities to learning, opportunities, and each other. The library system includes the architecturally significant Main Library, an anchor institution in the city’s Civic Center, 27 neighborhood branch libraries that serve all neighborhoods throughout the city, two administrative buildings and four bookmobiles. With a collection of more than 5 million items, and circulation exceeding 14.5 million each year, SFPL serves more than 4.5 million visitors annually. The library embraces its role as the most democratic of institutions, providing safe and welcoming facilities for all. Through a robust array of services and programs, the library is dedicated to advancing literacy and learning, serving as a cultural amplifier, acting as a catalyst for community engagement, guiding patrons as a thoughtful navigator, and providing essential resources to support healthy, equitable communities. For more information about SFPL, please visit www.sfpl.org. SFPL Statement on Racial Equity: SFPL must build a culture, space and workplace that is accessible and welcoming to all current and future employees and to actively build an environment in which all people regardless of background, identity, or ability, can be equal participants. In this way, our staff at all organizational levels can reflect the communities we serve. A safe, equitable public library is an actively anti-racist public library. Creating an inclusive public library means aligning with the lived realities of people of color. SFPL is committed to advancing racial equity for our workforce and community, and will actively engage in anti-racist practice programs, and collection development in carrying out the Library's mission. Why work at SFPL? Watch these videos where employees share personal stories and what they love about their work at San Francisco Public Library: Why I Work HereSFPL Application Deadline: Applicants are encouraged to apply immediately as this recruitment may close at any time, but no earlier than 5PM on Friday, September 4, 2026 . Position Overview: Reporting to the City Librarian, the Chief Operating Officer (COO) position is responsible for assisting the City Librarian in planning, evaluating, and directing the operations of major activities and functions of the Library. The focus of this position will be comprehensive planning and fiscal oversight of the organization’s major support divisions including Finance, Facilities, Human Resources, Information Technology, and Research, Strategy & Analytics. The essential job duties and responsibilities are as follows: Oversees the organizational structure, policies and procedures, staff assignments, service levels, and administrative systems for the Library Support Divisions (Finance, Facilities, HR, IT, and Research, Strategy & Analytics) required to accomplish a department's mission and objectives in an effective and efficient manner; directs the identification, evaluation, and implementation of service enhancements; leads change management and project management initiatives across assigned functional areas. Directs the development and implementation of division goals and work plans; manages the allocation of resources for optimal organizational performance. Performs a lead role in implementing the Library’s strategic plan, capital plan, and development and maintenance of a comprehensive technology plan and organizational hiring plan. Consults with the Mayor/Mayor's staff regarding the activities of the functional area assigned and coordinates with other City departments in addressing service needs; may represent the Department before or provide information to commissions, boards, committees and representatives from federal, state and local agencies, organizations, and the media; serves as the department head in their absence. Directs the development and implementation of the capital and operational budget; leads data-informed budget and expenditure decisions for the Library; oversees fiscal activities to ensure expenditures adhere to the approved budget, meet compliance requirements, are fiscally prudent, and are in alignment with the department mission and strategic plan. Collaborates with members of the Library’s executive management team to align strategic priorities and drive cross-functional initiatives that advance organizational goals. Oversees departmental participation in community benefit districts and centralized city service initiatives and/or multi-agency capital planning efforts. Provides analysis of legislative changes at various levels of government and coordinates local legislation with the Mayor and Board of Supervisors. Coordinates departmental audits, audit responses, and corrective action plans. Develops and implements policies, goals, and objectives, and ensures the enforcement of all applicable laws, ordinances, and regulations for the department. Ideal Candidate: The ideal candidate for the Chief Operating Officer is a strategic, mission-driven executive with a proven record of leading complex operations in a dynamic public service environment. They bring broad expertise across finance, facilities management and capital projects, human resources, information technology, strategic planning and/or continuous improvement initiatives. An adaptable, collaborative leader who balances long-term strategy with decisive action, navigate complex stakeholder relationships with diplomacy, and build strong partnerships across SFPL and City departments. Exceptional communication and presentation skills are essential. Minimum Qualifications: 1. Education: Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Public Administration, Public Policy, Social Work, Urban Planning, Business Management, Computer Science, or a closely related field, AND 2. Experience: Five (5) years of managerial experience as a senior manager with oversight of at least one of the functional areas: Finance, Facilities, Information Technology, Strategic Planning, or Human Resources, all of which must include supervision of staff. Education Substitution: Additional qualifying work experience may be substituted on the required education on a year-for-year basis for up to 2 years. One year is equivalent to thirty (30) or forty-five (45) quarter units. Applicants must meet the minimum qualification requirement by the final filing date unless otherwise noted. One (1) year full-time employment is equivalent to 2,000 hours (2,000 hours of qualifying work experience is based on a 40 hour work week). Any overtime hours that you work above 40 hours per week are not included in the calculation to determine full-time employment. Desirable Qualifications: The stated desirable qualifications may be considered at the end of the selection process when candidates are referred for hiring. Advanced degree in Business Administration, Finance, Public Administration, Public policy, Law, or closely related field. Possess the managerial experience described above, with managerial experience in more than one functional areas. Prior municipal government experience working within the City & County of San Francisco. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Experience with public speaking and making public presentations; strong group facilitation skills. Demonstrated experience in organizing work, directing tasks independently, maintaining strong attention to detail, and managing competing priorities to meet external timelines. Able to quickly pivot with changing priorities and maintain a professional and calm demeanor under pressure and amid high-stress situations. Proven ability to navigate complex stakeholder relationships with high emotional intelligence and diplomacy. Ability to plan, direct, and evaluate the work of division and department leadership and senior staff. Verification of Education and Experience: Every application is reviewed to ensure that you meet the minimum qualifications as listed in the job ad. Review SF Careers Employment Applications for considerations taken when reviewing applications. Applicants may be required to submit verification of qualifying education and experience at any point during the recruitment and selection process. If education or experience verification is required, information on how to verify education and experience requirements, including verifying foreign education credits or degree equivalency, can be found at https://careers.sf.gov/knowledge/experience-education/. Note: Falsifying one’s education, training, or work experience or attempted deception on the application may result in disqualification for this and future job opportunities with the City and County of San Francisco. Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed City and County of San Francisco application. Applications completed improperly may be cause for ineligibility, disqualification or may lead to lower scores. Selection Procedure: The selection process will include evaluation of applications in relation to minimum requirements. Depending on the number of applicants, the department may establish and
