New Hanover County is hiring: Library Director in Wilmington

New Hanover County is seeking a Library Director to lead the library system, continuing the momentum of its recent growth and shaping its future direction. The director will be a visionary and committed professional who provides forward-thinking leadership that continues to position the Library as an essential player in the educational and cultural life of the community. The successful candidate will be a strategic planner, innovator, team builder, collaborator, and respected professional who will thrive in a growing diverse, urban environment.

Reporting to an Assistant County Manager, the library director is responsible for leadership and vision, overall operations, and day‑to‑day management of the library. This includes directing and evaluating the work of 62 full‑time and part‑time staff members. Specialized positions include a library social worker, marketing and technology librarian, and a local history librarian who oversees a dedicated Local History Room and archival collections. Other noteworthy collections include a Library of Things (microscopes, sewing machines, ukuleles and more) and Bookclub in a Bag with more than three dozen titles.

Library Locations

Four public library locations currently serve New Hanover County. These include two large suburban locations with makerspaces, meeting rooms, and dedicated program spaces; a storefront library serving southern county island communities; and the recently opened Project Grace. The completion of Project Grace, a new purpose‑built modern facility in downtown Wilmington, brings the Public Library and Cape Fear Museum together and meets the specific and unique needs of both, creating new synergy in services and enhancing the visitor’s experience. Additionally, a fifth library facility, the Northchase Library, located in the northern part of the county, is scheduled to open in 2026, achieving the Library Advisory Board’s long‑range goal of a library within 5 miles of most New Hanover County residents.

Serving over 500,000 visitors annually through nearly 2,000 programs, the library is a vibrant hub of learning, creativity, and community connection. With over 155,000 library cardholders representing more than half the county’s population, New Hanover County Public Library is a dynamic library system with enthusiastic local support. The system consistently ranks among the top ten statewide in door count and collection use, and the current year departmental budget of over $6 million. A Commission‑appointed Library Advisory Board offers insight on strategic planning and policy decisions, while the non‑profit Library Foundation provides investment oversight and manages an endowed book fund. An active Friends of the Library group raises community awareness of library services and directly supports staff initiatives.

Vision & Mission

New Hanover County Public Library’s vision is a thriving, informed, and connected community with unlimited possibilities, and its mission is empowering curiosity to transform lives. These drive the Strategic Plan and guide our efforts as we undertake capital projects and innovative programs.

Why New Hanover County

New Hanover County offers the opportunity to serve in one of North Carolina’s most desirable coastal communities, known for its balance of growth, innovation, and quality of life. The next Library Director will join a high‑performing organization and have the opportunity to make a lasting impact on the library system.

At fewer than 200 square miles, New Hanover is the 2nd smallest of the 100 North Carolina counties, but one of the most densely populated. With over 240,000 citizens, it has become the center of rapid urbanization in the southeast region of North Carolina. In addition to being a great place to live, New Hanover County is a great place in which to do business. Tourism, film production, healthcare, the service and retail sectors are the engines that power its economy. New Hanover County is committed to progressive public policy, superior service, courteous contact, judicious exercise of authority, and sound fiscal management to meet the needs and concerns of our citizens today and tomorrow. To serve the citizens of this progressive regional urban center, the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners adopted a county‑wide strategic plan, where its backdrop is framed by these vision and mission statements and a set of shared values that govern how the Board and staff make decisions. These shared values are professionalism, equity, integrity, innovation, stewardship, and accountability.

Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science from an American Library Association accredited institution or a North Carolina regionally accredited Library and Information Science Program.
• Seven (7) years of progressively responsible library experience, including three (3) years of management level experience.
• Must have or be eligible for NC Public Library Certification prior to appointment.

Applicant Information

This position is open until filled; however, priority consideration will be given to applications received through Friday, January 2, 2026. After the priority consideration date, applications will be reviewed as they are received.

Compensation

The current salary range for this position is $101,198 – $172,036. Salary will be determined based on qualifications, internal equity, budget, and market considerations.

Residency

Residency in New Hanover County may be required within six months of employment to ensure accessibility and active engagement within the community.