Deputy Director

Deputy Director

FT / PT Status – Full-Time
Benefits Eligibility – This position is eligible for a full benefits package.
Salary – $35.04 - $55.00 Hourly Wage
Remote Work / In-Office – Hybrid

Recruiter – Coral Ortega | caortega@utah.gov
Application Deadline – 11/30/2026*

*This job posting may close at any time after the minimum advertising period of three (3) business days has passed, should a sufficient applicant pool be received. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.

The Utah State Library Division is seeking a dynamic, collaborative, and strategic leader to serve as Deputy Director. In this high-impact executive role, you will help shape the future of library services across Utah, championing innovative statewide programs and fostering strong community partnerships. If you are a visionary library administrator committed to empowering local public libraries, ensuring library services reach every Utahn, and leading high-performing teams, we invite you to guide our mission forward.

The division's mission centers on connecting all Utahns to resources via local public libraries, the Library for the Blind and Print Disabled, or the rural Bookmobile program. We are looking for a leader who will sustain the impactful services of each program while guiding future directions with a strategic focus.

Job Description

The Deputy Director serves as an executive leader for the Utah State Library Division, providing strategic oversight, administrative direction, and operational leadership across all programs. Working closely with the Division Director, this role helps shape long-term organizational goals, manages day-to-day divisional operations, and ensures full alignment with state and federal statutory requirements, department priorities, and official policy. The Deputy Director exercises full administrative authority in the Division Director's absence. Key responsibilities include advancing public library development, providing strategic consulting to library directors, managing statewide initiatives, supporting high-level budget management, and fostering a positive, inclusive workplace culture.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate directly with the Division Director.
• Provide collaborative support and strategic leadership to program managers and their respective teams.
• Provide guidance and support to more than 1,000 libraries across the state, including school, academic, public and tribal libraries, with training, grants, books and information.
• Represent the State Library and its programs - including public library development, online resources, Bookmobiles, and the Utah Library for the Blind and Disabled - to legislators, local officials, national partners, and community leaders.
• Work with national, state, and local stakeholders on technology and digital literacy initiatives.
• Support and contribute to the operations and consulting teams, guide projects and provide administrative support to the library resources and development programs, as well as the Library for the Blind and Disabled and the Bookmobile and Rural Services Program.
• Mentor, lead and support the management of a professional staff of 45 employees.
• Support the management of a complex $8 million division budget, coordinating both federal and state funds.
• Exercise considerable discretion, judgment and decision-making to fulfill the State Library's mission.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications:

Professional Experience

• 5 to 10 years of professional public library experience.
• 5 to 10 years of supervisory experience, with a proven ability to lead, support, and empower a dedicated team.
• Demonstrated background in operations management, strategic planning, and program coordination.
• Experience serving on professional boards and councils.
• Proven track record of networking, relationship-building, and partnering with external stakeholders.
• Ability and willingness to travel both in-state and out-of-state.

Leadership & Interpersonal Skills

• Clear passion and vision for the vital role libraries play in local communities.
• Commitment to promoting a workplace culture rooted in respect, integrity, and belonging.
• Exceptional communication, active listening, facilitation, and interpersonal skills.
• Proactive, trustworthy, emotionally intelligent, and a collaborative team player.
• Ability to practice diplomacy, handle nuance, exercise sound judgment, and represent the state of Utah professionally.
• Willingness to give and receive constructive feedback effectively.

Administrative & Operational Skills

• Ability to see the high-level strategy while managing daily operational details.
• Capacity to stand in for the Division Director when needed.
• Supervise, set expectations, and evaluate staff performance.
• Monitor program operations, analyze data, and implement corrective actions and strategic improvements.
• Independently lead special initiatives and complex projects.
• Capacity to stand in for the Division Director and/or Program Managers when needed.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Library Science (MLS/MLIS).

About the Role

Location –
250 N 1950 W
Salt Lake City, Utah, 84116
United States
Background Check Required – No
Drug Test Required – No
Schedule Code – AX - Employees in supervisory positions

Why You Should Join Our Team
In Utah, we believe hard work is important, but balance is essential. Finding work/life balance is a vital element to our culture. To find out more about WHY Utah, click here. Other benefits may include:

• Job Stability: Enjoy the security and reliability of employment within a well-established organization.
• Career Growth: Develop valuable skills and gain opportunities for leadership within a large organization.
• Meaningful Work: Contribute to an important service that benefits the community and supports organizational goals.
• Supportive Work Environment: Be part of a team that values cooperation, strong work ethics, and mutual support.

The Agency
The Utah Department of Cultural & Community Engagement isn't just another state agency. The programs we manage and the services we provide are the heart and soul of Utah. By working with local arts agencies, historical societies, volunteer organizations, libraries, museums, and other state and federal agencies, as well as the state's many indigenous and minority groups, the professionals in our department improve the lives of individuals and communities throughout Utah.

The department provides a fast paced, collaborative, and energetic work environment that supports employees in balancing work and home life. We actively encourage flexible work schedules and telecommuting options where it makes sense. For more information about the Department of Cultural & Community Engagement, click here. For more information about the Utah State Library, click here.

EEO Statement
The State of Utah is committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. For accommodations, please contact (801) 957-9390.