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DATE ENTERED: January 5, 2026
POSITION: Director of Chesapeake Public Libraries
LOCATION: Chesapeake, VA

Director, Chesapeake Public Libraries

Are you passionate about strengthening communities through public service? If so, come join our team!

We are seeking a visionary, experienced leader to serve as Director of Chesapeake Public Libraries — a dynamic system committed to lifelong learning, innovation, and equitable access to information. As a cornerstone of our communities, the libraries serve as a vital bridge connecting residents to knowledge, literature, and transformative opportunities that enrich lives and inspire growth.

POSITION OVERVIEW
The Library Director provides forward-thinking leadership and strategic oversight for the Chesapeake Public Libraries (CPL), ensuring innovative and inclusive library services that reflect the diverse needs of the community. This role encompasses long-range planning, resource management, policy development, and operational excellence across seven library branches and the Law Library. The Library Director is responsible for fostering an organizational culture centered on service, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

This position reports to the City Manager via a Deputy City Manager and collaborates closely with other City departments and community partners. The Library Director oversees executive and branch management staff and serves as CPL’s representative to stakeholders, advisory boards, and the broader library community.

PRIMARY DUTIES
- Provide strategic leadership and vision to library staff. Partner with senior management to develop and implement innovative service models, improve efficiency, resolve operational challenges, and ensure outstanding day-to-day operations. Continuously assess emerging trends, community needs, and opportunities in the library and information services field.
- Develop proposals, reports, and strategic plans for the Library Board, City leadership, and other stakeholders. Stay informed on legal, technological, and professional developments and recommend responsive strategies that support the Library’s mission and the City’s goals.
- Represent CPL and the City in meetings with elected officials, advocacy groups, professional associations, and regional or state organizations. Cultivate partnerships with community leaders, Friends of the Library, the Library Foundation, local schools, cultural institutions, and other civic groups.
- Ensure the libraries meet all regulatory requirements, timelines, and fiscal responsibilities. Respond to public inquiries, regulatory requests, and reporting requirements in a timely and effective manner.
- Uphold the City’s organizational values, known as the CARES standards, which staff embody as they carry out the work of the City: Courteousness – Making customers feel welcome, appreciated, and respected; Attentiveness – Enhancing our ability to identify the needs and concerns of customers; Resourcefulness – Demonstrating exceptional creativity, adaptability, and problem-solving skills in
support of the City’s goals and objectives; Empowerment – Possessing the knowledge, resourcefulness, creativity, and integrity to address customers’ needs; and Stewardship – Demonstrating a commitment to public service; the safety of ourselves, our coworkers, and our community; and being good stewards of our financial & environmental resources.

The City of Chesapeake offers an exceptional range of benefits. Please browse our Benefits Brochure, for a full list of benefits and employee perks. To learn more about this opportunity, including the role’s impact and the City’s library system, please review the brochure linked here.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENT: Requires an ALA accredited master’s degree in library science.
  • EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENT: Requires a minimum of ten years of related, full-time equivalent experience as a professional librarian, eight of which were in a managerial position.
  • SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES: Requires a valid driver’s license and a driving record that is in compliance with City Driving Standards and Virginia Public Librarian Certification.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
  • Public Library Experience.
  • Project Management Experience.

Contact Information:
Chesapeake HR
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 757-382-6492
Address: 306 Cedar Road, Chesapeake VA, 23322

Apply Here: https://jobs.cityofchesapeake.net/postings/15520