County of Mecklenburg, NC
County of Mecklenburg, NC is hiring: Main Library Manager in Charlotte
County of Mecklenburg, NC, Charlotte, NC, US, 28245
Main Library Manager
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library
"Follow yourcalling, Find your career"
Please apply by 10/23/25
Salary Range $86,396.00- $107,994.50
This is an exempt (salaried)position. Pay rates are based on education, skill, experience level andinternal equity. Internal equity considerations include an assessment of theapplicant's salary history and qualifications in comparison to the market rateand requirements for the job.
CharlotteMecklenburg Library is one of America's leading urban public libraries,serving one of the country's great emerging metropolitan areas in NorthCarolina. Our library system serves a community of approximately one millioncitizens in the city of Charlotte and the towns of Matthews, Pineville, MintHill, Davidson, Cornelius, and Huntersville - all located in MecklenburgCounty. Accessible and welcoming to all, our library celebrates the joy ofreading, fosters learning and growth, connects people to each other and theworld, and inspires individuals with what they can achieve. Through our 20locations, online, and through targeted outreach, we deliver exceptionallibrary services and programs with a mission to create a community of readersand empower individuals with free access to information and the universe ofideas.
Location Until Main Library Opens:
LibraryAdministration Center
510 Stitt Rd,Charlotte, NC, 28213
PositionSummary:
Main Library is CharlotteMecklenburg Library's (CML's) flagship location, and a unique cultural andcivic destination situated in the heart of Uptown Charlotte. Spanning 115,000square feet, the new Main Library-scheduled to open in early 2027-is atransformative project envisioned as a future-forward anchor for the communityand a cornerstone of CML's system-wide strategic goals.
Main Library will serve as apublic commons connecting knowledge, culture, and creativity through libraryprograms, specialized services, and partner-delivered content. Co-located withthe Theatres at Spirit Square, this site is designed to be a vibrant,inclusive, and multi-use hub with the goal of strengthening public engagement,supporting economic opportunity, and connecting community resources.
This position is responsiblefor the daily operations, staffing, and strategic alignment of the Main Libraryfacility. The Manager serves as a visionary leader who ensures a high standardof public service while stewarding a dynamic, collaborative team. As a keyfigure in bringing CML's most ambitious capital project to life, the MainLibrary Manager will work closely with internal and external stakeholders toimplement CML's vision for community-centered service and culturalconnectivity.
Essential Functions:
As a Library Innovator:
Lead the launch and continued development of services andprograms that reflect the evolving needs of a diverse urban population.
Collaborate with the Main Library Program Manager to deliverexceptional programming and experiences for adults, older adults, families, andcreative professionals.
Use demographic data and community input to ensureprogramming and services are relevant, inclusive, and equitable.
Champion innovation by piloting new service models,technology solutions, and access initiatives tailored to the needs of UptownCharlotte's diverse users.
Build strategic alliances with educational institutions,workforce development agencies, nonprofits, and cultural organizations toexpand CML's reach and relevance.
As a Library Manager:
Directly supervise department leaders including theRobinson-Spangler Carolina Room Manager, Adult Services Manager, and AccessServices Manager, with proposed future growth in Events Management andAdministrative Support.
Indirectly oversee a multidisciplinary team of professional,paraprofessional, and support staff.
Develop leadership capacity among staff and create ahigh-performance culture rooted in collaboration, accountability, andcontinuous learning.
Oversee facility operations including safety, security, andmaintenance, in coordination with County departments and vendors.
Manage Library vendors (including café operator) in line withcontractual obligations.
Monitor and allocate budgets, project funds, and otherfinancial resources strategically and responsibly.
Serve as the primary point of contact for resolving complexcustomer service concerns and facility issues.
As a Collaborator:
Act as a central liaison to the Theaters at Spirit Squarethrough a shared Operating Agreement, ensuring the Library and Theater work incoordinated, mutually beneficial ways.
In partnership with ImaginOn Manager, work together todevelop connections, and customer pathways between the two CML flagshiplocations.
In partnership with Community Partnerships Manager, build andsustain strong relationships with arts and culture leaders to foster innovativecross-sector programming.
Represent Main Library in system-wide strategic initiativesand serve as an advisor on key planning committees, including those guiding theconstruction, operations, and long-term success of the new facility.
Advocate for the CML's mission as a partner in communitylearning, cultural enrichment, civic engagement, and equitable access toopportunity.
Minimum Qualifications:
Experience: Seven (7) yearsof progressively responsible experience in library management, public service,or organizational leadership.
Education: Master's Degreein Library Science/Information Studies or a related field such as publicadministration, education, or nonprofit leadership.
Preferred Qualifications
Proven track record ofmanaging complex library operations and large teams in an urban, high-demandenvironment.
Advanced knowledge ofcurrent and future-focused library practices, evolving services, andcontemporary and emerging resources.
Familiarity with capitalproject implementation or facility transitions is highly desirable.
Demonstrated ability to leadthrough change, inspire innovation, and operationalize strategic goals.
Project management skills.
Proven commitment to strongcustomer service.
Proven commitment to servingcommunity needs.
Successful record withdeveloping staff leadership skills and abilities
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of:
Library science, adult learning, and culturalprogramming
Civic engagement and public partnerships
Circulation services and procedures
Reference interview process
Budgeting, personnel management, andorganizational leadership
Skills:
Excellent verbal,grammatical and written communication skills
Excellent interpersonal andcustomer service skills
Excellent time managementskills with attention to detail
Supervisory and leadershipskills
Researching industry trends,solutions, and best practices
Working with a diversepopulation
Public speaking andcommunity representation
Abilities:
Building Partnerships:Identifying opportunities and taking action to build strategic relationshipsbetween one's area and other areas, teams, departments, community groups ororganizations to help achieve business goals.
Collaboration: Workingeffectively and cooperatively with others; establishing and maintain goodworking relationships.
Communication: Clearlyconveying information and ideas through a variety of media to individuals orgroups in a manner that engages the audience and helps them understand andretain the information provided.
Decision Making: Identifyingand understanding issues, problems and opportunities; comparing data fromdifferent sources to draw conclusions; using effective approaches for choosinga course of action or developing appropriate solutions; taking action that isconsistent with available facts, constraints, and probable consequence.
Information Monitoring:Setting up ongoing procedures to collect and review information needed tomanage an organization or ongoing activities within it.
Technical/professionalKnowledge and Skills: Having achieved a satisfactory level of technical andprofessional skill or knowledge in position-related areas; keeping up withcurrent developments and trends in areas of expertise.
Work Standards: Setting highstandards of performance for self and others; assuming responsibility andaccountability for successfully completing assignments or tasks; self-drivenstandards of excellence.
Planning and Organizing:Establishing courses of action for self and others to ensure that work iscompleted efficiently
Customer Focus: Ensuringthat the customer perspective is a driving force behind business decisions andactivities; crafting and implementing service practices that meet customers'and organization's needs.
Continuous Learning:Actively identifying new areas for learning; regularly creating and takingadvantage of learning opportunities; using newly gained knowledge and skill onthe job and learning through their application
Customer Focus: Ensuringthat the customer perspective is a driving force behind business decisions andactivities; crafting and implementing service practices that meet customers'and own organization's needs.
Continuous Learning:Actively identifying new areas for learning; regularly creating and takingadvantage of learning opportunities; using newly gained knowledge and skills onthe job and learning through their application.
Computer Skills:
Proficient in variouscomputer applications including Microsoft Office Suite
Work Environment:
Works in an office settingwith moderate noise
Selection:
This classification has been identified as having a role in the developmentof ADA compliant technologies and for which the incumbent agrees tofollow County policies to the best of their abilities in order to meetthese obligations.
ReasonableAccommodations Statement:
To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform,with or without reasonable accommodation, each essential functionsatisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to help enablequalified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Charlotte Mecklenburg Library
"Follow yourcalling, Find your career"
Please apply by 10/23/25
Salary Range $86,396.00- $107,994.50
This is an exempt (salaried)position. Pay rates are based on education, skill, experience level andinternal equity. Internal equity considerations include an assessment of theapplicant's salary history and qualifications in comparison to the market rateand requirements for the job.
CharlotteMecklenburg Library is one of America's leading urban public libraries,serving one of the country's great emerging metropolitan areas in NorthCarolina. Our library system serves a community of approximately one millioncitizens in the city of Charlotte and the towns of Matthews, Pineville, MintHill, Davidson, Cornelius, and Huntersville - all located in MecklenburgCounty. Accessible and welcoming to all, our library celebrates the joy ofreading, fosters learning and growth, connects people to each other and theworld, and inspires individuals with what they can achieve. Through our 20locations, online, and through targeted outreach, we deliver exceptionallibrary services and programs with a mission to create a community of readersand empower individuals with free access to information and the universe ofideas.
Location Until Main Library Opens:
LibraryAdministration Center
510 Stitt Rd,Charlotte, NC, 28213
PositionSummary:
Main Library is CharlotteMecklenburg Library's (CML's) flagship location, and a unique cultural andcivic destination situated in the heart of Uptown Charlotte. Spanning 115,000square feet, the new Main Library-scheduled to open in early 2027-is atransformative project envisioned as a future-forward anchor for the communityand a cornerstone of CML's system-wide strategic goals.
Main Library will serve as apublic commons connecting knowledge, culture, and creativity through libraryprograms, specialized services, and partner-delivered content. Co-located withthe Theatres at Spirit Square, this site is designed to be a vibrant,inclusive, and multi-use hub with the goal of strengthening public engagement,supporting economic opportunity, and connecting community resources.
This position is responsiblefor the daily operations, staffing, and strategic alignment of the Main Libraryfacility. The Manager serves as a visionary leader who ensures a high standardof public service while stewarding a dynamic, collaborative team. As a keyfigure in bringing CML's most ambitious capital project to life, the MainLibrary Manager will work closely with internal and external stakeholders toimplement CML's vision for community-centered service and culturalconnectivity.
Essential Functions:
As a Library Innovator:
Lead the launch and continued development of services andprograms that reflect the evolving needs of a diverse urban population.
Collaborate with the Main Library Program Manager to deliverexceptional programming and experiences for adults, older adults, families, andcreative professionals.
Use demographic data and community input to ensureprogramming and services are relevant, inclusive, and equitable.
Champion innovation by piloting new service models,technology solutions, and access initiatives tailored to the needs of UptownCharlotte's diverse users.
Build strategic alliances with educational institutions,workforce development agencies, nonprofits, and cultural organizations toexpand CML's reach and relevance.
As a Library Manager:
Directly supervise department leaders including theRobinson-Spangler Carolina Room Manager, Adult Services Manager, and AccessServices Manager, with proposed future growth in Events Management andAdministrative Support.
Indirectly oversee a multidisciplinary team of professional,paraprofessional, and support staff.
Develop leadership capacity among staff and create ahigh-performance culture rooted in collaboration, accountability, andcontinuous learning.
Oversee facility operations including safety, security, andmaintenance, in coordination with County departments and vendors.
Manage Library vendors (including café operator) in line withcontractual obligations.
Monitor and allocate budgets, project funds, and otherfinancial resources strategically and responsibly.
Serve as the primary point of contact for resolving complexcustomer service concerns and facility issues.
As a Collaborator:
Act as a central liaison to the Theaters at Spirit Squarethrough a shared Operating Agreement, ensuring the Library and Theater work incoordinated, mutually beneficial ways.
In partnership with ImaginOn Manager, work together todevelop connections, and customer pathways between the two CML flagshiplocations.
In partnership with Community Partnerships Manager, build andsustain strong relationships with arts and culture leaders to foster innovativecross-sector programming.
Represent Main Library in system-wide strategic initiativesand serve as an advisor on key planning committees, including those guiding theconstruction, operations, and long-term success of the new facility.
Advocate for the CML's mission as a partner in communitylearning, cultural enrichment, civic engagement, and equitable access toopportunity.
Minimum Qualifications:
Experience: Seven (7) yearsof progressively responsible experience in library management, public service,or organizational leadership.
Education: Master's Degreein Library Science/Information Studies or a related field such as publicadministration, education, or nonprofit leadership.
Preferred Qualifications
Proven track record ofmanaging complex library operations and large teams in an urban, high-demandenvironment.
Advanced knowledge ofcurrent and future-focused library practices, evolving services, andcontemporary and emerging resources.
Familiarity with capitalproject implementation or facility transitions is highly desirable.
Demonstrated ability to leadthrough change, inspire innovation, and operationalize strategic goals.
Project management skills.
Proven commitment to strongcustomer service.
Proven commitment to servingcommunity needs.
Successful record withdeveloping staff leadership skills and abilities
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
Knowledge of:
Library science, adult learning, and culturalprogramming
Civic engagement and public partnerships
Circulation services and procedures
Reference interview process
Budgeting, personnel management, andorganizational leadership
Skills:
Excellent verbal,grammatical and written communication skills
Excellent interpersonal andcustomer service skills
Excellent time managementskills with attention to detail
Supervisory and leadershipskills
Researching industry trends,solutions, and best practices
Working with a diversepopulation
Public speaking andcommunity representation
Abilities:
Building Partnerships:Identifying opportunities and taking action to build strategic relationshipsbetween one's area and other areas, teams, departments, community groups ororganizations to help achieve business goals.
Collaboration: Workingeffectively and cooperatively with others; establishing and maintain goodworking relationships.
Communication: Clearlyconveying information and ideas through a variety of media to individuals orgroups in a manner that engages the audience and helps them understand andretain the information provided.
Decision Making: Identifyingand understanding issues, problems and opportunities; comparing data fromdifferent sources to draw conclusions; using effective approaches for choosinga course of action or developing appropriate solutions; taking action that isconsistent with available facts, constraints, and probable consequence.
Information Monitoring:Setting up ongoing procedures to collect and review information needed tomanage an organization or ongoing activities within it.
Technical/professionalKnowledge and Skills: Having achieved a satisfactory level of technical andprofessional skill or knowledge in position-related areas; keeping up withcurrent developments and trends in areas of expertise.
Work Standards: Setting highstandards of performance for self and others; assuming responsibility andaccountability for successfully completing assignments or tasks; self-drivenstandards of excellence.
Planning and Organizing:Establishing courses of action for self and others to ensure that work iscompleted efficiently
Customer Focus: Ensuringthat the customer perspective is a driving force behind business decisions andactivities; crafting and implementing service practices that meet customers'and organization's needs.
Continuous Learning:Actively identifying new areas for learning; regularly creating and takingadvantage of learning opportunities; using newly gained knowledge and skill onthe job and learning through their application
Customer Focus: Ensuringthat the customer perspective is a driving force behind business decisions andactivities; crafting and implementing service practices that meet customers'and own organization's needs.
Continuous Learning:Actively identifying new areas for learning; regularly creating and takingadvantage of learning opportunities; using newly gained knowledge and skills onthe job and learning through their application.
Computer Skills:
Proficient in variouscomputer applications including Microsoft Office Suite
Work Environment:
Works in an office settingwith moderate noise
Selection:
This classification has been identified as having a role in the developmentof ADA compliant technologies and for which the incumbent agrees tofollow County policies to the best of their abilities in order to meetthese obligations.
ReasonableAccommodations Statement:
To accomplish this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform,with or without reasonable accommodation, each essential functionsatisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to help enablequalified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.