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Deputy Director of Library & Community Services

The Library & Community Services Department invites qualified professionals to apply for Deputy Director of Library & Community Services. The department currently has two openings. One in the Library Services Division and one in the Parks and Recreation Division. These roles are integral to providing professional support to the Library & Community Services Director, while advancing the department’s mission within their respective division. Candidates who are committed to the City of Salinas values of accountability, collaboration, trust, innovation, and service excellence are encouraged to apply.

Tentative Recruitment Schedule:

Recruitment closes: 5/18/2026
Oral Board Interviews: Week of 5/25/2026
Department Interviews: Week of 6/1/2026

Recruitment Contact: Maria Avila, Senior Human Resources Analyst, maria.avila@sainas.gov, (831)758-7231

Summary of Duties: Under general direction, assists, plans, manages, oversees, and directs the day-to-day operations, programs, and services of assigned divisions or programs in the Library and Community Services Department, including parks, neighborhood services, recreation programming, special events, facility rentals, youth and family programs, social services, contract classes, library services, and customer service; oversees and manages contracts and ensures compliance with all funding initiatives, coordinates activities with City officials, departments, outside agencies, contractors, organizations, and the public.

Distinguishing Characteristics: This is a management level classification responsible for providing professional support to the Library and Community Services Director in several administrative and operations functional areas. Successful performance of the work requires an extensive professional background as well as skill in coordinating departmental work with that of other city departments, public agencies, community groups, and other organizations. Incumbents are responsible for performing diverse, specialized, and complex work involving significant accountability and decision-making responsibilities which include developing and implementing policies, procedures, and recommendations for assigned programs, budget administration and reporting. Performance of the work requires the use of considerable independence, initiative, and discretion within broad guidelines.

Supervision Received and Exercised: Receives general direction from the Library and Community Services Director. Exercises supervision over management, supervisory, professional, technical, skilled, administrative, and clerical support and volunteers through subordinate levels of supervision.

Essential Job Functions

Assumes management responsibility for major library, recreation, parks, and neighborhood programs, facilities, community events, and activities
Oversees and directs the daily operations of divisions, library and recreation services, youth sports, special events, senior programs, social services, arts and cultural programs, coordinates with other City departments and outside agencies on special projects
Manages and coordinates Citywide special events, including receptions, ground breakings, dedications, etc., with other City departments and external agencies; directs staff assigned to events and projects.
Develops, implements and coordinates divisional goals and objectives, policies and procedures; evaluates the operations and activities of the Department; assists with the formulation of goals, objectives, and priorities
Participates in the implementation and coordination of the library, parks, and neighborhood services programs and operations
Assists in the preparation, planning, and development of the annual operating budget and Capital Improvement projects for the entire Department and prepares and monitors division budgets
Researches, prepares, and submits grant proposals, required applications for funding opportunities to meet public needs and improve program services
Conducts a variety of operational surveys and organizational and operation studies; recommends modification to Library and Community Services programs, policies, procedures, and technology as appropriate
Selects, trains, motivates, and evaluates assigned personnel; provides or coordinates staff training; works with employees to correct deficiencies; implements discipline and termination procedures
Responds to public inquiries and requests related to library, parks, recreation, and neighborhood services
Responsible for the preparation and agenda management for the division and program area Commission and Committee meetings
Regularly attends City Council and Commission/Committee meetings and serves as a liaison as directed by the Library and Community Services Director
Coordinates public art projects including preparation of Request for Proposals (RFP), receiving, reviewing, evaluating and awarding bids
Prepares RFPs for professional services relating to master plans, grants, and other consultant work
Oversees facility and building maintenance; oversees development, planning, design, and implementation of Library, park or recreation facility renovation projects as assigned.
Promotes and publicizes community services programs, events and activities; prepares, proofs and approves press releases, brochures, digital content, and other marketing and promotional materials
Prepares written reports regarding operations, personnel, budget, statistics, grant reporting and a variety of other subjects
Coordinates with other management staff to meet the overall goals and objectives of the City
Ensures staff observe and comply with all City and mandated safety rules, regulations, and protocols
Transports self to worksites or facilities as needed for meetings, special events, or to address emergent matters
Serves as acting Director in his/her absence
Performs other duties as assigned

When assigned to Library Services:

Represents the Library Division to and coordinates assigned activities with other departments, elected officials, and outside agencies; participates in community meetings and conferences as the representative of the Salinas Libraries; serves as staff liaison to the Friends of the Salinas Public Libraries; explains Library programs, policies, and activities; negotiates and resolves sensitive and controversial issues
Provides excellent customer service; develops strategies and training needed to ensure customer complaints and requests are handled timely, efficiently, and professionally.
Receives, investigates, and responds to difficult and sensitive problems and complaints in a professional manner; identifies and reports findings and takes necessary corrective action
Participates on a variety of boards and commissions; attends and participates in professional group meetings; stays abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of Library Science.
Responds to emergency calls from staff during after-hours operations, activities, and/or special events

When assigned to Parks, Recreation and Community Services:

Represents Parks, Recreation and Community Services Division to and coordinates assigned activities with other departments, elected officials, and outside agencies; participates in community meetings and conferences as the representative of the Salinas Parks, Recreation and Community Services; Serves as a liaison for assigned Division with other City departments, division, and outside agencies; provides staff support to commissions, committees and task forces as necessary
Manages work related to developing, monitoring, and coordinating the maintenance, repair, and development of City recreation buildings and facilities based on community needs; develops and facilities long-range plans utilizing studies of local conditions and future community projections
Coordinates reviews, and participates in a variety of project activities; researches, compiles, reviews, and analyzes data for special projects, as well as ensures projects progress on schedule and within prescribed budget and required City guidelines; manages the preparation of forecasts for recreation fees and charges, revenue sources, and expenditures; contributes to sound financial planning
Responds to emergency calls from staff during after-hours operations, activities, and/or special events

Minimum Qualifications

Knowledge of:

Administrative principles and practices, including goal setting, program development, implementation, and evaluation, and supervision of staff
Public agency budgetary, contract, administration, administrative practices, and general principles of risk management related to the functions of the assigned area
Organizational and management practices as applied to the analysis and evaluation of projects, programs, policies, procedures, and operational needs; principles and practices of municipal government administration
Modern principles, practices and philosophies for overseeing parks, recreation, and library services programs and staff
Budget preparation and administration; principles and practices of office management
Applicable Federal, State, and local laws, codes, and regulations
Principles and practices of employee supervision, including work planning, assignment, review and evaluation, and the training of staff in work procedures
Modern office practices, methods, computer equipment and applications related to assigned programs
Techniques for effectively representing the City in contacts with governmental agencies, community groups, and various business, professional, educational, regulatory, and legislative organizations
Techniques for providing a high level of customer service by effectively dealing with the public, vendors, contractors and City staff

Ability to:

Recommend and implement goals, objectives, and practices for providing effective and efficient parks, recreation and library services
Plan, organize, and direct effective parks, recreation and library services and programs
Prepare and administer large and complex budgets; allocate limited resources in a cost-effective manner
Interpret, apply, explain, and ensure compliance with Federal, State, and local policies, procedures, laws, and regulations, technical written material, department operations policies and procedures
Plan, organize, direct, and coordinate the work of supervisory, professional, technical, skilled, and support staff
Select, train, motivate, and evaluate the work of staff and train staff in work procedures
Effectively administer special projects with contractual agreements and ensure compliance with stipulations
Conduct effective negotiations and effectively represent the City and the department in meetings with governmental agencies, contractors, vendors, and various businesses, professional, regulatory, and legislative organizations
Prepare clear and concise reports, correspondence, policies, procedures, and written material
Organize and prioritize a variety of projects and multiple tasks in an effective and timely manner; organize own work, set priorities, and meet critical time deadlines
Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and specialized software application programs
Transport self to worksites, facilities, offsite meetings and events
Use tact, initiative, prudence, and independent judgment within general policy, procedural, and legal guidelines.

Education: A Bachelor’s degree in public administration, recreation administration, library science, or related field is required.

Experience: Six (6) years of responsible professional administrative experience, including three (3) years as a manager in library services, recreation, or parks, with four (4) years of personnel supervision, as well as administrative, and program planning work; preferably with a governmental agency.

Licenses and Certifications: A valid California Driver’s License.

Supplemental Information

Primarily business office working environment subject to sitting at a desk or standing at a counter for long periods of time, bending, crouching, or kneeling at files, pushing/pulling of file drawers and supplies, reaching in all directions and prolonged periods of time working at a computer terminal. Occasional fieldwork required related to outside agency meetings, outdoor recreational activities and maintenance functions. Some driving required to attend out-of-town training, meetings, and to visit various centers/sites within the City.

This position may be exposed to inclement weather conditions at special events and will be required to work weekend and/or evening hours on an occasional basis.

Employee must complete SB 1343 Sexual Harassment Prevention Training within six months of appointment and every two years thereafter.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills which may be required.

Veteran’s Preference: A veteran is defined in accordance with California Government Code 18540.4. In order to exercise this preference, the veteran must submit the City’s Veteran’s Preference Application (Download PDF reader) and provide a copy of the DD-214 form at time of application as proof of military status. Failure to submit the required forms will be deemed a waiver of veteran's preference. Military veterans shall be given preference in initial appointment to City service. Further details can be obtained from the Human Resources Department, at 831-758-7254.

Public Employee Disaster Service Worker: In accordance with Government Code Section 3100, all City of Salinas employees are required to perform assigned disaster service worker duties in the event of an emergency or a disaster.

Selection Process: Applicants’ qualifications will be evaluated based on the information provided on the employment application. The exam process may consist of an application appraisal, oral interview, assessment center and/or written exam. The City reserves the right to use alternate testing procedures if deemed necessary. CITY COMMUNICATION REGARDING THE SELECTION PROCESS WILL BE VIA E-MAIL. PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOU HAVE ACCESS TO THE E-MAIL ON YOUR APPLICATION. Finalist interview/assessment will be held with the City of Salinas.

Equal Opportunity Employer: The City of Salinas does not discriminate based on race, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital status, political affiliation, or any other non-merit factor. The City of Salinas makes reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with a disability. Individuals requiring any accommodation in order to participate in the testing process must inform the Human Resources Director in writing no later than the final filing date stated in this job announcement. Requests for accommodation should include an explanation of the type and extent of accommodations needed to participate in the selection process and/or to perform the duties of the job for which they have applied. EEO Utilization Report is available for candidate review upon request.

Salary Steps: The following applies for Full-Time Regular positions only. Appointments are normally made at the first step. Consideration is given for increase to the second step after successful completion of the probationary period. (Employees appointed at a higher step will be eligible for consideration for the next step after one year, providing they successfully complete a probationary period.)

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