Chief of Library Services, Boston Public Library (Boston)
The Boston Public Library is looking for our next Chief of Library Services.
The Chief of Library Services is the senior executive responsible for the strategic direction and operational delivery of library services across the BPL system. The Chief provides leadership across the Library Services Division — including branch libraries, the Central Library, collections, digital services, and youth and adult services— and acts as a principal deputy to the President. This role requires exceptional strategic thinking, planning, and execution skills; a patron-centered approach; and the ability to build a culture of efficiency, innovation, impact, and accountability across a large, complex, multi-site organization.
This is a once-in-a-career opportunity to help lead America’s first large public library system. We invented the children’s room and pioneered the branch library; now, we are looking for a senior leader to drive our next series of firsts. The Chief of Library Services will shape how BPL’s 3 million annual patrons experience their library — in our buildings, online, and in ways we haven’t invented yet.
It’s not often you have the opportunity to be part of a 175-year-old startup. If you are an experienced library leader ready to shape the future of one of the nation’s iconic institutions, we would love to hear from you.
Qualifications
An advanced degree in Library Science from an ALA-accredited program is required. Further credentials in public administration, public policy, business administration, or education are desirable.
Experience must include at least seven years in senior leadership roles within public libraries or other complex cultural or civic institutions, with responsibility for strategic planning, budgeting, team management, and the successful execution of high-impact, multi-stakeholder initiatives.
Experience in a municipal urban public library, including in a union environment, is strongly preferred. Management experience in a multi-level, distributed organization is also strongly preferred.
Full/Part Time
Full Time
Education
MLS/Masters
Salary Range
$126,774.00 - $170,580.00 / yearClosing Date
June 1, 2026
How to Apply
The position overview, scope of responsibility, job requirements and competencies can be found in the City of Boston Career Center posting. Please include a cover letter detailing your interest in the position and relevant experience along with a current resume or CV. Please combine your cover letter and resume in a single PDF file and attach them together in the resume upload section.
Must be a Boston resident by your first day. (Yankees fans still welcome to apply.)
Posted
2026-05-05 | Quick link to this job