Director of the Pima County Public Library

Job Description Summary

Department - Library

Job Description

OPEN UNTIL FILLED

Job Type: Unclassified

Job Classification: 1053 - Director Library

Salary Grade: 20

Pay Range

Hiring Range: $117,545 - $161,625 Annually

Full Range: $117,545 - $176,318 Annually

Salary offers are based on the candidate's equivalent experience and internal equity with other employees within the same job classification.

The first review of applications will be on 04/18/2025.

Pima County is seeking a visionary and community-focused leader to serve as Director of the Pima County Public Library (PCPL)—a mission-driven, 27 library system recognized for innovation, equity, and public service. This is a unique opportunity to lead one of Arizona’s most respected library systems at the forefront of literacy, learning, and digital access.

Reporting to the Deputy County Administrator, you will oversee a team of 500 professionals. As Director, you’ll guide strategic initiatives that expand community engagement, champion equity, and enhance service delivery across a diverse and vibrant region.

PCPL is more than books—it’s a vital community hub offering workforce development, youth programs, digital literacy, and cultural enrichment. You’ll collaborate with the Library Advisory Board, Library Friends groups, and the Pima Library Foundation to ensure long-term impact and sustainability.

If you are a forward-thinking leader passionate about the transformative power of libraries, we invite you to shape the future of public service in Pima County.

This classification is in the unclassified service and is exempt from the Pima County Merit System Rules.

Essential Functions

As defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, this classification may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbents of this class. Work assignments may vary depending on the department’s need and will be communicated to the applicant or incumbent by the supervisor.

• Plans, organizes, and directs all functions and activities of the library department, including establishing policies, goals, and objectives;
• Develops and implements a comprehensive library services program to meet community educational, informational, cultural, and recreational needs;
• Oversees the development of personnel, program objectives, and ensures alignment with department goals;
• Establishes fiscal and management control systems to monitor department performance;
• Develops and implements programs and procedures to enhance departmental performance, productivity, and problem-solving capabilities;
• Directs ongoing needs assessment programs to ensure library services align with community needs;
• Develops public information programs to raise awareness of library resources and services;
• Coordinates facility maintenance, repair, and renovation efforts with other County departments;
• Manages rental, leasing, and joint-use agreements for library facilities, ensuring compliance with County procurement rules;
• Researches, prepares, and submits routine and special reports to the County Administrator and Board of Supervisors;
• Serves as a liaison to the City of Tucson and other jurisdictions, developing and managing intergovernmental agreements (IGAs) for library services;
• Leads efforts to secure grants, gifts, and other funding sources to support library services;
• Directs the preparation and submission of grant applications and manage the administration of grants and gifts in accordance with county policies;
• Represents the library department at civic group meetings, advisory boards, and professional workshops, symposia, and events.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

Master’s degree in library science (MLS) or a Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) degree from an accredited college or university AND eight years of senior management or executive experience in the administration of a public-sector library system.

(Relevant experience and/or education from an accredited college or university may be substituted.)

Qualifying education and experience must be clearly documented in the "Education" and "Work Experience" sections of the application. Do not substitute a resume for your application or write "see resume" on your application.

Preferred Qualifications: (Be specific in describing your experience in your application. Ensure the descriptions provided illustrate your competencies, specifically addressing the required and preferred qualifications.):

• Ten (10) years of experience in developing and implementing strategic library initiatives, policies, and programs within a complex public sector environment.
• Active certification by a recognized library or public administration organization, such as a Certified Public Library Administrator (CPLA), American Library Association (ALA) Leadership Institute, or certification from the Arizona Board of Library Examiners.
• Five (5) years of experience managing a public library system or department within a large organization of over 1,000 employees.
• Experience in library management software and digital resource tools, such as integrated library systems (ILS), electronic databases, or emerging library technologies.
  
  

Selection Procedure

Pima County Human Resources Department reserves the right to admit to the selection process only those candidates that meet the minimum/desired qualifications. All applications will be assessed based on an evaluation of the listed education and experience. Candidates meeting the minimum/desired qualifications may be further evaluated/scored against any advertised Preferred Qualifications. Additional assessments/testing may be required as part of the selection process.

Supplemental Information

Licenses and Certificates: Valid driver license is required at time of application. Valid AZ driver license is required at time of appointment. The successful applicant will be subject to a 39-month DOT Motor Vehicle Record review to determine applicant’s suitability to operate county vehicles in accordance with Pima County administrative procedures. Failure to obtain and maintain the required licenses and certifications shall be grounds for termination. Any offer of employment resulting from this recruitment is contingent upon Fleet Services’ review and approval of the candidate’s driving record.

Special Notice Items: The County requires pre-employment background checks. Successful candidates will receive a post-offer, pre-employment background screening to include verification of work history, education, and criminal conviction history. A prior criminal conviction will not automatically disqualify a candidate from employment with the County.

Physical/Sensory Requirements: Physical and sensory abilities will be determined by position.

Working Conditions: Working conditions will be determined by the position.

EEO Information: Pima County Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We are committed to an inclusive and diverse workforce and will not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, kinship, political interest, or any other characteristic protected by law.