Regional Library Manager - Allendale County and Outreach Services

Allendale-Hampton-Jasper Regional Library; Allendale (SC); On-site; USD 36,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Allendale Hampton Jasper Regional Library System seeks an experienced public library administrator to oversee multiple branches and provide strategic leadership for services, programs, and staff in a rural regional context.

The role focuses on planning, budgeting, community engagement, and ensuring high-quality public service across facilities, while fostering collaboration with local partners and maintaining an active, diverse collection.

Qualifications

• Thorough knowledge of modern public library principles and practices.
• Knowledge of collection development and readers' advisory.
• Excellent leadership and organizational skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Strong conflict resolution and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to analyze data and prepare reports.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with employees, elected officials, community partners, and the public.
• Familiarity with the demographics and needs of rural communities is a plus.
• Applicants must meet one of the qualification pathways: MLIS/MLS with 3+ years supervisory experience OR Bachelor's with 5+ years supervisory/leadership experience.

Responsibilities

• Provides administrative leadership for all assigned library facilities.
• Supervises Branch Managers and/or Branch Supervisors with coaching and development.
• Conducts evaluations and performance improvement plans.
• Ensures compliance with library policies and procedures.
• Represents the Executive Director at meetings and events when assigned.
• Develops regional operational goals aligned with the Strategic Plan.
• Oversees day-to-day operations and public service quality.
• Leads collection development and budgeting for branches.
• Participates in strategic planning and accreditation activities.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Data analysis

Project management

Conflict resolution

Organizational skills

Education

MLIS/MLS

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Allendale Hampton Jasper Regional Library System

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• Base Pay $36,400.00 - $41,600.00 / Year
• Relocation Expense Covered No
• Employee Type FT Exempt
• Required Degree Masters
• Travel 15%
• Manage Others Yes

Contact information

• Name Sena Loyd
• Phone [phone]

Description

Essential Functions

• Support staff in developing and implementing marketing strategies to promote library programs, services, and special events through digital and print media including a clear and cohesive brand identity for the library system across all branches.
• Plan and execute outreach events, including library pop-ups, community festivals, and school visits.
• Establish and maintain partnerships with local organizations, schools, businesses, and government agencies to enhance the library’s reach.

Job Duties

Leadership & Administration

• Provides administrative leadership for all assigned library facilities.
• Supervises Branch Managers and/or Branch Supervisors and provides coaching, mentoring, and professional development.
• Conducts employee evaluations and performance improvement plans.
• Recommends hiring, promotion, discipline, and termination of employees.
• Ensures consistent implementation of Regional Library policies and procedures.
• Serves as acting administrator for assigned facilities during emergencies or vacancies.
• Develops regional operational goals that align with the library's Strategic Plan.
• Represents the Executive Director during meetings and public events when assigned.
• Directly supervises assigned staff.
• Approves employee schedules and leave requests.
• Ensures adequate staffing levels.
• Resolves employee conflicts and patron concerns.
• Promotes positive employee morale and teamwork.
• Coordinates onboarding and training for new employees.
• Identifies staff development needs and coordinates continuing education opportunities.

Library Operations

• Oversees day-to-day operations of assigned branches.
• Ensures excellent public service throughout assigned facilities.
• Monitors facility appearance, safety, and maintenance needs.
• Coordinates with county officials, vendors, and maintenance personnel.
• Reviews operational procedures for efficiency and effectiveness.
• Ensures compliance with library policies, county regulations, OSHA standards, and applicable state and federal laws.

Collection Development & Library Services

• Leads collection development for assigned branches using professional library selection principles.
• Evaluates circulation statistics, patron requests, community demographics, and usage trends to guide purchasing decisions.
• Selects, deselects, and maintains print and digital collections in accordance with the library's Collection Development Policy.
• Coordinates collection maintenance, weeding, and inventory projects.
• Monitors materials budgets and expenditures.
• Works collaboratively with other Regional Library Managers and the Executive Director to ensure balanced collections throughout the regional system.
• Evaluates emerging library services and recommends improvements to meet community needs.
• Ensures programming and library services support community interests and strategic goals.

Budget & Financial Oversight

• Assists in preparing annual operating budgets.
• Monitors expenditures for assigned facilities.
• Reviews purchasing requests and authorizes expenditures within established authority.
• Ensures compliance with procurement policies.
• Oversees cash handling procedures and financial accountability.
• Identifies grant opportunities and assists with grant applications and implementation when assigned.

Planning, Assessment & Reporting

• Collects, analyzes, and interprets library statistics.
• Prepares monthly, quarterly, and annual reports.
• Evaluates operational performance using established performance measures.
• Makes recommendations for improved services and operational efficiencies.
• Assists with accreditation requirements, State Library reporting, and long-range planning.
• Participates in strategic planning and implementation initiatives.

Community Engagement

• Develops relationships with community organizations, schools, local governments, Friends groups, and civic organizations.
• Represents the library at community meetings and public events.
• Identifies opportunities for partnerships that expand library services.
• Supports outreach initiatives throughout the assigned region.
• Serves as a professional ambassador for the Regional Library System.

Technology & Innovation

• Promotes the effective use of technology in library services.
• Assists with implementation of new technologies, software, and digital services.
• Encourages innovation and continuous improvement.
• Supports makerspace technologies, digital literacy initiatives, and emerging library technologies.

Professional Responsibilities

• Maintains current knowledge of trends in librarianship and public library administration.
• Participates in professional organizations and continuing education.
• Attends conferences, workshops, and meetings as approved.
• Maintains appropriate professional certifications and credentials.

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications (Knowledge, Skills and Abilities)

Thorough knowledge of modern public library principles and practices.

Knowledge of collection development and readers' advisory.

Excellent leadership and organizational skills.

Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Strong conflict resolution and problem-solving abilities.

Ability to analyze data and prepare reports.

Ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.

Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with employees, elected officials, community partners, and the public.

Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.

Familiarity with the demographics and needs of rural communities is a plus.

Applicants must meet one of the following qualification pathways:

Pathway 1 – Professional Librarian

• Master's Degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS or MLS) from an American Library Association (ALA)-accredited institution.
• Minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible public library experience.
• Minimum of two (2) years of supervisory or management experience.

OR

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible supervisory, management, or leadership experience in a public library, education, government, nonprofit, customer service, or other public-facing organization.
• Demonstrated success in personnel management, organizational leadership, project management, and customer service.
• Ability to develop professional