Branch Manager

Job Description

Branch Manager – Garrettsville and Windham Branches | Portage County District Library

The Tone:
This is a full-time, exempt role for a Branch Manager at Portage County District Library, overseeing both the Garrettsville and Windham Branches in Ohio. The library system serves its community by providing essential resources and programs. This position is critical in directing the daily operations, implementing valuable services, and fostering a welcoming environment across two distinct library locations.

The TL;DR
• Role: Full Time
• Type: Exempt
• Location: In-person, Garrettsville and Windham Branches, OH
• Team: Collaborates across branches and with administration managers
• Mission: To assist patrons by directing the operation of a branch library, implementing services and programs
• Tech Stack: automated library equipment, computer operations and functions including data processing techniques

What You’ll Actually Do
• Strategic Reporting & Grant Management: Implement library policies and procedures, prepare comprehensive monthly reports for the Board of Trustees, oversee the collection and reporting of all library statistics, prepare additional reports as requested, and actively write and assist in the preparation of grant applications.
• Staff Leadership & Operations Oversight: Oversee the daily operation of the library, including scheduling and assigning work to employees, participating in interviews for pre-screened candidates and recommending hires, evaluating performance, disciplining employees, responding to complaints, monitoring work for policy compliance, and managing paid leaves and attendance records.
• Collection Development & Management: Maintain current knowledge of available library materials and patron reading preferences, conduct thorough inventories of materials, and evaluate items for age, condition, and relevance to determine appropriate actions such as updating, repair, or withdrawal, including for the reference department.
• Patron & Reference Services: Provide in-depth reference service to patrons, instruct them effectively in the use of library computers, and conduct periodic inventories of the reference department’s resources to ensure availability and accuracy.
• Interdepartmental Collaboration: Work jointly and effectively with other branch and administration managers to ensure all Portage County District Library mission objectives are met across both assigned branches.

The Must-Haves
• Background: Master’s Degree in Library Science or within six months of obtaining the degree, with applicable experience in library management.
• Experience: Experience in management and supervision techniques, budgeting, public relations, and the operation of automated library equipment and computer systems, including data processing.
• Skills: Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts and draw valid conclusions; plan, schedule and organize work; prepare meaningful, concise and accurate reports; communicate effectively in written and oral form; establish a cooperative work environment; and develop good rapport with library patrons.
• Bonus: Valid Ohio Driver’s license or ability to obtain one, and the ability to work varied hours including evenings and weekends.