Branch Manager

Branch Manager

Geauga County Public Library is seeking a dynamic and community-focused Branch Manager to lead our team and advance our mission of providing community access to information, resources, and lifelong learning. This role is ideal for a collaborative leader who thrives in public service, enjoys building strong community partnerships, and is passionate about creating a welcoming environment for all.

In addition to the standard responsibilities of the role, the incoming Chardon Branch Manager will play a key leadership role in coordinating the transition from the current facility to the new branch location, which is anticipated to open in mid-2028. The Manager will oversee the Heads of Services and their teams as they prepare for the move, evaluate the existing materials collection, and influence the placement of collections and staff workspaces within the new building. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong organizational skills, consistent follow-through in project management, and adaptable, steady leadership throughout this period of significant change.

Position Summary

Serves as the branch manager of the library by overseeing the security and condition of the physical building, the management and planning of library services, and all library staff. Advocates for and represents the library with key community groups.

Essential Job Functions

• Actively leads, empowers, and supervises the Branch to enable an excellent customer experience. Ensures continuous improvement as well as consistency in how library users experience the library.
• Analyzes problems, identifies solutions, implements recommendations supporting the strategic plan, goals, and mission, and monitors the results.
• Encourages and leads staff by developing, motivating, sparking curiosity, creativity and problem solving.
• Maintains frequent personal presence in public areas to ensure outstanding service by demonstrating and modeling excellent internal and external customer service.
• Explains and promotes library policy to staff and patrons.
• Promotes programs and services to the public. Sets priorities for scheduling to ensure good public service.
• Performs direct public service at the public desks as needed. Represents and promotes library interests in the community.
• Interviews, selects, and evaluates direct reports. Participates in the interviewing, selecting, and evaluating of public service staff.
• Serves as a part of the management team for the Geauga County Public Library by participating in manager meetings and other administrative or committee meetings. May serve as liaison to one of the public service department head teams.
• Ensures materials budget is spent in an effective and timely manner. Monitors circulation statistics to better serve the needs of library users in purchasing materials. Sets priorities for collection development of juvenile and adult collections in consultation with the Heads of Youth and Adult Services and Collection Development Librarians.
• Continues development of professional and managerial skills through reading, meetings, workshops, and conferences. Participates in professional organizations such as OLC and ALA.
• Works on special projects as requested.
• Safely observes all PERRP procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Knowledge, Skills, Abilities and Other Characteristics

• Able to plan and implement programs of public service, monitor budgets, and plan for collection development.
• Works well with community groups and volunteers.
• Has the willingness and adaptability to work in a changing work environment.
• Has a working knowledge of computers and software.

Minimum Education, Experience, and Licensing Requirements

• ALA accredited MLS/MLIS degree.
• At least 5 years of experience with increasing levels of responsibility and supervisory experience.
• Has experience selecting, training, supervising, scheduling and evaluating staff.
• Valid driver's license, proof of vehicle insurance, and reliable transportation to meet work obligations.
• Successful completion of a background check.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to operate objects, tools, or controls – including computers, phones, and office equipment
• Competence in completing tasks that involve reading or visual inspection, with or without visual aids.
• Effective communication ability in person, on the phone, or over the internet, which may include using speech or other communication devices.
• This position requires alternate stationary and mobile activities.
• Ability to move objects weighing up to 10 pounds frequently or 40 pounds occasionally with or without assistance.