Library Director

Summary – The Wickliffe Public Library is seeking exceptional candidates for a new Library Director opening.

About The Wickliffe Public Library:

Our Mission:

The Wickliffe Public Library serves all people, addresses informational needs, and provides opportunities for lifelong learning.

Our Vision:

To be the destination that inspires a learning community.

A Message from the Library:

Libraries are a vital community resource and the dedicated staff of Wickliffe Public Library work hard to serve you in a multitude of ways:

• Patrons – Provide excellent service to our Patrons that inspires lifelong learning
• Technology – Create better technology solutions for Patrons and Staff to enhance services and communications
• Building/Facility – Provide a safe. well maintained, and welcoming facility that encourages Patron usage
• Training/Education – Encourage and provide opportunities for Staff professional development that improves service; provide opportunities for our Patrons to improve their professional skills
• Operations – Improve operational efficiencies
• Programming – Work to continually refresh and diversify programs for Patrons as well as create engaging marketing and communication plans that promote Patron participation
• Safety – Review and update Disaster and Safety Plan, including process/policy to ensure that all employees

The library has a budget of approximately $2.3 million. Detailed financial information can be provided to finalist candidates.

There are approximately 28 employees at one location, which is located at:

1713 Lincoln Rd

Wickliffe, OH 44092

 

Library Director:
The target candidate would be a mid- to senior-level Library professional with broad experience of all Library disciplines and deep experience in several. Additionally, public sector Library leadership experience is critical.

The current director will retire in July 2026.

The Library Director Reports to the Board of Trustees.

There are approximately 28 employees, of which the following roles report directly to the Library Director:

1. Adult Services Manager
2. Ancillary Services Manager
3. Children’s Services Manager
4. Circulation Services Manager
5. Facilities Manager
6. Technical Services Manager

There are no bargaining units.

Primary function:

The Library Director is the chief administrator and librarian of the library and administers the activities, services and staff of the Wickliffe Public Library according to the policies, by-laws, and directives established by the Board of Trustees and the laws of the State of Ohio.

This is a highly responsible Library generalist position that involves developing and administrating Library policies, programs, and practices for a visible community organization. There is full responsibility for developing and executing the library strategy in harmony with, and support of, the overall organizational objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Adds value as a key member of management; understands the business, financials, industry, clients, and strategy.
2. Supervises employees, provides direction, coaches, trains and develops, hires, and manages performance to organization goals and expectations.
3. Manages budgets and resources effectively and efficiently, knows and understands the organization’s financials.
4. Manages vendors and outside service providers effectively; sets expectations and holds them accountable.
5. Administers the activities, services, and staff of the Wickliffe Public Library according to the policies, by-laws, and directives established by the Board of Trustees and the laws of the State of Ohio.
6. Represents the Library in both public and professional communities.
7. Board relations
   1. Advise the Board of Trustees on operational, fiscal, staffing, and facilities matters.
   2. Develop and recommend policies for adoption by the Board of Trustees.
   3. Apprises the Board of Trustees of operations and significant issues, as needed.
   4. Attends Board of Trustee meetings and other committee meetings as required.
8. Staff and management relations
   1. Directs and manages the Manager team to ensure efficient and effective operations.
   2. Reviews and evaluates the library’s staffing needs and operations to ensure a productive and effective workforce and reports of changes to the Board of Trustees.
   3. Administers wages and benefits according to policies established by the Board of Trustees.
   4. Assist staff in setting up computer equipment for demonstrations, workshops, and meetings.
   5. Supervises the selection, training, and evaluation of all staff.
9. Community relations
   1. Interprets and implements library policies and procedures to the staff and the public.
   2. Publicly supports the library’s mission, the Board of Trustees, and library policies while imparting a positive image of the library.
   3. Coordinates with Ancillary Services for public relations in the community and schools.
   4. Serves as the Library’s liaison and representative with professional, community, business, civic, and government groups and organizations.
10. Library administration
    1. Assists the Fiscal Officer in the preparation of an annual budget.
    2. Administers the budget, monitors expenditures, and approves purchase orders.
    3. Provides a quality collection which meets the needs of the public.
    4. Promotes quality customer service
    5. Assures the Library’s policies, collections, and programming support the library’s mission and community needs.
    6. Supervises and works with the Facility Manager to ensure that the building and grounds are safe, attractive, and welcoming.
    7. Coordinates the negotiating and purchasing of supplies, furniture, contracts, and equipment for the library.
11. Technology
    1. Provides leadership in long-range planning to meet identified needs in technology, facilities, human resources, marketing, and collection.
    2. Works with and recommends automation software and equipment.
    3. Assists with setting up and inventorying computer equipment.
    4. Schedules the installation of new software and software upgrades
    5. Communicate with staff to diagnose problems and keep them informed about technical issues.
12. Attend meetings, continuing education seminars, and community events which may require evening or weekend participation.
13. Acts as a communications advisor to Library leadership, identify challenges and emerging issues faced by the library, advise leadership of internal and external communication opportunities, and defines and executes appropriate strategies to leverage them.
14. Demonstrates superior seamless customer service, integrity, and commitment to innovation, efficiency, and fiscally responsible activity.
15. Represents the library in the industry and community by making presentations and serving on boards and committees.
16. Seeks opportunities to promote the library and enhance its visibility as a vital community partner.
17. Stays apprised of current developments and trends in librarianship.
18. Other duties as required.

Necessary competencies:

• Analytical
• Commitment to innovation and efficiency
• Customer Oriented
• Decision-making
• Delegation
• Fiscal and resource responsible
• Organized
• Problem solver
• Strategic thinking and big picture mindset
• Tact, professional
• Effective communication, interpersonal, and public speaking skills

Expertise:

Required Technical Expertise:

• Experience with all aspects of library operations, including human resources management, public services, technical services, technology, and budget/fiscal management is required.
• Experience leading, hiring, training, developing, supervising, and evaluating staff is required.
• Experience with the requirements of transparency and openness in all matters required of public organizations is required.
• Experience building consensus and relationships among business partners, executives, managers, and staff is required.
• Experience with general finance and budgeting is required.
• Experience with capturing metrics and producing management-related reports is required.

Other Required Experience:

• Proficiency in MS Office [Outlook, Excel, Word, or similar software is required.
• Drivers’ license and ability to maintain a driving record that is satisfactory to the Company’s liability insurance carrier is required.
• The ability to be bonded is required.

Preferred Expertise:

• Experience as a leader in a public library is preferred
• Experience collaborating with and influencing board members or trustees is preferred.
• Experience working as part of a senior management team is preferred.
• Experience with grant writing is preferred.

Education and Experience:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree is required. A master’s degree in library science or education is preferred.
• Certifications or licensure: None
• Years of relevant experience: 15 or more years is preferred.
• Years of experience supervising: 7 to 10 years is preferred.

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

• The work environment involves everyday risks or discomforts that require normal safety precautions typical of offices, which includes the need for general safe workplace practices with office equipment and computers, avoidance of trips and falls, and observance of fire regulations.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet to moderate.
• This position is performed in an office setting although off-site meetings in various settings occur.
• The schedule is normal business hours Monday through Friday, although there is a requirement to perform work, attend meetings and events before or after normal working hours, and occasionally on weekends and evenings.
• This position regularly requires more than 40 hours in a work week without additional compensation to perform assigned job duties and may be “on call” at any time for emergency response.
• Some local travel by personal automobile and a valid drivers’ license is required. Occasional overnight travel is required.
• Lift light objects [less than 20 pounds) and carry them short distances [20 feet or less].

Compensation:

A generous compensation package is provided that includes

• Medical plan
• Dental plan
• Vision plan
• Life insurance plan
• Ohio Public Employees Retirement System
• Tax savings plan
• Training opportunities
• Professional membership dues

This is only a small sample of the benefits available. There are many more cash and non-cash compensation elements as part of the total rewards package.

Submit a cover letter, including salary requirements, and resume to:

Robin Bartley, robin.bartley@wickliffe.lib.oh.us

We will review applications beginning July 1, 2026.