Public Services Director & Lee Road Branch Manager

Position Overview

The Cleveland Heights-University Heights Public Library (Heights Libraries) is seeking an experienced, collaborative, and community focused Public Services Director to join our leadership team. The Public Services Director provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for all public services across the library's four branch locations. Reporting to the Executive Director, this position oversees branch and department managers, ensures consistent service excellence, advances community engagement efforts, and leads initiatives that support the library's mission and strategic priorities. As a member of the senior leadership team, the Public Services Director collaborates across the organization to strengthen operations, develop staff, enhance customer experiences, and maximize the library's impact within the community.

Requirements

Leadership & Strategic Direction

• Provide strategic leadership for public services across all library locations.
• Directly supervise Branch Managers and other assigned department leaders.
• Recruit, develop, coach, and evaluate staff while fostering a culture of collaboration, inclusion, innovation, and service excellence.
• Lead strategic initiatives, organizational change, and continuous improvement efforts.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director and leadership team on planning, policy development, and systemwide priorities.
• Keep the Executive Director informed of significant operational issues, opportunities, and community trends.
• Lead implementation of the Library's Strategic Plan, ensuring public services initiatives align with strategic priorities and milestones.

Public Service Operations

• Partner with Human Resources on workforce planning, employee relations and performance management.
• Provide administrative oversight for all four branch locations.
• Ensure consistent service standards, operational practices, and customer experiences across all locations.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate public service policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Address complex customer concerns and operational challenges.
• Ensure safe, welcoming, inclusive, and accessible environments for patrons and staff.

Community Engagement & Partnerships

• Represent the library with community organizations, governmental agencies, educational institutions, professional associations, and stakeholder groups.
• Develop and maintain strategic partnerships that advance community engagement and organizational goals.
• Promote the library's role as a trusted community resource and advocate for library services.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen community relationships, outreach efforts, and public awareness.

Budget & Resource Management

• Develop and administer public services budgets, participate in annual budget planning, and ensure responsible stewardship of library resources in compliance with applicable policies and procedures.
• Monitor expenditures and allocate resources effectively to support strategic priorities.
• Analyze operational and financial data to support decision making and service enhancements.
• Oversee vendor relationships, purchasing activities, and assigned contracts.

Governance & Executive Support

• Prepare reports, recommendations, and presentations for the Executive Director and Board of Trustees.
• Attend Board and committee meetings.
• Participate in policy development, implementation, and organizational compliance efforts.
• Serve as Acting Executive Director during designated absences, as assigned.

Education

• Master's degree required.
• A Master of Library and Information Science (MLIS/MLS) from an ALA-accredited institution is strongly preferred.
• Candidates with a Master of Public Administration (MPA), Master of Business Administration (MBA), or another relevant master's degree, combined with significant leadership experience in a public library, educational institution, nonprofit organization, or comparable public service environment, will also be considered.

Experience

• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible leadership and supervisory experience in a public library, educational institution, nonprofit organization, or customer service focused environment, including managing managers, supervisors, or multiple operational functions.
• Experience overseeing multiple library locations, departments, or service areas preferred.
• Experience leading organizational change, strategic initiatives, and operational improvement efforts.
• Experience with budget development, workforce planning, and performance management.
• Demonstrated success developing partnerships and engaging diverse stakeholders and community groups.

Skills & Knowledge

• Strong leadership, supervisory, coaching, and team building skills.
• Knowledge of public library operations, services, policies, and best practices.
• Strategic planning and organizational development skills.
• Ability to lead change and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
• Strong financial management and budgeting skills.
• Ability to analyze data and use information to support decision making.
• Excellent customer service, interpersonal, and relationship building abilities.
• Strong written, verbal, and presentation communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and complex projects effectively.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and other standard library software.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with staff, leadership, trustees, community partners, and stakeholders.

Location

This position supports operations across all four Heights Libraries locations and requires regular travel between branches and community locations.

Work Schedule

Full-time exempt position. Evening and weekend hours are required as needed to support library operations, meetings, programs, community engagement activities, and special events.

About Us

Founded in 1916, Heights Libraries has a long-standing commitment to serving the diverse needs of our community. We are proud of our efforts to continually provide a welcoming, inclusive environment where everyone feels valued. Whether you’re seeking resources for personal growth or simply looking for a safe and comfortable space to spend time, Heights Libraries is here for you. Heights Libraries is committed to sustainability as a core value of our work. Sustainability consists of practices that are environmentally sound, economically feasible, and socially equitable. Library employees are encouraged to take an active role in supporting our sustainability goals when performing their job duties.

Benefits

• Enrollment in the Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS).
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays.
• Paid parental leave.
• Employee Assistance Program and wellness resources.
• Professional development and continuing education opportunities.
• Opportunities to contribute to innovative community initiatives and organizational growth.

Salary Range

$33.45 to $45.00 per hour ($69,576 to $93,600 annually), based on qualifications, experience, and demonstrated leadership expertise.

Applicants must successfully pass a comprehensive background check and drug testing as part of the pre-employment process. Compliance with these requirements is mandatory for hire.

EEO /Drug free workplace employer

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