LIBRARY DIRECTOR in Twinsburg, Ohio at Twinsburg Public Library

Description:

The Twinsburg Public Library (TPL) Board of Trustees seeks its next Library Director – an experienced, innovative, and community-focused library professional who leads with a steady, fair-minded, and composed presence. The ideal candidate must be committed to serving the communities that constitute the Twinsburg School District – the City of Twinsburg, Twinsburg Township, and the City of Reminderville.

With a staff of 50 and a $3.5 million budget, TPL is a thriving community hub with a well-earned reputation for outstanding customer service and meaningful outreach. TPL also receives financial and program support from the Friends of Twinsburg Public Library and the Foundation of the Twinsburg Public Library 501(c) 3 organizations.

TPL responds to the ever-changing needs of our communities by providing information, entertainment, education, and inspiration in a safe place to meet, speak, think, work, and create. The TPL bookmobile extends the commitment beyond the library’s walls, delivering library services directly to neighborhoods, schools, and senior communities across the region. Membership with Clevnet also gives TPL patrons access to the collections of 46 other libraries in northeast Ohio.

About the Communities

Located midway between Cleveland and Akron in Northeast Ohio, the communities in the Twinsburg School District are home to approximately 27,500 residents. The area has easy access to major highways, comfortable neighborhoods, excellent schools, numerous recreational and youth sport activities, extensive parks and trails, and a strong industrial base. In addition, Cuyahoga Valley National Park is located nearby. Twinsburg is also home to the world-famous Twins Festival.

Responsibilities

Under the direction of the Board of Trustees, the Library Director serves as the chief administrator of the Library and is expected to anticipate and fulfill the evolving needs of the community through the effective and responsible use of all available resources. The Director will be a dedicated advocate for staff and patrons alike.

The Director oversees every phase of library operations and strategy, including:

• Administration & Management — Day-to-day operations, staff leadership, human resources and organizational effectiveness
• Collections & Services — Development and maintenance of programs, collections, and patron services
• Strategic Planning — Multi-faceted plan development and implementation aligned with community needs
• Technology — Oversight of library systems, infrastructure, and digital resources
• Community Engagement — Public relations, outreach, marketing, and partnership development
• Facilities & Equipment — Stewardship of buildings, grounds, and equipment
• Budget & Finance — Work with Fiscal Officer to establish budgets and be a responsible and transparent manager of public funds. The Director could be asked to serve as the Deputy Fiscal Officer.

The Library Director works independently within the policies established by the Board of Trustees, exercising sound professional judgment while remaining accountable to the Board for all aspects of library performance and administration.

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will hold a Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) or Master of Library Science (MLS) from an American Library Association (ALA) accredited institution, or an equivalent advanced degree. Candidates should bring a minimum of eight years of progressively responsible experience in a public library or similar setting, including at least five years in an administrative or leadership capacity.

Preferred qualifications include:

• Experience leading, hiring, evaluating and managing a team of ten or more staff members
• Experience working with a Board and senior management team
• Demonstrated knowledge of public sector budgeting and fiscal management
• A proven record of meaningful community engagement and outreach with local government officials and businesses
• Experience with legislative engagement and advocacy at the local, state, or federal level: Ohio-specific experience preferred
• Demonstrated ability to develop, implement, and evaluate strategic plans

Compensation

The hiring salary range is $90,000 – $105,000 (with placement negotiable dependent on experience and qualifications) and an excellent benefits package, including generous earned time off allowances and contributions to health insurance plans and OPERS retirement system.

Requirements: Job Title: DirectorJob Category: Full Time/ExemptDepartment: AdministrationSalary: $90,000-$105,000 (placement negotiable depending on experience and qualifications) and an excellent fringe benefits package.

JOB SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Twinsburg Public Library Board of Trustees, the Director’s primary responsibilities are to maintain Twinsburg Public Library in ways that anticipate and fulfill the needs of the Twinsburg School District community, utilizing all resources available. The Director is responsible for every phase of library strategy, including administration and management of operations, programs, collections and services, library staff, multi-faceted strategic plan implementation, technology, public relations, outreach and marketing, buildings and grounds, equipment, and budget. The executive director is to work independently following the policies of the Twinsburg Public Library Board of Trustees. The Director may also serve as the Library's Deputy Fiscal Officer.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES

• Recommend to the Board library programs, policies, and expenditures of funds.
• Conduct the policies and decisions of the Board as they affect both patrons and employees.
• Appoint and specify the duties of other employees, and shall be responsible for the proper direction, motivation, and supervision of the staff.
• Care for and maintain the library property for selection.
• Oversee the collection and disposal of library materials.
• Ensure the efficiency of library services to the public.
• In concert with the Fiscal Officer, develop and recommend an annual budget and administer expenditure of funds within budget constraints.
• Appoint, promote, dismiss, and take any other personnel action without prior approval of the Board.
• Conduct annual performance evaluations of other staff members and conduct regular staff meetings for the communication of Board policies and decisions to the staff.
• Attend all meetings of the Board and committees. Provide a monthly written report of library operations and circulation to the Board, and shall regularly report library services to the public.
• Represent the library in the greater community through associations with other libraries and local and state organizations. Completes strategic planning either independently or with outsider consultants.
• Ensure compliance with laws.
• Participate in ongoing continuing education to stay informed of trends and issues in library management and services.
• Must be able to clearly communicate and articulate library decisions and actions as they support the library’s mission, vision, and goals—especially when others’ values are not in alignment – be empathetic and skilled at problem solving, conflict management, and resolution.
• Provides leadership to staff concerning the creation and implementation of innovative and inclusive practices in library management/administration and strategic planning.
• Work in conjunction with supporting organizations, the Friends of the Twinsburg Public Library, and The Foundation of the Twinsburg Public Library.
• This position description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this position.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS) or Master of Library Science (MLS) from an American Library Association (ALA) accredited institution, or an equivalent advanced degree.
• A minimum of eight years of progressively responsible experience in a public library or similar setting, including at least five years in an administrative or leadership capacity.

CONDITIONS AT WORK

Schedule & AvailabilityThe position requires flexibility beyond standard business hours, including regular evening and weekend availability to support library programs, community events, and board meetings. Early morning and late evening commitments are expected. Must be responsive to urgent organizational matters outside of normal working hours.
TravelFrequent local travel is required to visit community sites. Regional, state, and national travel is required for library conferences, consortia meetings, and advocacy engagements. A valid driver’s license is required; the executive may occasionally be required to operate a bookmobile or organization-owned vehicle.
Physical RequirementsThe role requires the ability to regularly lift and carry items up to 25 pounds, reach overhead, bend, and stoop to floor level. Prolonged periods of sitting and computer use are expected, as well as extended standing or walking during programs and outreach events. Must be able to operate standard office and library equipment.
Work EnvironmentWork is performed across multiple settings, including administrative offices, public service desks, and community venues. The position demands the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously, exercise sound judgment under pressure, and engage effectively with the public, staff, elected officials, and library board members with professionalism and discretion.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS

• Ability to establish a positive working relationship with the library trustees, staff and volunteers, the library system and member libraries, local service organizations, city, county, and state officials and the general public.
• Ability to resolve complex problems appropriately and to multitask with pending deadlines.
• Consistently maintain, display, and model a positive attitude. Is a role model for treating people with dignity, respect, and fairness; inspires and ensures that others do so as well.
• Strong attention to detail; ability to perform duties with a high level of accuracy.
• Ability to respond to inquiries or complaints from, and effectively present information to, patrons, staff, vendors, and the public.
• Ability to foster teamwork.
• Ability to coach, train, and mentor staff development.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and use appropriate judgment in handling information and records.
• Ability to tactfully deal with the public, staff, and patrons of all ages.
• Ability to work with little to no supervision.
• Ability to negotiate with and manage contracts with vendors.
• Ability to troubleshoot public-facing technology.
• Knowledge of Integrated Library Systems, e-book platforms, subscription databases, virtual services, and social media.
• Intermediate to advanced skills with Microsoft Office Products and Teams.