Chief of Branches (0952 - Deputy Director II) - San Francisco Public Library

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.

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.

About the role

The Chief of Branches is a high-level executive position responsible for the strategic leadership, operational oversight, and management of the San Francisco Public Library’s Branch Library Division, which encompasses 27 neighborhood libraries and approximately 400 staff. Under the supervision of the Chief of Public Services (CPS), this role ensures optimal resource allocation, budget management, and policy implementation across all branches.

A primary focus of this position is community-centric leadership—driving the development of specialized, innovative library services that meet the diverse needs of San Francisco’s unique neighborhoods by actively building coalitions with local organizations and constituencies.

As a key member of the executive leadership team, the Chief of Branches provides strategic direction and administrative management for the Branch Library Division, the system's largest division encompassing 27 neighborhood libraries and approximately 400 branch staff. Under the supervision of the Chief of Public Services (CPS), the Chief of Branches collaborates closely with the City Librarian, Chief Operating Officer (COO), and other Division Chiefs to oversee system-wide planning, policy implementation, and forward-thinking innovations.

The Chief of Branches carries full operational responsibility for managing the division’s operating budget, analyzing emerging trends, directing personnel assignments, and providing direct supervision to the Assistant Chief of Branches, a 3618 Library Technical Assistant II, and an 1840 Junior Management Assistant. The Chief partners closely with the CPS and COO to provide oversight for major capital projects, including branch renovations and new library construction, to ensure equitable service delivery across all facilities.

In addition to operational oversight, the Chief of Branches drives community engagement and high-level stakeholder relations. Serving as a vital external liaison, the Chief of Branches represents the library to City agencies, policymakers, and community organizations, and serves as the official liaison to the Council of Neighborhood Libraries to foster meaningful dialogue between neighborhoods and city decision-makers. The Chief of Branches is responsible for developing policy recommendations, delivering public presentations, and producing critical written communications such as reports and memos.

By collaborating with a team of an Assistant Chief of Branches, District Managers, and engaging with staff at all levels through special projects and task forces, the Chief of Branches is instrumental in realizing the Library's vision of providing equitable, impactful services that enhance the quality of life throughout San Francisco’s diverse communities.

Responsibilities

• Strategic leadership and operational oversight of the Branch Library Division, including 27 neighborhood libraries and approximately 400 staff.
• Management of the division’s operating budget, analysis of emerging trends, and direction of personnel assignments.
• Direct supervision of the Assistant Chief of Branches, a 3618 Library Technical Assistant II, and an 1840 Junior Management Assistant.
• Oversight of major capital projects, including branch renovations and new library construction, in collaboration with the Chief of Public Services and Chief Operating Officer.
• Development of specialized, innovative library services tailored to the diverse needs of San Francisco’s neighborhoods.
• Building coalitions with local organizations and constituencies to enhance community engagement.
• Representation of the library to City agencies, policymakers, and community organizations as an external liaison.
• Serving as the official liaison to the Council of Neighborhood Libraries to foster dialogue between neighborhoods and city decision-makers.
• Development of policy recommendations, delivery of public presentations, and production of critical written communications such as reports and memos.
• Collaboration with an Assistant Chief of Branches, District Managers, and staff at all levels through special projects and task forces.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate for Chief of Branches is a visionary and strategic leader who excels in community engagement and coalition building. This candidate demonstrates outstanding leadership and management capabilities, applies strong analytical thinking, and navigates complex environments with well‑developed political acumen and effective stakeholder relationships. This person is a big‑picture thinker and collaborative leader, and an exceptional communicator who thrives in a diverse, fast‑paced setting. Excellent communication, public speaking, and presentation skills are essential.

Minimum Qualifications

• Possession of a Master's Degree in Library and Information Studies (MLS/MLIS) from a college or university accredited by the American Library Association.
• Four (4) years of managerial experience, which all must include supervisory responsibilities, in a large urban library, which is defined as a public library system located in a dense, city environment, operating multiple branches, and typically serves a high-volume, diverse population.
• 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

• Professional librarian experience in a library.
• Experience working as a member of a library’s leadership team.
• Experience in managing large-scale library branch operations.
• Excellent management and leadership skills.
• Demonstrates outstanding political acumen.
• Highly attuned to current trends and future needs of the Library.
• Accessible; willingness to engage people at all levels of the organization.
• Focused on consensus/team building.
• Displays a passion for working with and serving people.
• Ability to create and maintain a highly engaged staff.
• Embraces challenges as opportunities for improvement and positive change.
• Comfortable with interacting and engaging the public.
• Values individual and collective staff contributions and talent.
• Supports and facilitates ongoing professional development.
• Practices unquestionable ethics and integrity.
• Engaging and credible communicator.

Pay

The normal annual salary range is $161,382.00 – $205,972.00. Appointment above the maximum of the normal range may be considered based on documented and substantiated recruitment and retention issues or exceptional skills. A special approval process is necessary for appointment above the normal salary range.