POSITION OVERVIEW Applications Accepted From:
Division: Customer Experience
Reporting Location: 500 McKinney
Workdays & Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 8:00 pm* (varies)
*Subject to Change
Description of Duties/Essential Functions Public libraries are trusted community and cultural centers that serve a highly diverse populace. At Houston Public Library, we understand that diversity in experiences, perspectives, knowledge, and ideas fuels creativity, broadens knowledge, and helps drive success. The Senior Manager of Neighborhood Libraries directly supervises, coaches, mentors and manages location managers within an area and oversees the performance and development of the area teams. The selected candidate will also assist with special projects and initiatives for Neighborhood Libraries. Successful candidates will work closely with the community to build on the existing partnerships, communicate effectively, provide exceptional customer service, and enjoy working emerging technologies, be at ease multitasking in a fast-paced public service setting and enjoy interacting with people of all ages from diverse backgrounds.
About Us:
The Houston Public Library’s mission—
Linking YOU to the World—guides our vision to be Houston’s most trusted source of information. We are dedicated to fostering a connected and informed community, where all Houstonians have equitable access to resources and innovative tools that empower them to thrive in a global society. From early literacy to career development and lifelong enrichment, we are proud to support lifelong learning at every stage of life. We are more than just a place for books; we are a hub for community connection, where Houstonians come together to engage, collaborate, and build a sense of belonging.
The essential duties and functions of the position include but are not limited to the following:
- Providing direction, support, and evaluation of operations to neighborhood libraries within a region to promote continuous improvement of and consistency of service between locations.
- Directly supervising, coaching, and mentoring up to 12 managers and approximately 100 indirect library employees.
- Guiding location managers through complex procedural, personnel, and administrative issues to improve library services.
- Conducting ongoing and regular site visits to library locations to observe, visit with management, and build relationships with staff.
- Working closely with the community to ensure that operations match community needs and resolving complex customer issues.
- Participating in systemwide projects and initiatives which includes preparing and presenting reports and other data to stakeholders.
- Setting priorities for locations, ensuring that systemwide goals are met, and reviewing established policies and procedures.
- Working closely other HPL divisions to enhance the service priorities and goals for the Library and City.
- Setting agendas and leading meetings with team members.
- Serving as systemwide on-call manager on a rotating basis, during evenings and weekends.
- Investigating and resolving customer complaints.
- Representing the Library in the community during and after hours.
- Other duties as assigned.
WORKING CONDITIONS The position is physically comfortable; the individual has discretion about walking, standing, etc. There are no major sources of discomfort, i.e., essentially normal office environment with acceptable lighting, temperature and air conditions.
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS Requires application of advanced principles, techniques and theory in a professional discipline or a thorough general business management knowledge. Knowledge of this level is typically obtained through a Master's degree or equivalent formal training in a recognized field of specialization that is directly related to the type of work being performed.
EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS Four (4) years of experience as a librarian are required, including two (2) with management responsibility.
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS A valid driver license and compliance with the City of Houston's policy on driving (AP 2-2).
PREFERENCESPreference shall be given to applicants with:
- Leadership experience with large urban libraries
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Proven experience working collaboratively to achieve results
- Demonstrated ability to manage change effectively
- Ability to analyze and evaluate major programs, policies, procedures, services, and facilities to develop recommendations
- Possess strong project management skills
- Strong supervisory skills
- Possess up to date and proficient knowledge of Office 365 (Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and Word) and Sirsi Symphony.
- Take initiative to creatively solve problems and possess sound decision-making skills.
- Provide exceptional internal and external customer service.
- Bilingual skills are a plus
**Preference shall be given to eligible veteran applicants provided such persons possess the qualifications necessary for competent discharge of the duties involved in the position applied for, such persons are among the most qualified candidates for the position, and all other factors in accordance with Executive Order 1-6. **
GENERAL INFORMATION ELECTION / SKILLS TESTS REQUIRED None
However, the Department may administer a skills assessment test.
SAFETY IMPACT POSITION : Yes
If yes, this position is subject to random drug testing and if a promotional position, candidate must pass an assignment drug test.
S ALARY INFORMATION Factors used in determining the salary offered include the candidate's qualifications as well as the pay rates of other employees in this classification.
PAY GRADE: 27 APPLICATION PROCEDURES Only online applications will be accepted for this City of Houston job and must be received by the Human Resources Department during active posting period. Applications must be submitted online at: www.houstontx.gov . To view your detailed application status, please log-in to your online profile by visiting: http://agency.governmentjobs.com/houston/default.cfm or call 832-393-1472.
If you need special services or accommodations, 832-393-1472 (TTY 7-1-1).
If you need login assistance or technical support call 855-524-5627.
Due to the high volume of applications received, the Hiring Department will contact you directly, should you be selected to advance in our recruitment process.
All new and rehires must pass a pre-employment drug test and are subject to a physical examination and verification of information provided.
EOE - Equal Opportunity Employer The City of Houston is committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse workforce and providing a work environment that is free from discrimination and harassment based upon any legally protected status or protected characteristic, including but not limited to an individual's sex, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, or pregnancy. The city offers a competitive benefits program, including competitively priced health coverage and a defined contribution pension plan. Benefits include:
- Medical
- Dental
- Vision
- Wellness
- Supplemental Insurance
- Life insurance
- Long-term disability
- Retirement pension
- 457 deferred compensation plan
- Employee Assistance Program
- 10 days of vacation each year
- 11 city holidays, plus one floating holiday
- Compensable Sick Leave
- Personal Leave
- Flexible schedules
- Hybrid-Telework for eligible positions
- Professional development opportunities
- Transportation/parking plan
- Section 125 pretax deductions
- Dependent Care Reimbursement Plan
- Paid Prenatal, Parental and Infant Wellness Leaves
- Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
For plan details, visit http://www.houstontx.gov/hr/benefits.html
Closing Date/Time: 9/30/2025 11:59 PM Central