Library Program Director

This is a non-merit position. Candidates must follow the instructions in the "To Apply" section. Positions in this class are exempt from the screening and referral requirementsof the Iowa Department of Administrative Services - Human Resources Enterprise.

Are you ready to advance your career in library leadership?

The State Library of Iowa is seeking a collaborative and strategic individual to fill the role of Library Program Director. The successful candidate will manage, direct, and coordinate the Library Support Network, including staff supervision, overall division planning, and the crucial oversight of federal grant funding and regulatory compliance. This is an in-person position based in Des Moines. It requires occasional travel and driving throughout the state. If you’re an experienced library professional eager to assume a leadership role, we encourage you to apply.

Why Us?

The work of the State Library of Iowa is centered on providing support and resources to Iowa libraries and information services to the public. Join a group of professionals dedicated to guiding exemplary library service for Iowa’s 544 public libraries to benefit the communities they serve.

What You'll Do:

• Manage, direct, and coordinate the operations, programs, and services of the Library Support Network of the State Library of Iowa, including the hire, supervision, and evaluation of up to 12 staff members.
• Participates in overall division management including decision-making, planning, budget, and personnel.
• Builds relationships with local library staff and trustees. Provides consulting and training on library management and governance.
• Develops partnerships with other entities and organizations; attends meetings and conferences to build relationships and act as a resource.
• Manages the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) funding via the Grants to States program from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), including the five-year LSTA plan, evaluation, and site visit. Prepares and submits an annual state program report to IMLS. Assures compliance with IMLS and LSTA regulations.
• Oversees the planning, development, implementation, and evaluation of State Library projects as related to the LSTA plan.

Key Skills Required for the Position:

• Strategic Leadership: Proven ability to manage, direct, and coordinate operations
• Personnel Management: Experience in hiring, supervising, and evaluating staff.
• Administration: Strong skills in division management, decision-making, planning, budget oversight, and personnel matters.
• Relationship Building: Ability to cultivate and maintain relationships with staff, librarians, trustees, and external partners.
• Consulting and Training: Expertise in providing guidance and training on library management and governance.
• Federal Grant Management: knowledge and experience managing federal grant programs and ensuring regulatory compliance.

What’s in it for you?

Competitive compensation and a comprehensive benefits package. For additional information on benefits click here.

Our Benefits at a Glance outlines the benefits for this position.

As Library Program Director, you’ll report to the State Librarian and carry out the important duties of overseeing the Library Support Network; taking part in administrative decision-making, planning, and budget conversations; and managing the federal grant award received by the State Library.

If you're looking for meaningful work that supports Iowans across the state, we encourage you to apply today!

E-Verify and Right to Work
The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federalRight to Worklaws, which protect employees’ rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visitwww.e-verify.gov



A Master's degree in Library Science and five years of full-time professional library development or advanced reference work, one year of which must have included supervisory experience;ORan undergraduate degree and seven years of the required experience, one year of which must have included supervisory experience.

For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description.