Carroll County Public Library is looking for a visionary operations leader to join our Executive Leadership Team and help shape the future of public library service. The Director of Operations provides strategic leadership for the systems and services that keep a nationally recognized library thriving, from technology and facilities to collections, logistics, and Exploration Commons, our award-winning makerspace and teaching kitchen center.
This is more than simply an operations role. It is an opportunity to influence organizational strategy, lead transformative initiatives, foster innovation, and ensure exceptional experiences for both customers and staff. The successful candidate will lead talented teams, champion continuous improvement, and help position CCPL to meet the changing needs of a growing and engaged community for years to come.
Schedule
37.5 hours per week
Work demands often exceed stated hours
Pay Rate
$92,664.00 to $152,899.50 annually
Includes an excellent benefits package
Apply By
Resume and cover letter are required. Applications must be received by 11:59 pm on Monday, August 31, 2026.
The Director of Operations serves as a key member of the Executive Leadership Team, providing strategic direction, oversight, and coordination for the library’s core operational systems, technology infrastructure, materials management, facilities, and innovative service initiatives, including Exploration Commons. This position ensures that operational excellence, innovation, and customer experience are consistently aligned with CCPL’s mission, Core Values, and strategic priorities.
The Director of Operations leads a multidisciplinary portfolio that drives both service reliability and forward-thinking innovation, providing leadership to the library system in its evolution to meet current and future community needs.
Roles, Responsibilities, and Essential Functions
1. Operational Leadership and Strategic Alignment
Oversees assigned direct reports and departments, including:
Participating in interviews, hiring, and onboarding
Training, coaching, managing, and evaluating
Scheduling and approving timesheets
Provides executive oversight for all operational departments, including IT Services, Facilities, Materials Management, and Exploration Commons.
Ensures operational priorities are aligned with CCPL’s strategic plan, budget framework, and customer service philosophy.
Serves as a thought partner to the Executive Director and Executive Leadership Team on infrastructure, technology, and service delivery strategies.
Leads strategic planning and continuous improvement efforts across all operational divisions.
2. Technology Strategy and Digital Infrastructure
Provides high-level direction for all IT systems, digital platforms, and information security.
Oversees development, maintenance, and implementation of technology systems that support staff and public services, including library network, hardware, software, and internet connectivity.
Consistently seeks information on new and emerging technologies and updates ELT on the potential impact of those technologies to library operations and service delivery.
Guides technology investments and contract negotiations to ensure sustainability, scalability, and accessibility.
Serves as a key liaison for technology partnerships, including E-Rate, local, and statewide library technology initiatives.
3. Facilities Management and Capital Planning
Oversees facilities maintenance, safety, security, and sustainability across all branches and administrative sites.
Develops and implements long-term facilities plans, including capital improvements, renovations, and emergency management.
Coordinates with County partners, vendors, and contractors to ensure efficient execution of capital and maintenance projects.
Provides executive leadership for capital and operating budget development related to facilities and infrastructure.
Serves as CCPL’s emergency operations lead, ensuring continuity of services and safety of staff and customers during emergencies or facility disruptions.
4. Materials Management and Logistics
Oversees the acquisition, cataloging, processing, and distribution of library materials to ensure quality, accuracy, and efficiency.
Ensures systems and workflows support equitable access to resources across all locations.
Monitors the integrated library system (ILS) and public catalog for accuracy, accessibility, and ease of use.
Aligns materials management strategies with customer demand, data insights, and community needs.
Collaborates with Finance and Branch Managers to ensure operational resources and staffing meet service delivery goals.
5. Innovation and Strategic Initiatives
Leads the organization’s innovation agenda by fostering creative problem-solving, experimentation, and cross-department collaboration.
Oversees Exploration Commons and other innovation-focused programs to position CCPL as a statewide leader in technology and experiential learning.
Encourages a culture of curiosity, risk-taking, and evaluation to improve services and develop new community solutions.
Analyzes trends in library services, technology, and user behavior to inform system wide innovation strategies.
Partners with HR and other leaders to integrate innovation and design thinking into staff development programs.
6. Budget Development and Resource Stewardship
Develops and oversees budgets for all operational divisions, ensuring financial alignment with system goals.
Prepares capital and operating budget recommendations in collaboration with Finance and the Executive Director.
Monitors expenditures and evaluates resource allocation to achieve efficiency and sustainability.
Manages vendor relationships, procurement processes, and contractual agreements for technology, materials, and facility projects.
7. Collaboration, Representation, and External Relations
Represents CCPL in operational partnerships with county agencies, statewide committees, consortia (including the Carroll Library Partnership and Maryland eBook Consortium), and professional organizations.
Serves as liaison to vendors, contractors, and peer institutions to advance system interests.
Provides operational insight and reports to the Board of Trustees and Executive Leadership Team.
Participates in community engagement and outreach to promote understanding of library operations and innovation.
Serves as a systems thinker and change leader, balancing innovation with operational reliability.
Builds strong, collaborative relationships with peers and direct reports to ensure seamless service delivery across departments.
Models CCPL’s Core Values and fosters a culture of accountability, inclusion, and service excellence.
Acts as a mentor and coach to operational managers, ensuring leadership continuity and staff development.
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
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Strategic leadership and management of multi-department operations.
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Comprehensive understanding of IT systems, facilities management, logistics, and public service environments.
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Demonstrated ability to lead complex projects and manage change across multiple sites.
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Strong fiscal management, contract negotiation, and analytical skills.
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Exceptional written and verbal communication, facilitation, and problem-solving abilities.
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Commitment to outstanding internal and external customer service.
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Commitment to equity, innovation, and customer-centered service.
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Ability to act decisively and collaboratively in high-pressure or emergency situations.
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Eligible for State of Maryland Professional Librarian Certification within six months of hire.
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Maintains a valid driver’s license with a clean driving record and safely operates Library vehicles in accordance with Carroll County Government Vehicle Guidelines.
Education and Experience
Required Qualifications
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Master’s degree in library and information science (MLIS) or a related field from an ALA-accredited institution
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Minimum of seven years of progressively responsible operational leadership experience, including at least five years in a supervisory capacity
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Proven record of project management, innovation leadership, and interdepartmental communication in a public or nonprofit organization
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Valid Class C driver’s license and a clean driving record
Physical and Environmental Conditions
Work is primarily performed in an office or library setting, with occasional physical activity related to site inspections or project oversight. May involve moderate travel between library locations and external meetings. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required. Must maintain access to reliable transportation and remain available for emergency response.
Work environment involves everyday risks or discomforts which require normal safety precautions typical of such places as offices, meeting and training rooms, and libraries, e.g., use of safe workplace practices with office equipment, avoidance of trips and falls, observance of fire regulations and traffic signals, and/or working in moderate outdoor weather conditions.
