Diverse Military Community in the Heart of the Carolinas
Seeks Transformational Library Director
Closing Date: April 20, 2025
- Do you have a passion and conviction about the value of libraries in communities?
- Do you want to see public libraries reach new and broader audiences?
- Are you an innovator? A collaborator? A team builder?
- Do you love being the face of an award-winning organization that thrives on service?
If so, Cumberland County, North Carolina invites you to consider applying to be its next Library Director. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with a history of successful transformational leadership who wants to be a part of a significant change effort. The next Library Director must value teamwork and collaboration, as well as champion outstanding service while holding high standards for self and others. The environment is ripe for a leader who is a change agent ready to make an impact both in the agency and in the community.
About the Department and Position:
Reporting to the Assistant County Manager, the Library Director will lead a department of approximately 157 full- and part-time employees with 11 direct reports. The annual budget of $13 million funds the Headquarters library and seven (7) branches, each with unique communities they serve. Each day, library staff at each branch help connect community members with resources, programs and services to help encourage lifelong learning, development and growth.
The next Library Director will be politically savvy, advocating for the needs of the libraries while recognizing other County priorities. As the current strategic plan nears its lifespan, the Library Director will play a critical role in engaging stakeholders to create a new plan and advocate for the resources and support needed to turn that plan into a reality. In addition to leading a programming and community service vision, the Library Director will be a liaison to the Cumberland County Library Board of Trustees.
Key Position Priorities:
- Filling vacant, hard-to-fill positions and continuing the positive culture change of encouraging staff to think more creatively and bring ideas forward.
- Educating community members on how the library is and can continue to be relevant to residents of all socio-economic backgrounds.
- Establishing strong working relationships with county departments and community agencies that directly impact library services, such as the facilities, finance, and human resources departments.
- Ensuring the library’s technology infrastructure is in line with the broader county’s technology strategy.
- Nurturing an atmosphere of collaboration across locations and positions, as well as continuous improvement through robust trainings, information sessions and other development opportunities.
- Proactively and effectively managing the budget, ensuring fiscal accountability and best practices.