Job Description

The Assistant Executive Director of Library Operations serves as a Senior Leader for the Riverside County Library System and acts as a key partner to the Executive Director.

This role provides high-level operational leadership, staff mentorship, and strategic support to ensure vibrant, responsive libraries that inspire both staff and community members.

The Assistant Executive Director helps translate vision into action, strengthens organizational culture, and ensures consistent service excellence across the system. This position requires frequent travel (approximately 60–70%) to library locations, clients, and community partners.

Leadership & Strategic Support

· Partner with the Executive Director and stakeholders to support implementation of the long-range vision for RCLS aligned with community priorities

· Lead execution and ongoing evaluation of the Strategic Plan; integrate strategic goals into operations, budgeting, and staff work plans

· Support future strategic planning efforts and facilitate systemwide alignment

· Provide leadership and direction to senior and branch-level managers in delivering relevant, engaging services

· Stay current on library and leadership best practices and help implement innovative service models

Organizational Culture & Talent Development

· Support systemwide retention, engagement, succession planning, and leadership development

· Mentor managers and emerging leaders; help build leadership capacity at all levels

· Promote a culture of exceptional customer service, accountability, and continuous improvement

· Foster collaboration, transparency, and cross-departmental communication

· Serve as a visible, accessible leader who builds trust and rapport across the organization

Operational & Financial Leadership

· Oversee day-to-day operational performance across library locations in alignment with strategic priorities

· Partner in development and oversight of operating and collections budgets; monitor financial performance and resource utilization

· Support pursuit of grants, partnerships, and supplemental funding opportunities

· Build relationships with Friends of the Library groups and support the growth of the Library Foundation

Community & Partner Engagement

· Represent the Library at community meetings, partner events, and public forums as assigned

· Support relationship management with local officials, community leaders, and stakeholder organizations

· Promote the Library’s role in education, literacy, and lifelong learning

· Collaborate with marketing and communications teams to increase visibility and community engagement

Administration & System Performance

· Support operational management of RCLS to ensure alignment with mission, strategy, and contractual expectations

· Develop and monitor procedures, quality standards, and performance indicators

· Utilize LibraryIQ tools and data analytics to assess services, collections, and community impact

· Ensure collections remain responsive to community needs

· Support compliance with local, state, and federal regulations and library best practices

· Assist in preparation of annual reports and partner briefings

· Support internal communication strategies to keep staff informed, aligned, and engaged

· Provide leadership oversight for the Edward Dean Museum and Gardens as assigned

Partner Relationship Management

· Maintain strong working relationships with Riverside County partners and stakeholders

· Serve as a secondary point of escalation for partner and patron concerns

· Support preparation of reports and performance updates for County partners

· Help ensure RCLS meets contractual scope of work and service expectations

Qualifications

· Master’s degree in library science or library and information studies (MLS/MLIS required)

· 3+ years of senior management experience in library or related public service environments

· Demonstrated success leading managers, coaching teams, and driving organizational performance

· Experience working with government or contracted service environments preferred

· Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build trust and engagement

· Collaborative leader who fosters teamwork and alignment

· Strategic thinker with the ability to execute and drive results

· Customer-focused with a commitment to service excellence

· Skilled in financial and operational data analysis

· Proven ability to thrive in a complex, fast-paced environment

Requirements

· Frequent travel to library locations, community meetings, and partner sites

· Availability for evening and weekend meetings and community events

· On-call availability for urgent or emergency operational situations

· Strong written and verbal communication skills

· Excellent organizational and time management skills

· Ability to work both independently and collaboratively

· High level of reliability and professional accountability

· Must maintain a reliable source of personal transportation

· Must reside in Riverside County, CA, or within a 25-mile radius

Compensation: $135,000 - $150,000 annually

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