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Job Description
THE OPPORTUNITY
South Pasadena’s long-cherished tradition of library service is poised for its next chapter, and the City is seeking an innovative, forward-thinking leader to guide it. As the Library Director, you will have the rare chance to steward a beloved community institution, shape its strategic vision, and expand access to information, learning, and cultural enrichment for a highly engaged and diverse population. This role offers a unique blend of small-town community spirit and big-city connectivity, empowering the next Director to leave a lasting impact on the library’s programs, facilities, and the civic life of South Pasadena.
ABOUT SOUTH PASADENA
The City of South Pasadena, incorporated in 1888, is a charming and historic community nestled in the West San Gabriel Valley region of Los Angeles County. Encompassing just 3.4 square miles and home to approximately 26,000 residents, South Pasadena is widely recognized for its strong sense of community, tree-lined streets, and distinctive small-town character while in the heart of a major metropolitan area. With a strong civic identity, active community engagement, and proximity to major economic and cultural centers, South Pasadena offers an exceptional quality of life for those seeking a welcoming, inclusive, and connected place to call home.
Learn more about the City of South Pasadena here.
THE SOUTH PASADENA PUBLIC LIBRARY
The South Pasadena Public Library has been an integral part of the community for more than a century. In fact, a public library system was established in South Pasadena just one year after the City's incorporation in 1888. Today, the South Pasadena Public Library serves 26,000 residents and hosts a collection of approximately 120,000 physical materials.
The Library provides its services with 10 full-time employees and 30 part-time employees. Included are the Director, an Assistant Library Director and a Library Manager. Reporting to the Director is the Assistant Director and a part-time Administrative Assistant. The FY 2025-2026 budget is $2.5 million.
THE POSITION
Reporting to the City Manager, the Library Director serves as a visionary leader and strategic advisor to the City Manager and the Library Board of Trustees, guiding the City’s library services into the future. This executive role offers the opportunity to strengthen a beloved community institution, foster innovation in library programming and technology, and expand access to information and culture for all residents. Key responsibilities include shaping the long-term direction of library services, aligning programs and resources with community needs and overseeing policy development; leading and developing a talented library team; preparing and administering the Library’s annual operating budget; identifying funding opportunities and overseeing grant applications; directing day-to-day operations of the Library; and serving as an ambassador to the community by building partnerships with Friends of the South Pasadena Public Library, civic groups, and cultural organizations.
The ideal candidate for the position of Library Director will be looking for new ways to further professionalize the department, improve service delivery, and build the next generation of leaders; be a strong leader, committed to leading by example and delivering excellent customer service; be a high-functioning and organized administrator, able to manage complex projects, and lead the Library team; and have a willingness to implement new ideas – even at a calculated risk.
SALARY & BENEFITS
The City of South Pasadena provides a competitive compensation and benefits package. The anticipated starting salary for the Library Director is +/- $190,000, with salary placement dependent on qualifications and experience. There are scheduled COLAs totaling 6% in 2026 and 4% in 2027. Key elements of the City’s benefits program include retirement provided by CalPERS with 2.0% @ 55 for Classic PERS members and 2% @ 62 for PEPRA members. In addition, the City contributes 1% of base salary to a deferred compensation plan.
For additional benefit information, interested candidates are encouraged to review the detailed recruitment brochure at www.mosaicpublic.com.
APPLICATION & SELECTION PROCESS
This recruitment is open until filled. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply immediately, by submitting a cover letter and résumé online at:
https://www.mosaicpublic.com/careers
This recruitment will be handled with strict confidentiality. References will not be contacted until mutual interest has been established.
Confidential inquiries are welcomed to:
Greg Nelson| greg@mosaicpublic.com | (916) 550-4100
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Job Requirements
QUALIFICATIONS
The following are the minimum qualifications for the position of Library Director:
Education: A Master’s degree in Library Science or a related field.
Experience: At least five years of progressively responsible supervisory experience in a library setting.
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ABOUT THE COMPANY
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Mosaic Public Partners
Show moreWe are seasoned public sector executives who have profound respect for the work of public agencies. We are passionate about placing today’s public leaders, which enables public agencies to deliver exemplary leadership to their constituents.
Placing today’s public leaders is our mission. Aligning the right candidates with the right opportunities helps our clients to build effective teams. We enjoy building relationships with the people involved in our searches, whether it's the candidates, hiring managers, team members or stakeholders. Establishing meaningful connections with those involved in our search process is the basis from which we derive our success as a trusted partner and client-focused search firm.
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