Chief of Community Programs and Partnerships (0952 - Deputy Director II) - San Francisco Public Library

Position Description

The Chief of Community Programs and Partnerships serves as a key member of the Library’s executive leadership team and works collaboratively with leadership to plan, design, implement, and evaluate all facets of programs and partnerships. The Chief of Community Programs and Partnerships oversees system wide programming, exhibitions, and outreach for youth, families, adults, older adults, and seniors, as well as programs and services offered through The Bridge at Main – Literacy & Learning Center. The role also includes oversight of Mobile Outreach Services (MOS), which operates a fleet of four bookmobiles, and the Jail and Reentry Services (JARS) unit serving the County Jails.

Role Description

Reporting to the City Librarian and under the supervision of the Chief of Public Services, the Chief of Community Programs & Partnerships is a member of the Public Services Team and works collaboratively with the Main Library Manager, the Chief of Branches, the Chief of Collections & Technical Services, and the City Archivist. The Chief of Community Programs & Partnerships also works collaboratively with the other divisions chiefs on the executive leadership team who oversee support divisions (Facilities, Finance, Information Technology, and Research, Strategy & Analytics).

The Chief of Community Programs and Partnerships collaborates closely with other City departments such as SF Recreation & Parks Department, SF Arts Commission, SFMTA, Office of Economic & Workforce Development, and the Office of the Treasurer & Tax Collector. The role also partners with libraries regionally, statewide, and nationally.

The Chief of Community Programs and Partnerships supports key initiatives of the Mayor’s Office, such as the SF Poet Laureate, SF Drag Laureate, and SF Youth Poet Laureate, and leads the Library’s signature programs, including One City One Book: SF Reads and Summer Stride.

As the Library’s liaison to the Friends & Foundation of the San Francisco Public Library, the Chief of Community Programs and Partnerships cultivates relationships and strengthens partnerships with community‐based organizations, nonprofits, and other civic partners.

The Community Programs and Partnerships (CPP) Division is designed to oversee and coordinate diverse teams that focus on all aspects of youth engagement including early childhood services, teen services and services to schools. The Chief of Community Programs and Partnerships is responsible for leading teams that collaborate with the Chief of Branches, Chief of Main, and City Archivist to strengthen neighborhood services through community programs, outreach, and exhibitions. They support the area of instruction and learning, including innovative approaches to provide e-learning, instruction and trans-literacy services will be a key aspect in leading the division.

The Chief of Community Programs and Partnerships oversees a wide range of teams to produce an array of services meeting the needs of 21st Century learners. Under the Chief of Community Programs and Partnerships, the teams will challenge conventional approaches to library services by focusing on creative approaches to partnerships that leverage resources, talent and technology. The incumbent will take a lead role in establishing and sustaining strong relationships with government, education, corporate and non-profit entities in an effort to make the library a key partner in the civic life of San Francisco residents. Through these partnerships, the SFPL will serve a diverse and active community that will take full opportunity to access services and programs at all 28 neighborhood libraries and other agencies. The Chief will formulate and assist in the development of division and departmental budget; direct and coordinate policy development; provide direction and leadership in developing a systemwide public programs and outreach efforts; assess and respond to community needs; and perform other job related duties as assigned.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate for the Chief of Community Programs and Partnerships is a strategic, collaborative, and community‐focused leader who excels at building partnerships, directing innovative public programs, and advancing inclusive services for diverse learners. They bring strong leadership, political acumen, and exceptional communication skills to guide systemwide programming, outreach, exhibitions, and youth engagement initiatives. This individual thrives in fast‐paced, complex environments and ensures SFPL remains a key civic partner in San Francisco. Excellent communication, public speaking, and presentation skills are essential.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Possession of a Master’s degree in library science, public administration, or a related field from an accredited college or university. AND
• Four (4) years of managerial experience in community engagement, programming, establishing partnerships, and leading a team, unit, or division, all of which must include supervisory experience.

Applicants must meet the minimum qualification requirement by the final filing date unless otherwise noted.

One (1) year full-time employment is equivalent to 2,000 hours (2,000 hours of qualifying work experience is based on a 40 hour work week). Any overtime hours that you work above 40 hours per week are not included in the calculation to determine full-time employment.

Desirable Qualifications:

• Experience working in large public library system
• Demonstrated leadership and management experience in public libraries, museums, community‐based organizations, or non‐profit agencies
• Knowledge of current library trends
• Direct experience designing or supporting literacy initiatives, particularly those that enhance learning during out of school
• Proven political acumen and experience in working with policy boards, government officials, community leaders and organizations
• Ability to cultivate partnerships for new programs and services
• Experience supporting or leading strategic planning, including designing and evaluating programs and services
• Creative approaches to marketing and public relations
• Ability to interact skillfully and tactfully with people at all levels of the organization

Every application is reviewed to ensure that you meet the minimum qualifications as listed in the job ad. Review SF Careers Employment Applications for considerations taken when reviewing applications.

Applicants may be required to submit verification of qualifying education and experience at any point during the recruitment and selection process. If education or experience verification is required, information on how to verify education and experience requirements, including verifying foreign education credits or degree equivalency, can be found at https://careers.sf.gov/knowledge/experience-education/.

Resumes will not be accepted in lieu of a completed City and County of San Francisco application.

Applications completed improperly may be cause for ineligibility, disqualification or may lead to lower scores.

Selection Procedure:

The selection process will include evaluation of applications in relation to minimum requirements. Depending on the number of applicants, the department may establish and implement additional screening mechanisms to comparatively evaluate the qualifications of candidates. San Francisco Public Library may administer additional position-specific selection procedures to make final hiring decision for this position. Only those candidates whose qualifications most closely meet the needs of the department will continue in the departmental selection process, which may consist of an oral interview, and/or performance exercise.

Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications are not guaranteed to advance through all of the steps in the selection process.

Application Opening: August 5, 2026

Application Deadline: Applicants are encouraged to apply immediately as this recruitment may close at any time, but no earlier than Friday, August 28, 2026. This recruitment will remain open until filled.

Compensation and Benefits:

The normal annual salary range is $161,382 and $205,972. Appointment above the maximum of the normal range may be considered based on documented and substantiated recruitment and retention issues or exceptional skills. A special approval process is necessary for appointment above the normal salary range.

In addition, the City and County of San Francisco (City) offers comprehensive benefit programs which include:

• Medical, Vision, Dental, and Life insurance
• Long-term disability plan; Flexible Spending Accounts
• Pension Plan; Retiree Healthcare; Deferred Compensation Program
• Paid Management Training Program; Wellness Program
• Paid Vacation, Holidays, Sick Leave; Management Leave

Additional information about the City’s Management Benefits.

• Information About the Hiring Process
• Conviction History
• Employee Benefits Overview
• Equal Employment Opportunity
• Disaster Service Worker
• ADA Accommodation
• Right to Work
• Copies of Application Documents
• Diversity Statement

Where to Apply

All job applications for the City and County of San Francisco must be submitted through our online portal. Please visit https://careers.sf.gov/ to begin your application process.

Applicants will receive a confirmation email from notification@smartrecruiters.com that their online application has been received in response to every announcement for which they file. Applicants should retain this confirmation email for their records. Failure to receive this email means that the online application was not submitted or received.

If you have any questions, you may contact Meiyi Ouyang at meiyi.ouyang@sfpl.org.

Recruitment ID: RTF0166359-01113815