Deputy Director Library

POSTING TYPE: Open competitive
DEPARTMENT: Library
HOURS: Full-time
SALARY RANGE: $115,678 - $180,748/year (112 grade level)
LOCATION: Wescott Library, Eagan
UNION: None
CLOSE DATE: 4:30 p.m. on Monday, February 2, 2026
What You'll Do
The Dakota County Library Deputy Director is a key leader in shaping the future of Dakota County Library. The Library Deputy Director reports to the Library Director and is a member of the library's Senior Management Team that sets strategic priorities, guides system-wide operations and ensures resources are aligned to support staff development, organizational goals and community impact.

The Library Deputy Director provides strategic and operational leadership for five Dakota County Library locations, directly supervising Branch Managers. This position collaborates with the Assistant Director to coordinate excellent services across all locations and promotes a culture of inclusion, innovation and teamwork.

The Deputy Director leads implementation of the library's strategic plan and manages organization-wide initiatives that advance innovation, access and community impact. They serve as a trusted partner to the Library Director, supporting budget management, long range planning and coordination with county departments.

Who We Are
Dakota County Library's mission is to cultivate community, creativity, and learning. Our goal is to provide positive, welcoming and inclusive experiences for our customers and employees. Our work environments are places where differences are valued and accepted, and respect and personal growth are expected. We are committed to dismantling institutional racism and other forms of oppression. We seek individuals who are eager to build a culture of belonging and a more equitable world.

• Master's degree in library science and informatics, public administration, business administration, education or closely related program AND four years of experience in operational oversite, people management and administrative leadership in a library, government, nonprofit or similar setting.

• Bachelor's degree in public administration, business administration, education or closely related program AND six years of experience in operational oversite, people management and administrative leadership in a library, government, nonprofit or similar setting.

• Associate's degree in public administration, business administration, education or closely related program AND eight years of experience in operational oversite, people management and administrative leadership in a library, government, nonprofit or similar setting.

• Experience implementing and evaluating strategic plans.
• Experience managing multiple locations and service teams.

These examples do not include all possible tasks in this work and do not limit the assignment of related tasks in any position of this classification. Regular attendance according to the position's management-approved work schedule is required for all positions.

1. Participate as a member of the Library Senior Management Team, contributing to the development of strategic priorities and the coordination of system-wide business planning, operations, resource allocation and staff development.
2. Collaborate with the Assistant Director to coordinate systemwide service outcomes and processes at all library locations.
3. Provide direct oversight over personnel, operations and service at five library locations to ensure a welcoming and safe staff and customer experience for diverse audiences.
4. Supervise and mentor managers to develop leadership skills that guide teams and foster staff development.
5. Develop and manage budgets for assigned areas, ensuring effective use of resources.
6. Collaborate on capital projects and facilities planning.
7. Work with the Library Director, library staff, communities of interest and Public Services & Revenue Division Administration to implement the strategic plan.
8. Analyze service data, identify opportunities and recommend strategies to improve efficiency and community impact.
9. Manage planning, change, and evaluation for assigned functional areas.
10. Represent the library to community organizations, county departments and special committees such as the Dakota County Library Foundation Board, Library Advisory Committee and Labor Management Committee.
11. Assist the Library Director with planning, budget management and coordination with local library systems and county departments. Serve as back up to the Library Director as needed.

• Knowledge data analysis and evaluation methods.
• Knowledge of staff engagement strategies.
• Knowledge of change management.
• Demonstrated cultural competency and commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity and access.
• Skills and experience developing and managing budgets.
• Leadership skills and experience with staffing models and resource allocation.
• Ability to lead organizational planning and manage complex projects.
• Ability to build and sustain collaborative relationships within the library, county and community.
• Ability to develop and grow leaders and motivate staff.
• Ability to foster teamwork, innovation and accountability.
• Ability to effectively communicate to diverse audiences, including preparing analytical reports and presentations.

Benefits

• Comprehensive and affordable medical, dental, vision, and other benefits
• Excellent work-life balance
• Generous paid time off (accrual rate starts at four weeks per year)
• Eleven paid holidays and one floating holiday each year
• Pension with a generous employer contribution

Selection Process

• You submit an online application that includes supplemental questions
• We assign you a score based on your qualifications
• Top scoring candidates are referred to the hiring manager for interview consideration
• We conduct interviews and reference checks before extending an offer
• We extend an offer and conduct background checks