Chief of Branches (0952 - Deputy Director II) - San Francisco Public Library

Position Overview

The Chief of Branches is a high-level executive position responsible for the strategic leadership, operational oversight, and management of the San Francisco Public Library’s Branch Library Division, which encompasses 27 neighborhood libraries and approximately 400 staff. Under the supervision of the Chief of Public Services (CPS), this role ensures optimal resource allocation, budget management, and policy implementation across all branches. A primary focus of this position is community-centric leadership—driving the development of specialized, innovative library services that meet the diverse needs of San Francisco’s unique neighborhoods by actively building coalitions with local organizations and constituencies.

The Role 

As a key member of the executive leadership team, the Chief of Branches provides strategic direction and administrative management for the Branch Library Division, the system's largest division encompassing 27 neighborhood libraries and approximately 400 branch staff. Under the supervision of the Chief of Public Services (CPS), the Chief of Branches collaborates closely with the City Librarian, Chief Operating Officer (COO), and other Division Chiefs to oversee system-wide planning, policy implementation, and forward-thinking innovations.

As the Chief of Branches, this role carries full operational responsibility for managing the division’s operating budget, analyzing emerging trends, directing personnel assignments, and providing direct supervision to the Assistant Chief of Branches, a 3618 Library Technical Assistant II, and an 1840 Junior Management Assistant. Furthermore, the Chief partners closely with the CPS and COO to provide oversight for major capital projects, including branch renovations and new library construction, to ensure equitable service delivery across all facilities.

In addition to operational oversight, the Chief of Branches drives community engagement and high-level stakeholder relations. Serving as a vital external liaison, the Chief of Branches represents the library to City agencies, policymakers, and community organizations, and serves as the official liaison to the Council of Neighborhood Libraries to foster meaningful dialogue between neighborhoods and city decision-makers. The Chief of Branches is responsible for developing policy recommendations, delivering public presentations, and producing critical written communications such as reports and memos. By collaborating with a team of an Assistant Chief of Branches, District Managers, and engaging with staff at all levels through special projects and task forces, the Chief of Branches is instrumental in realizing the Library's vision of providing equitable, impactful services that enhance the quality of life throughout San Francisco’s diverse communities.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate for Chief of Branches is a visionary and strategic leader who excels in community engagement and coalition building. This candidate demonstrates outstanding leadership and management capabilities, applies strong analytical thinking, and navigates complex environments with well‑developed political acumen and effective stakeholder relationships. This person is a big‑picture thinker and collaborative leader, and an exceptional communicator who thrives in a diverse, fast‑paced setting. Excellent communication, public speaking, and presentation skills are essential.