The Office of Secretary of State (OSOS) offers some of the most unique and diverse job opportunities in state government. OSOS provides the foundation for security, trust, and equity in our constitutional democracy within Washington, enabling access to and empowering participation in elections, business services, libraries, and preservation of the state's vital records. This independent office under the state Constitution operates from facilities in the Olympia area and statewide. The Washington State Library is seeking a State Librarian to operate four major programs and serve in the leadership of OSOS. The Central Library is in Tumwater, Wash., and is where the office of the State Librarian is located. It is the research and reference library at the seat of state government. The Washington Talking Book & Braille Library is in Seattle and provides a statewide service to all who cannot read standard print and is the home of the ALL Foundation that supports specific programs of the State Library and State Archives. Institutional Library Services operates libraries in state prisons, state hospitals, and state juvenile justice centers. The Library Development program manages federal funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services and supports local public libraries across the state through a variety of exciting services. The State Librarian will serve as a critical leader and voice on a team that will engage collaboratively with external partners, state legislators and members of congress, and their staff, about revenue for the State Library. The State Library and public libraries we serve face their own sets of challenges, including budgetary, technological, challenges to the freedom to read, a growing role in street-levels issue, and needs for organizational support. There are boundless opportunities to partner to improve and expand a great many public library services, support intellectual freedom, make public libraries safer spaces for community members, and generally support these institutions that a fundamental to a successful democracy. This leader will also play a key role in expanding therapeutic tabletop role-play gaming to more public libraries. Washington State Librarian. Exempt. The Washington State Librarian reports to the Deputy Secretary of State and serves as the State Library Director. This position works closely with the Secretary of State, executive team, and fellow directors across the Office of the Secretary of State. The position currently manages a Deputy State Librarian with strong administrative experience and the managers of three of the four programs of the State Library. Duties Primary Responsibilities. Leads four major library programs and the staff that support them through the establishment of expectations based on the OSOS Core Values and the professional standards of the library community. Ensures staff meet or exceeds these standards through direct involvement while empowering staff to advance the goals of the State Library. Establishes and maintains strong relationships with partners and constituencies by seeking their input and advice while promoting collaborative efforts that maximize each program’s fiscal resources and staff. Manages all state, federal, and private grant programs to ensure their compliance with grant objectives and requirements. Develops, manages, and implements the Washington’s Library Services and Technology Act, a federal five-year plan to deliver library programs, services, and resources to Washingtonians. Oversees the State Library as a resource for state government and safeguards its role as a government documents repository, a state historical asset, and resources for all citizens about Washington history. Develops, plans, implements, and leads strategies that utilize emergent services and technologies to provide comprehensive public access to library materials, collections, and services to the public. Serves as a member of the Chief Officers of State Library Agencies (COSLA) and the Western Council of State Libraries. Works closely with the federal Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) leadership to ensure the needs of the state’s libraries are met. Serves as a thought leader on library topics and communicate with leaders in Washington and nationally about Washington’s vision of and goals for exemplary library services. Expands tabletop role-play gaming opportunities through libraries in partnership with Washington industry. Qualifications Required Qualifications. Master’s degree in library or information science from an ALA accredited program. Five (5) years of full-time, progressively responsible experience in library operations and management as a professional librarian. Three (3) years of full-time experience with strategic planning and budget development/management. Two (2) years of full-time management experience, including personnel management in a library or library-related field. Ability to efficiently use a personal computer and applicable software to successfully perform the essential job functions of the position. Preferred/ Desired Qualifications. Ability to be an innovative collaborator on behalf of the State Library and the Washington library community, forging partnerships to support library programs and services. Knowledge of state government policies and legislative processes. Experience working with legislators and legislative staff. Excellent written and oral communication skills. PLEASE READ: If you have gotten this far and are thinking you do not qualify, consider again. Studies have shown that members of historically marginalized and underrepresented communities, specifically women and people of color, are less likely to apply to jobs unless they clearly meet every single qualification. At the Office of the Secretary of State, we are dedicated to building a diverse and authentic work force with a foundation of belonging. If you are excited about this role and have relevant experience and skills, but question whether your experience aligns perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply regardless. You may just be the ideal candidate this office needs.