Job Description

Posting number: 202603059

Department: Public Library

Job classification: Library Branch Manager

Posting type: Open

Categories: Library

Make a difference in the community by leading our West Regional Library branch where learning, connection, and service come together! This position provides strong leadership and oversight of branch operations, including Adult Services, Youth Services, and Circulation Services, while ensuring customers receive exceptional, timely, and welcoming assistance. You will hire, train, supervise, evaluate, and schedule branch staff and supervisors while fostering a positive, safe, and collaborative workplace. From delivering innovative library services to supporting a secure and inviting environment, this role offers an exciting opportunity to shape the library experience for residents throughout Cumberland County and the surrounding communities.

Examples of duties

• Leads, hires, supervises, trains, evaluates, and schedules branch staff to ensure policies and procedures are followed, library goals are achieved, and staff competencies are maintained

• Fosters a culture of exceptional customer service by modeling responsive, respectful, and solution-oriented interactions and ensuring customers receive assistance at the point of need

• Coaches and develops staff in handling complex or “gray area” situations, providing guidance and accountability while maintaining positive customer experiences and upholding library standards

• Oversees all branch services and operations, including Adult Services, Youth Services, and Circulation Services, ensuring consistent, effective, and customer-focused service delivery

• Ensures the safety, security, and overall condition of the branch, including the building and grounds, and addresses issues that may impact staff, customers, or daily operations

• Conducts regular staff meetings and promotes effective communication among staff and service areas to ensure information is shared, expectations are clear, and branch operations remain coordinated

• Provides advanced reference and reader advisory services to assist customers with research, information needs, technology, and the discovery of materials and resources

• Plans, implements, and evaluates branch programming at library locations and other facilities, ensuring programs meet systemwide standards and community needs while managing budgets, supplies, staffing, and promotion

• Provides leadership and accountability for program delivery, ensuring programs are high-quality, relevant, accessible, appropriately staffed, and supported by necessary materials and resources

• Monitors and coordinates facility and technology needs, prioritizing issues and working with County departments to report, track, follow up on, and resolve concerns to maintain safe, functional, and customer-ready spaces and technology

Qualifications

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a master’s degree in Library Science and two (2) years of professional library experience to include one (1) year of supervisory experience in a library setting, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Management Preference: Public Library experience preferred.

Supplemental information

• Knowledge of the principles, practices, and methods of public services in modern public libraries, including supervision and training methodologies and adult learning styles

• Knowledge of public library automation systems, technology, and emerging tools used to support library services and operations

• Knowledge of collection development principles and practices within a public library setting

• Skill in interpreting and explaining a wide variety of data and information involving both abstract and concrete variables

• Skill in analyzing statistical data and using information to support effective decision-making and library operations

• Ability to identify problems, recommend effective solutions, and administer library policies and procedures consistently

• Ability to develop, organize, coordinate, and deliver effective training presentations using a variety of instructional methods

• Ability to remain current with trends, innovations, technologies, and best practices in public library services and evaluate their application to library operations

• Ability to manage project timelines, resources, and staff with minimal direction while working effectively under pressure and meeting established deadlines

• Ability to communicate ideas effectively, both orally and in writing, and establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, customers, and the community; must be able to operate a motor vehicle

Conditions of Employment:

A formal transcript will be required. College transcripts may be submitted on-line via the attachment feature or mailed to Cumberland County Human Resources, 117 Dick St. Fayetteville, NC 28301.

In accordance with Session Law 2025-16, candidates selected for positions involving work with children in any capacity will be required to undergo a fingerprint-based criminal history check conducted by the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (SBI).

Driving is an essential function of this position. To be considered, you must have a valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record. If your driver's license is from another state, you will be required to obtain and show proof of a valid NC driver's license within 60 days of hire.

Successful candidates who receive a conditional offer of employment with Cumberland County must pass pre-employment screenings, including criminal history checks and drug screenings, as required by Cumberland County Policies and Procedures, prior to beginning work or receiving a final offer of employment. Refusal to submit to testing or testing positive for prohibited substances will result in the withdrawal of the conditional employment offer.

Cumberland County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind. All employment decisions at Cumberland County are based on business needs, job requirements, and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or any other status protected by applicable laws and regulations. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals and will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities in accordance with applicable law. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.