Department Information Technology Manager- Library Department

The award-winning San José Public Library (SJPL) consists of more than 600 employees, a 23% bilingual workforce, and has 24 branch libraries across San José, in addition to the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library, which is the city’s main library jointly operated through a unique partnership with San José State University. SJPL serves a diverse community of roughly one-million residents and currently has nearly 700,000 library members. It annually attracts over 6 million visitors (pre-pandemic) and circulates more than 8 million items per year.

Over the past few years, SJPL has cultivated a 21st century library experience dedicated to public service and committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion at its core. In addition to providing library services to the community, SJPL proudly leads two citywide initiatives - the Education and Digital Literacy Strategy and the Digital Empowerment and Broadband Strategy, which includes SJ Access – the number one provider of free public access to Wi-Fi connectivity.

SJPL’s mission is to enrich lives by fostering lifelong learning and ensuring that every member of the community has access to a vast array of ideas and information. The library department is a place where people do great work and make a difference in our community. To see examples of SJPL’s work and learn more about its impact, visit www.sjpl.org. Join us to make a difference!

The salary range for this classification is: $157,226.16– $192,410.40. This salary range includes an approximate five percent (5%) ongoing non-pensionable compensation. Actual salary shall be determined by the final candidates’ qualifications and experience.

This recruitment may be used to fill multiple positions in this or other departments. If you are interested in employment in this classification, you should apply to ensure you are considered for additional opportunities that may utilize the applicants from this recruitment.

Under the direction of the Division Manager for Digital Empowerment & Public Technology the Library Department Information Technology Manager (IT Manager) will plan, lead, manage, and execute the technology and innovation efforts of the Library.

The San José Public Library is seeking an experienced, forward-thinking IT Manager to lead the technology systems, services, and staff that support one of the nation's most innovative public library systems. This position offers an opportunity to shape the technology infrastructure and services that enable Library operations, strengthen organizational effectiveness, and expand access to technology for San José's diverse communities.

The Library IT Manager will lead the development and implementation of SJPL's information technology roadmap, aligning departmental priorities, operational requirements, emerging technologies, and available resources. The position works closely with Library leadership, SJSU IT, the City's Information Technology Department, and other stakeholders to advance technology strategies, strengthen system reliability and security, and identify opportunities for modernization, integration, and operational efficiencies. Some of the top priorities include:

Leading and Modernizing Library Technology Infrastructure – SJPL operates a complex technology environment supporting 25 library locations, public technology services, and more than 500 employees. The Library Information Technology (LIT) unit manages and supports the Library's network infrastructure, servers, computer systems, software, audiovisual systems, and technology used in public programming and operations. The IT Manager will provide strategic and operational leadership to ensure these systems remain secure, reliable, efficient, and responsive to evolving service needs. The position will guide infrastructure modernization, technology lifecycle planning, system upgrades, and the evaluation and implementation of new solutions that strengthen Library operations and public services.

Managing IT Operations, Service Delivery, and Cybersecurity – The IT Manager will oversee the planning, administration, and continuous improvement of Library IT operations, including network and systems administration, endpoint management, end-user support, and technology service delivery. The position will establish operational priorities, performance expectations, and service standards; oversee troubleshooting and resolution of complex technical issues; and ensure effective coordination with SJSU and the City's Information Technology Department on cybersecurity, technology standards, and enterprise systems. Key responsibilities include strengthening IT service management practices, maintaining system availability and business continuity, managing technology risks, and ensuring efficient utilization of staff, funding, and other resources.

Advancing Technology Innovation and Systems Integration – As technology continues to transform how libraries operate and serve the public, SJPL has opportunities to leverage emerging technologies, automation, and integrated systems to improve operational efficiency and the customer experience. The IT Manager will work with Library leadership, SJSU, the City's Information Technology Department, and other stakeholders to assess business needs, evaluate technical solutions, and lead initiatives that modernize and integrate Library systems. This includes supporting the Library's specialized technology platforms, identifying opportunities to streamline workflows, and advancing technology initiatives that improve service delivery, expand capabilities, and support departmental strategic priorities. 

Leading Technology Projects and Resource Management – The IT Manager will lead the planning, prioritization, and execution of multiple complex technology projects, balancing operational requirements, strategic priorities, funding, and staff capacity. Responsibilities include developing project plans and implementation strategies; managing timelines, budgets, contracts, and vendor relationships; evaluating competing priorities and risks; and ensuring accountability for project deliverables. The position will also oversee technology procurement, resource planning, and projects supported by City, State, and federal funding. The IT Manager will provide clear recommendations, project updates, and performance reporting to Library executive leadership and other stakeholders to support informed decision-making.

Providing Organizational Leadership and Cross-Departmental Coordination – The IT Manager will lead SJPL's Library Information Technology unit, including supervision of four Network Engineers and an Endpoint and End-User Support Manager, who oversees the Library HelpDesk team. The IT Manager is responsible for establishing unit priorities, directing work, developing staff capabilities, managing performance, and fostering a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement, and customer service. The position will serve as a key technology advisor to Library leadership and collaborate with departmental divisions, SJSU, the City's Information Technology Department, vendors, and other partners to align technology investments and operations with organizational priorities.

Supporting Digital Empowerment and Public Technology Initiatives – The IT Manager will collaborate with the Library's Digital Empowerment and other programmatic teams to support the technology infrastructure and systems needed to deliver innovative public technology services. This includes assessing and implementing technology solutions that expand public access, support digital literacy and emerging technology programs, and strengthen the Library's capacity to serve residents across its 25 locations.

Key General Responsibilities:

• Develops, coordinates, guides, and maintains IT system strategic and tactical plans in support of the department’s overall direction and within the framework of Citywide IT protocols and standards and the Joint Operating Agreement with San José State University (SJSU).
• Plans, implements, and manages the department’s information technology operations and budget, ensuring efficient utilization of resources.
• Collaborates and coordinates with IT and other departmental stakeholders to assess centralized capabilities, opportunities for partnership, and advancement of key strategies in a way that maximizes the interoperability of systems between the Library, SJSU, and other departments.
• Utilizes in-depth technical knowledge and business requirements to design and implement technology solutions.
• Analyzes complex business needs and recommends technical solutions.
• Ensures technology projects and systems are adequately resourced with the appropriate levels of technology staff and line staff.
• Serves as a liaison with other departmental divisions and operations to identify and address technology needs.
• Negotiates and administers contracts and agreements with vendors and agencies.
• Supervises staff by hiring, selecting, training, evaluating, and making work assignments. May also coordinate and supervise the work of teams comprised of individuals in a variety of organizations.
• Leads and manages a staff of 14.5 FTE, and assists with personnel and training matters.

Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with coursework in computer science, information systems, business administration, or closely related field.

Experience: Five (5) years of experience managing, maintaining, and implementing technology programs, computer system infrastructure and design, network operations, security design, application development and configurations, and system/server administration, including three (3) years of supervisory experience over a technical team.

License: Possession of a valid drivers license authorizing operation of a motor vehicle in California.

THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

The ideal candidate is a results-driven professional with previous experience as an IT Manager. The successful candidate will be a highly effective communicator who is able to build solid working relationships with management, peers, and staff. Candidates should possess superior long-term planning and project implementation experience and a commitment to high quality, effective customer service. Experience in the rollout and maintenance of major new initiatives is expected, as well as the ability to translate complicated IT issues into understandable terms. The ideal candidate will have an appreciation for the complexities of Library operations and will strategically assess the competing priorities of the Department’s IT projects, determine what is reasonable to implement, and clearly articulate the merits of keeping abreast of new technology improvements and efficiencies to Department leaders.

The ideal candidate will possess the following competencies, as demonstrated in past and current employment history:

• Job Expertise – Demonstrates knowledge of and experience with applicable professional/technical principles and practices, Citywide and departmental procedures/policies, and federal and state rules and regulations. Demonstrates knowledge and experience in computer operations, networking, telecommunications, information technology management/administration, applications and system development.
• Vision/Strategic Thinking – Supports, promotes, and ensures alignment with the organization’s vision and values; understands how an organization must change considering internal and external trends and influences; and builds a shared vision with others and influences others to translate vision to action.
• Change Management – Demonstrates support for innovation and for organizational changes needed to improve the organization’s effectiveness; facilitates the implementation and acceptance of change within the workplace.
• Leadership – Leads by example; demonstrates high ethical standards; remains visible and approachable and interacts with others on a regular basis; promotes a cooperative work environment, allowing others to learn from mistakes; provides motivational supports and direction.
• Project Management – Ensures support for projects and implements agency goals and strategic objectives.
• Analytical Thinking – Approaching a problem or situation by using a logical, systematic, and sequential approach.
• Supervision – Sets effective long and short-term goals based on a good understanding of management practices; establishes realistic priorities within available resources; provides motivational support; empowers others; assigns decision-making and work functions to others in an appropriate manner to maximize organizational and individual effectiveness.
• Communication – Effectively conveys information and expresses thoughts and facts clearly, orally and in writing; demonstrates effective use of listening skills; displays openness to other people’s ideas and thoughts.
• Digital Fluency – Effectively leverages digital tools, technologies, and platforms, utilizing a forward-thinking mindset to drive organizational goals, enhance processes, lead innovation, make data-informed decisions, and foster a culture of adaptability and continuous improvement in a dynamic digital landscape.

Selection Process: 

The selection process will consist of an evaluation of the applicant's training and experience based on the application and responses to all the job specific questions. Only those candidates whose backgrounds best match the position will be invited to proceed in the selection process. 

If you have questions about the duties of these positions, the selection or hiring processes, please contact Eduardo Gonzalez at [email protected].