Library Director

The Position

Reporting to the City Manager and serving as a member of the City's management team, the Library Director leads the day-to-day operations and long-range vision of the Hermiston Public Library, shaping how it serves a growing and engaged community. The Director provides direct supervision to professional, paraprofessional, and support staff while fostering a workplace culture grounded in service, learning, and community.

The Director also oversees daily operations, hires and develops staff, and guides the selection of print and digital materials, with regular reviews of the collection for quality, replacement, and relevance. Working in coordination with staff, the Director plans programs, special projects, and community outreach, and prepares news releases that share the Library's story with the public. The role also involves responding to inquiries from residents, civic groups, and partner organizations, and working closely with the Library Board, Friends of the Library, and community groups to ensure services remain responsive to local needs.

Administrative responsibilities include developing and managing the Library budget, preparing grant applications, and pursuing additional funding to expand programs and materials. The Director prepares internal and external reports and correspondence, sets short- and long-term departmental goals, and coordinates with state regulatory agencies and the Umatilla County Special Library District to ensure compliance with intergovernmental agreements and funding requirements.

The Ideal Candidate

Bringing a strong foundation in library operations, the ideal candidate will demonstrate expertise in Integrated Library System management, collection development, materials budgeting, cataloging, circulation, data analysis, and reporting. Experience with program development, program evaluation, grant writing, fundraising, and strategic plan implementation will support continued service quality and organizational effectiveness. Knowledge of current library trends, emerging technologies, and modern service delivery models will be essential, along with experience transforming or modernizing library services to meet evolving community needs.

A successful leader in this role will guide staff through change, promote accountability, and support a positive and professional workplace culture. The ability to be hands-on, interactive, and accessible while avoiding micromanagement will be important. Sound decision-making, problem-solving, initiative, adaptability, and the capacity to motivate and inspire staff will contribute to effective operations across a complex service environment.

Exceptional communication skills will be essential, including active listening, strong verbal and written communication, public speaking confidence, and the ability to explain ideas clearly to diverse audiences. Transparent communication during periods of change or challenge will be critical. The skill to advocate for library services, build relationships, and communicate the value of the library to the public, City leadership, staff, and community partners will support trust, engagement, and long-term success.

Creativity, curiosity, innovation, and forward-thinking judgment will help the candidate identify new opportunities and think beyond traditional service models. Experience serving multiple generations, cultures, and language communities will be highly valued. Knowledge of cross-cultural communication, cultural awareness, empathy, inclusivity, and patience will support respectful engagement with diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Ultimately, a sustained commitment to public service and a genuine passion for lifelong learning will distinguish the right candidate. The ability to collaborate effectively within a City government structure and across a 12-library district will be essential.

Opportunities & Priorities

Reflecting the Community's Diversity: The next Library Director will have the opportunity to continue developing services, collections, and programs that reflect a diverse, multicultural, and multigenerational community. This includes embracing community perspectives and ensuring diversity is reflected in collection development, activities, programs, and the overall library experience.

Promoting Reading in New and Engaging Ways: The Library can continue to be a vibrant, welcoming place that promotes reading and offers reading-adjacent activities that bring people together. The next Director will strengthen the Library's role as a community space where residents of all ages gather, learn, explore, and connect.

Welcoming and Engaging Young People: With a community that values the involvement of young people, the next Director will have the opportunity to make the Library an inviting, meaningful place for youth and families. This includes recognizing the value of young people in the Library and continuing to develop programs and services that support their interests, learning, and sense of belonging.

Strengthening Community Partnerships: The next Director will have the opportunity to strengthen relationships between the Library and other community groups. Through partnerships and connections, the Library can expand its reach, support shared community goals, and serve as an accessible resource for residents across the City.

Bringing Fresh Energy and Ideas: The City is seeking an energetic Library Director who displays enthusiasm, curiosity, and a willingness to try new things. The next Director will bring fresh ideas and innovative approaches while continuing to promote reading, inclusion, and the Library's role as a welcoming community institution.

Education & Experience

Candidates should have a Master’s Degree in Library Science and six (6) years of progressively responsible professional library experience, OR any satisfactory equivalent combination of education and experience which ensures the ability to perform the essential functions of the position.

Compensation & Benefits

• $88,485 - $107,643 DOQ
• Medical coverage through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Oregon.
• Oregon PERS retirement participation, with the City paying the employee's 6% contribution.
• Long Term Disability insurance.
• Dental coverage through Delta Dental or Willamette Dental, with orthodontia included.
• VSP Vision Care covering annual eye exams, lenses, and frames or contacts.
• Basic Life Insurance and AD&D ($20,000 each, City-paid), plus optional supplemental coverage for employee, spouse, and dependents.
• City contribution of 1% of base salary into a Mission Square 401a plan.
• Access to three deferred compensation plans.
• HRA VEBA account with annual deposits based on medical plan participation.
• Vacation leave scaled by years of service.
• Sick leave accrual of 10 hours per month.
• 10 paid holidays per year plus 2 personal days.
• Relocation assistance available for the right candidate.