Public Library Director

South Sioux City, Nebraska, Public Library Director

The City of South Sioux City, Nebraska, is actively seeking a Public Library Director.

About South Sioux City
South Sioux City is a vibrant, welcoming community located along the Missouri River in northeast Nebraska. With a population that reflects a rich blend of cultures, languages, and traditions, the city offers a uniquely diverse environment rarely found in communities of its size. This diversity shapes local schools, businesses, and community events, creating an inclusive atmosphere where new ideas and perspectives are valued.

Highlights
A community where more than one-third of residents identify as Hispanic or Latino, contributing to a dynamic bilingual environment, strong civic engagement and a collaborative spirit across neighborhoods.
Safe, family friendly, and known for its parks, trails, and riverfront access.
 
Cultural & Regional Amenities
South Sioux City benefits from its close connection to the Siouxland metropolitan area, which includes Sioux City, Iowa—just across the river. This gives residents access to a wide range of cultural, educational, and entertainment opportunities while still enjoying the comfort and affordability of a smaller community.
 Within Minutes, Candidates Will Find:
Performing arts: Broadway tours, symphonies, concerts, and local theater at venues like the Orpheum Theatre
Museums & galleries: Sioux City Art Center, Public Museum, and Native American cultural exhibits
Higher education: Access to institutions such as Morningside University, Briar Cliff University, and Western Iowa Tech
Festivals & events: Multicultural celebrations, food festivals, and community gatherings throughout the year
Dining & cuisine: A wide range of locally owned restaurants featuring Mexican, Salvadoran, Asian, and Midwestern specialties
 
Why This Community Is a Great Fit for Library Leadership
The South Sioux City Public Library serves a community that values learning, multilingual resources, and inclusive programming. A director here has the opportunity to:

Lead a library that reflects and celebrates cultural diversity
Build partnerships across a tristate metro area
Innovate services for a multilingual and multigenerational population
Shape the future of a library that is central to community life
This role is ideal for leaders who are energized by community engagement, excited about cultural diversity, and eager to make a meaningful impact in a growing and evolving region.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership: Implement the library's mission to support open access to information and lifelong learning.

Policy Management: Administer and recommend updates for library policies, including Circulation, Internet Use, and Collection Development.  Provide required public notification of Advisory Board meetings; keep necessary records; compile and report statistical and other information for the Advisory Board, the City Council and Nebraska Library Commission.

Community Engagement: Act as the primary advocate for the library, managing displays and exhibits of general interest and coordinating with the Library Foundation. Address patron complaints and resolve problems. Exercise leadership in the development and improvement of library services in the community, region, and state. 

Operational Oversight: Manage the Makerspace, meeting room rentals, and specialized services like test proctoring or toy lending.  Oversee the develop and coordination of all library programs and their publicity; research and prepare grant proposals. Direct the maintenance of the physical plant of Library to ensure safety, efficiency and usefulness. Select and procure supplies and equipment; maintain computer network structure and all equipment; maintain automated library system.

Staff Development: Supervise and mentor a staff of 12 employees.  Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Oversee training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance.

Financial Stewardship: Prepare and oversee the library budget in accordance with the Finance Policy and City Council regulations; prepare claims for presentation to the Board for payment approval; submit approved claims to Accounts Payable for payment.

Public Relations: Oversee the Library’s public relations; schedule and provide library tours, instruction, and orientation programs; support the liaison to community’s schools; serve as liaison to Friends of the Library and the Library Foundation.
 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

         Knowledge of the current library management procedures and principals.

        Knowledge of library computer hardware and software.

        Knowledge of public relations functions.

        Knowledge of planning and implementation of an annual budget.

        Skill in oral and written communication.

        Skill in operation of various library equipment.

        Ability to organize, prioritize and handle multiple projects.

        Ability to communicate with patrons, subordinates, board of directors, and various business contacts in a professional and courteous manner.

        Ability to coordinate employee work schedules, staff functions, and supervise daily activities.

Education and/or Experience                                                   

Master’s Degree in Library Science (MLS/MLIS) from an ALA-accredited institution is required.
Experience in public library administration and staff supervision.
Strong understanding of modern library technology, digital literacy, and maker technologies.
Excellent communication skills and a commitment to intellectual freedom.

 Computer Skills                                                   

To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of Library Circulation systems, Database software, Internet software, Social Media platforms, and Microsoft and Apple products.

 Residency Requirements 

 The Library Director is required to reside within the corporate limits of South Sioux City within six months of employment and for the duration of employment with the City of South Sioux City.  

Send your resume to Human Resources Manager Mary Clark at mclark@southsiouxcity.org.  Or apply on Indeed at https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=31a6c56301240c21&from=shareddesktop_copy

Salary and Benefits

 The salary range for this position is $78,000 - $85,000 depending on experience.  The City of South Sioux City offers medical, dental, and vision insurance, 401 and 457 retirement plans, paid holidays, vacation and sick time.