POSITION: Central Library Manager, Alexandria Library
LOCATION: Alexandria, VA
SALARY: $73,323.38 - $129,033.32
APPLICATION DEADLINE: July 3, 2026

Central Library Manager (Librarian IV)

Alexandria Library celebrates diversity within our community and staff by:

  • Offering programs and resources that reflect our uniquely multicultural community
  • Creating a welcoming and inclusive environment
  • Fostering an atmosphere of dignity and respect
  • Providing opportunities for all staff members to grow and excel 

Alexandria is an historic city located in northern Virginia, just outside of Washington, D.C.  Distinct neighborhoods including Old Town, Del Ray and the West End offer something for everyone.  Headquarters to several prominent organizations, including the Patent and Trademark Office and the National Science Foundation, our city of nearly 160,000 residents is a diverse community—a distinctly urban area that retains a small town atmosphere.

LIBRARIAN IV / CENTRAL LIBRARY MANAGER  

Full-time / 40 hours per week

CHARLES E. BEATLEY JR. CENTRAL LIBRARY

The Librarian IV is responsible for the operation of the City of Alexandria’s Central Library, the largest library in the system.  The Librarian IV supervises the Circulation, Adult Services and Youth Services Section Managers of the Central Library.  In addition, this position oversees several citywide library services, including Interlibrary Loan Service, Talking Books Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, and Outreach Services.  The Librarian IV receives general supervision from the Deputy Director of Libraries. 

Position Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Prepares annual goals and objectives for the Central Library
  • Plans and coordinates the library services of the Central Library
  • Supervises and evaluates the Section Managers of the Central Library; assists with writing position descriptions and manages the hiring process for vacant positions, including scheduling and leading interviews, writing interview questions, and evaluating candidates
  • Delegates library duties, assigns special projects and approves leave
  • Works with the Adult Services Department to purchase new print materials and evaluate the adult material collections; Oversees total materials budget, including children’s and teen budgets.
  • Interprets library policies, resolves patron complaints and provides library information for the public
  • Writes monthly, annual, and special reports for Library Administration; leads the system-wide Reference Survey project annually
  • Participates in the development of new library policies and procedures for the library system
  • Reviews and writes personnel budget recommendations for Library Administration
  • Acts as liaison for the Friends of the Library at the Central Library and manages yearly Friends programming budgets
  • Plans special library programs at the Central Library, including tours and presentations
  • Completes passport agent training and serves as the passport Facility Manager
  • Secures and ensures the security of the building and the safety of employees
  • Reports building issues and works with Library Administration and City General Services to oversee repairs and large building projects
  • Manages the upkeep of the Reading Garden space, including coordinating ongoing maintenance of the garden beds with local gardeners and funding for maintenance and repairs with the Beatley Friends
  • Represents the library at City intradepartmental meetings, regional professional meetings, and community meetings

 Essential Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

Thorough knowledge of professional library principles, methods, materials, and practices, especially as they relate to the field of public librarianship and management

The ability to analyze professional and administrative problems, to make recommendations, and take appropriate actions in their solution

The ability to supervise, council, and train professional, paraprofessional ,and support staff in the various activities of a branch library or major section of the library

The ability to interpret library policies and objectives to community groups, public officials, City departments, business and education leaders, and the general public

The ability to participate in the development or improvement of professional library methods and standards and to establish and maintain effective public relations

Thorough knowledge of collection management practices, including knowledge of reader interests, books, and authors

The ideal candidate will have strong organization and time management skills and be able to juggle multiple responsibilities, tasks, and deadlines at once

The ideal candidate will be able to work closely with multiple groups of stakeholders, such as the Beatley Friends, other City Departments, and local non-profit organizations to foster collaboration and partnership

Minimum Requirements:

Minimum: Master's Degree in Library & Information Science from an ALA-accredited school; at least five years of experience in professional library work, including two or more years of experience in a supervisory capacity at the level of Librarian III; or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.  Applicant must possess or obtain, within 3 months of hire, a license to practice as a registered professional librarian issued by the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Salary: $73,323.38 - $129,033.32

Schedule:  Hours are scheduled to meet the staffing needs of the library, and will include days, evenings, and  include regular weekend hours

Benefits: Earns annual and sick leave and is eligible for health insurance, retirement, life insurance, long-term disability insurance and long-term care insurance.

Application Instructions:

Click here to apply  attaching one document containing a cover letter, resume and three (3) professional references, preferably supervisory.  Address Cover Letter Shekinah Reynolds, HR Manager, 5005 Duke Street, Alexandria, VA  22304.  Contact with questions: 703-746-1799, or [email protected]

This position is open until July 3, 2026.

Alexandria Library is an Equal Opportunity Employer and invites applications from all qualified individuals.  Proficiency/fluency in Amharic, Arabic or Spanish is highly desired, but not required for this position.  This position requires the successful completion of pre-employment background checks, including a criminal background screening.