Shoalhaven City Council

Library Services Manager

• Permanent / Full Time
• Salary: $105,927 - $120,707 gross p.a. plus 12% Super
• 35 hours per week (Monday to Friday) with the option of flexitime
• Located at Nowra Library, 10 Berry St, Nowra
• Applications close: Sunday, 24 May 2026 (at midnight)

About the Role

This senior leadership role oversees Shoalhaven Libraries and the Library Services Team, delivering high‑quality services to the community in line with Council's vision, objectives, and values. The role also acts as Cooperative Library Manager for the South Coast Cooperative Libraries, leading the growth of contemporary programs and services while providing expert advice and support on library and customer services to the Lead - Arts & Culture. This includes:

• Directs and coordinates a Team within Council to enable Council to function at an optimal level.
• Exhibits leadership behaviours and contributes to a culture where staff and stakeholders have confidence in the way the organisation is lead and services are delivered.
• Reports to the Lead - Arts & Culture on areas of functional responsibility making professional recommendations for consideration.
• Establishes objectives, timeframes and milestones for the Team that supports the Community Strategic Plan and aligns operational activities accordingly.

Please refer to the Job Description under the Job Attachments for a comprehensive list of duties, responsibilities and skills required.

The advertised salary is based on the grade of the position, comprising of 4 steps within the range shown. The starting salary is at Step 1 within the grade. Progression through the salary steps shall be based upon the achievement of performance objectives relating to the position.

About You

To be successful in the position, you will have:

• Tertiary qualification in Library and Information Science or a related field, and/or relevant experience
• Extensive experience in management role in the library services field.
• Class C Driver's Licence.
• Proof of Australian residency or citizenship, or authority to work in Australia (visa)
• A current NSW Working With Children Check (WWCC)

This role is suited to a confident and collaborative leader with a strong commitment to community‑focused library services. The ideal candidate will be strategic, adaptable, and customer‑focused, with the ability to lead teams, drive contemporary programs, and provide trusted advice while aligning with Council's values.

This position requires a current NSW Working with Children Check. Applicants are required to apply and pay for this check if not already obtained.

How to Apply

To submit an application, click Apply and complete each Step of the application. You will be required to attach your resume (and cover letter if required) and respond to questions regarding general information about you.

In addition, you will be required to demonstrate how you satisfy the requirements of the position by answering the below questions relevant to the essential criteria as outlined in the job advertisement.

1. At Shoalhaven City Council our corporate core values are: Collaboration, Adaptability, Integrity and Respect. Please choose one value and advise how you have enacted this value in a professional setting.
2. Please outline how you meet the essential criteria for this position including skills, qualifications, certifications and licenses relevant to this position.
3. Please describe a specific strategic decision you personally made as a senior manager that changed the way a library or community service operated.
4. Describe one professional stance or belief you hold about the future role of public libraries that has influenced how you lead or make decisions

Applicants who progress to pre-employment checks may be required to undergo a Working with Children Check Verification, Qualification Check, Work Rights Verification, Reference Checks and Medical (Low Risk). Employment is subject to satisfactory outcomes for all required checks.

For tips and more information on how to submit a great application, please visit how to apply on Councils website. If you require assistance submitting your application, please contact the Talent Acquisition Team on 02 4429 3253 or 02 4429 3203.

Applications Close: Sunday, 24 May 2026 (at midnight)

If you have any questions about this role, please contact Nicholas Purdie - Lead - Arts & Culture - 02 4429 5511

Why Work with Us

The Shoalhaven area is a unique place of great natural beauty, offering an enviable lifestyle and positive work-life balance. Our workforce is our greatest asset, and we pride ourselves on our people. Our teams are talented and inclusive and work together to provide better outcomes for our community, who are at the heart of everything we do. With a diverse range of professions and roles, we offer many career options and pathways, actively promoting opportunities and encouraging staff professional development.

Benefits include:

• Generous leave entitlements
• Long Service Leave after 5 years
• Option of flexitime for indoor staff
• 9-day fortnight for outdoor staff
• Flexible and remote working arrangements
• Novated lease arrangements available
• Opportunities for professional development and training
• Corporate wellbeing programs, including Fitness Passport and Employee Assistance Program (EAP), discounted health insurance

**Conditions apply as per the Local Government State award, and Council policies

Shoalhaven City Council is committed to creating a workplace that reflects our diverse community. We welcome applicants of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, veterans, people with a disability, culturally diverse individuals, and LGBTQIA+ community members. We ensure equitable recruitment practices, and applicants with disability can request reasonable adjustments. As a Child Safe Organisation, we uphold the rights and safety of all children and young people.