Are you a forward-thinking library leader passionate about community engagement and public service? The City of San Marcos, Texas, is seeking a dynamic and collaborative individual to become its next Library Director. This is an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of a vital community hub and make a significant impact on a growing city.
San Marcos Public Library is a cornerstone of the community, operating from a spacious 55,000 square foot facility. With a dedicated team of 25 FTE and a $1.8 million budget, the library is well-established yet poised for continued growth and innovation. The ideal Library Director will be a hands-on leader, ready to build upon the library’s strengths, foster existing relationships, and cultivate new partnerships to expand services and enrich the lives of San Marcos residents.
The library plays a crucial role in providing diverse and essential services to the community. San Marcos Public Library is more than just books; it’s a vibrant center offering a wide array of programs, resources, and spaces. From ESL classes and citizenship assistance to job search workshops and resume building support, the library actively addresses community needs. Its commitment extends to offering unique programs like HVAC Level One certification, Small Business Counseling, Legal Aid clinics, and mental health initiatives, demonstrating its role as a true community anchor.
As Library Director, you will be at the helm of this thriving institution. This pivotal role involves planning, coordinating, and directing all library activities to ensure the delivery of high-quality programs and services tailored to San Marcos’ diverse population. Key responsibilities include maintaining exemplary standards for library facilities and collections, forging strong collaborations with community partners, and expertly managing projects, including potential construction and renovation endeavors. Supervising and mentoring library staff is also a core component of this leadership position.
Financial stewardship is a critical aspect of the Library Director’s role. This includes comprehensive budget management, from preparing detailed budget requests to skillfully managing grant projects. Decision-making is central to this position, encompassing personnel management (hiring and evaluations), overseeing daily operations to ensure efficiency and effectiveness, and strategically envisioning and planning for the library’s future priorities and direction.
San Marcos offers an attractive quality of life. With a population of approximately 83,000, San Marcos blends small-town charm with big-city access. Its strategic location, a convenient 30- to 45-minute drive from both San Antonio and Austin, Texas, provides access to major metropolitan amenities while retaining its unique identity. The city is defined by the beautiful San Marcos River, a spring-fed waterway that maintains a comfortable 72 degrees year-round. This natural treasure enhances the local culture and provides year-round recreational opportunities. Residents enjoy abundant outdoor activities, including parks, biking and walking trails, and river activities like swimming, fishing, tubing, and canoeing. A vibrant arts scene, supported by numerous organizations, offers dramatic performances, art galleries, and public art installations. The community deeply values education, libraries, and intellectual pursuits, creating a supportive environment for the library and its mission.
This is more than just a job; it’s an opportunity to be a pioneer in shaping library services and community engagement. If you are a passionate and experienced library leader ready to take on this exciting challenge, we encourage you to apply.
Deadline: March 2, 2025
