Branch Manager, Principal Librarian

Step into a leadership role where you can make a meaningful impact on both your team and the community you serve. As a Manager, Principal Librarian, you’ll have the opportunity to lead a regional library, build strong relationships, support innovative programming, and help shape an exceptional experience for patrons of all ages.

This is an opportunity to combine leadership, creativity, and public service while working alongside a team dedicated to connecting people with information, resources, and opportunities. If you’re an organized, collaborative leader who enjoys working with people and finding creative ways to meet community needs, we invite you to bring your experience and ideas to Lee County Library System.

As a Manager, Principal Librarian, you’ll serve as the manager of a regional library—providing strategic direction, staff leadership, and operational oversight to ensure the library meets the evolving needs of the community.  This is more than a management position – it’s an opportunity to shape the future of public library service in one of Florida’s fastest-growing areas.

• Lead daily branch operations, ensuring smooth workflows, responsive public service, and a safe, welcoming environment
• Provide courteous, knowledgeable customer service, and assist the public directly as an active member of the public service team at the branch
• Recruit, train, supervise, coach, and evaluate staff; foster a positive team culture focused on excellence and collaboration
• Explain and administer library policies and procedures
• Oversee programming for all ages, supporting staff in delivering creative, inclusive, and high-impact programs
• Act as a liaison to community partners, schools, and local organizations to strengthen engagement and outreach
• Represent the library at community meetings and events, advocating for library services and building local support
• Interact productively with staff from library administration, library processing, and other branches
• Monitor and manage facility needs, coordinating with internal departments for maintenance and improvements
• Assist in developing budget needs and resource allocation aligned with branch and system-wide priorities
• Actively seek and participate in professional development opportunities and stay abreast of emerging technology, trends, and best practices, guiding your team through continuous improvement and change

To succeed in this role, you’ll need strong communication skills, the ability to work collaboratively with a team, and a commitment to providing inclusive service to a diverse community. You should be comfortable engaging with patrons of all ages, including children, teens, and those who speak languages other than English. Initiative, creativity, and flexibility are key—along with a willingness to grow and learn.

Spanish language skills are a plus.

What We're Looking For

To thrive in this role, you’ll need a strong mix of education and experience that demonstrates your readiness for library leadership.

Minimum Qualifications

• Requires any combination of education and experience equivalent to a Master's Degree in Library or Information Science from an accredited graduate library school program, or closely related field.
• Two (2) years of professional librarian or closely related experience

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Library or Information Science from an accredited graduate library school program
• Three (3) or more years of progressively responsible library experience in a public library setting
• At least two (2) years of supervisory or managerial experience
• Experience managing or leading within a regional or main library
• A valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record

Work Schedule: Full-time, 80 hours bi-weekly, hours and days will vary to include evenings, Saturdays and some Sundays.
 

At the Lee County Library System, we provide access to library collections, technology, educational resources, and programs that support the informational, educational, and recreational needs of our community through a network of 13 branches.

If you're committed to public service, enjoy working with people, and are looking for opportunities to develop your skills, we encourage you to apply.

Why Join Lee County Library System?

• Work in a 13-branch library system serving a growing community.
• Contribute to high-quality library services, programs, and resources.
• Support access to books, technology, and information for library patrons.
• Join a collaborative team dedicated to excellent public service.

About Lee County

Lee County is located in Southwest Florida and is home to more than 800,000 residents. Lee County Government is committed to providing high-quality public services while supporting efficient operations and responsible stewardship of public resources. Learn more at Lee County Government.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE/RECOVERY ACTIVITIES:

All County employees are required to work before, during, or after an emergency as needed. This may include temporarily being assigned to work and performing duties outside of the normal scope of their position, location and work schedule to fit the needs of the County and its citizens.

DISCLAIMER: This job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities and qualifications required of employees assigned to this classification. The employee will be required to follow any other instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by his or her supervisor. The job description supersedes prior job descriptions.  When duties and responsibilities change and develop the job description will be reviewed and subject to changes of business necessity.  All positions are subject to a criminal background check. A conviction in and of itself may not necessarily preclude employment. Some positions may be subject to a pre-employment drug screening. Certain service members and veterans, and the spouses and family members of such service members and veterans, who claim and meet eligibility requirements of veterans preference, receive preference and priority in employment and are encouraged to apply.