City of Willows

THE POSITION
The City of Willows is seeking a dynamic, forward-thinking City Librarian to lead and shape the future of its public library. As a department head reporting directly to the City Manager, the City Librarian is responsible for the overall management of library services, staff supervision, budget administration, program development, and long-term strategic planning. This role is an exciting opportunity for a creative and collaborative leader to enhance and expand library services that promote literacy, lifelong learning, and equitable access to information. The City Librarian will work closely with the Library Board of Trustees, City leadership, and community partners to ensure that the library remains a vital, inclusive, and innovative resource for residents of all ages. The ideal candidate will bring a blend of visionary leadership, operational expertise, and a genuine passion for community engagement and public service.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE
The ideal candidate will possess: 

  • A Master’s Degree in Library Science (MLS) or Library and Information Science (MLIS) from an ALA-accredited institution.
  • 5–7 years of progressively responsible experience in public library administration.
  • Proven leadership and supervisory experience, including team development and performance management.
  • Strong knowledge of library operations, collection development, and patron services.
  • Experience preparing and managing budgets, with solid financial acumen.
  • Success in securing, managing, and reporting on grant funding.
  • Familiarity with integrated library systems and emerging library technologies.
  • Strategic planning and policy development experience aligned with community needs.
  • Excellent communication and public speaking skills, including presentations to governing bodies and the public.
  • A commitment to equity, inclusion, and accessibility in all library programs and services.
  • Experience building partnerships with schools, nonprofits, and community organizations.
  • A passion for lifelong learning, literacy, and public service.
  • Visionary thinking, adaptability, and the ability to lead through change with confidence and care.

QUALIFICATIONS
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities are qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be:

  • Master’s degree in Library Science (MLS) or Library and Information Science (MLIS) from an ALA-accredited institution, or a California Library Media Teacher Credential issued by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing –or– equivalent graduate education or demonstrated professional experience.
  • Five (5) to seven (7) years of increasingly responsible experience in public library administration, including experience leading library-wide initiatives and managing multiple departments or programs.
  • Supervisory experience, including hiring, training, mentoring, and evaluating professional and support staff.
  • Strong knowledge of library operations, services, and technologies, including collection development, reference services, and digital resource management.
  • Experience managing library budgets, overseeing financial operations, and preparing comprehensive fiscal reports.
  • Demonstrated ability to research, write, and administer local, state, and federal grants, including compliance monitoring and reporting.
  • Familiarity with integrated library systems, digital platforms, and emerging technologies to enhance user experience.
  • Experience engaging the community through outreach programs, partnership development, and public events.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with experience delivering presentations to City Council, boards, and public audiences.
  • Ability to work collaboratively and build effective working relationships with City staff, the Library Board of Trustees, community organizations, and diverse stakeholders.
  • Demonstrated commitment to accessibility in the development and delivery of library programs and services.

THE DEPARTMENT
Under the supervision of the City Manager, the City Librarian is the chief administrator of the City of Willows Public Library, responsible for providing visionary leadership, strategic planning, overall management of library services, and supervision of library employees. This role ensures that library programs and operations support the educational, informational, and cultural needs of the community while promoting equitable access and lifelong learning.

The Willows Public Library is a cornerstone of the community, offering a wide range of services that support education, literacy, digital access, and community connection. As a single-branch library, it plays an essential role in providing equitable access to resources for residents of all ages. The library features a strong print and digital collection, public programming, computer and internet access, and a welcoming space for learning and discovery. Backed by a dedicated staff and supported by City leadership and the Library Board of Trustees, the library is well-positioned to grow and evolve to meet the changing needs of the Willows community. This is a unique opportunity for a forward-thinking librarian to lead a close-knit team, expand partnerships, and shape the library’s future as an inclusive, innovative, and community-driven institution.

THE CITY
Incorporated in 1886, the City of Willows is a rural agricultural community and place of natural beauty with countless opportunities for recreation in both rural and urban environments. 

The City derives its name from the willows which grew on the plains about a mile east of the City limits. Historically, the willows formed a notable landmark in the vast Central Valley plains surrounding the City. 

Willows is located approximately halfway between Sacramento and Redding in Northern California surrounded by rich farmland with mountains and Interstate 5 on the west side of the City and the northern Central Valley and Sacramento River watershed on the east side. Agriculture remains one of the primary sources of the area’s economy. Major commodities include rice, almonds, milk products, prunes, and livestock.

The city is also home to most major regional government offices, including County Administration, California Highway Patrol, California Department of Motor vehicles, the United States Bureau of Reclamation, and the main headquarters for the Mendocino National Forest – which comprises approximately one million acres of Federally owned land mostly located in mountainous terrain west of Willows.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS
Any combination equivalent to training and experience that could likely provide the required knowledge, skills, and abilities would be qualifying.  A typical way to obtain the knowledge, skills, and abilities would be:  Master’s degree in Library Science (MLS) or Library and Information Science (MLIS) from an American Library Association (ALA) accredited university or a California Library Media Teacher Credential issued by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing or equivalent graduate education or demonstrated professional experience may be substituted for this requirement.

SALARY & BENEFITS
The starting salary will be commensurate with the experience, qualifications, and skills of the successful candidate with a salary range of $94,386 – $115,000 annually, DOE/DOQ.

  • Salary is up to $115k annually; Salary range is based on 9-steps, 2.5% annually.
  • Retirement – Cal PERS 3% @ 60 (‘Classic’) or 2% @ 62 (‘PEPRA’).
  • The City participates in Social Security.
  • Medical – 100% Employer paid plan, employee only; 50% Employer paid for dependents.
  • Dental/Vision – 100% Employer paid plan, employee only; 50% Employer paid for dependents.
  • Vacation Leave – 80 hours annual accrual for 0-5 years of service, increases with tenure.
  • Administrative Leave – 80 hours banked July 1, “use it or lose it” by June 30.
  • Holidays – 14 days (11 established + 3 floating holidays).
  • Sick Leave – 96 hours annual accrual.

THE SELECTION PROCESS
Qualified candidates are invited to submit a Letter of Interest and a focused resume detailing their recent experience (within at least the past 10 years) and demonstrated career accomplishments relevant to this position along with a complete City application. To be considered for this exciting opportunity submit your application to the City Clerk/Assistant to the City Manager, Karleen Price at kprice@cityofwillows.org. 

First Review of Applications: Monday, July 21, 2025

Open Until Filled

Each candidate’s background will be evaluated based on the information submitted at the time of application, and qualified candidates will participate in a preliminary remote or in person interview. Only the most qualified candidates will be invited to the next step in the selection process, which may be a possible assessment test, written exercise and/or oral panel interview if held. 

Only the names of the most-qualified candidates who pass all the steps in the process will be submitted for consideration and final selection. The final selected candidate will be offered the position contingent upon the completion of a satisfactory reference and background check. The city is not responsible for the failure of internet forms or email transmission in submitting your application. Candidates who require special assistance in any phase of the application or selection process should advise the city by emailing Karleen Price, kprice@cityofwillows.org.  

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