Branch Manager - Headlands Branch

Mentor Public Library's Headlands Branch is a small-community library with a full-time Branch Manager supervising 4 part-time staff.  Headland's open hours are Monday & Wednesday 1pm-9pm and Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 9am-5pm.  Applicants should be available all hours of operation as well as availability for other required meetings.

The Branch Manager in Mentor Headlands is a grade 13 (without an MLS) with a pay range starting at $22.73 per hour OR a grade 14 (with MLS) with a pay range starting at $25.47 per hour. This is a full-time, exempt, management position. This position reports to the Library's Executive Director. Applicants should be friendly, dependable, customer service driven as well as meet the criteria in the job description. Applicants should have a Bachelor's degree or Master of Library Science (MLS) degree issued by an ALA accredited library school along with three to four years of related library experience including managerial experience. Interested applicants should submit a cover letter and resume with their application online through the Mentor Public Library website. Closing date: Thursday, June 18, 2026 at 12:00pm.

Title: Branch Manager

Grade: 13 without MLS OR 14 with MLS

Classification: Management; Exempt

Immediate Supervisor: Executive Director

Basic Function:

The Branch Manager plans, directs, oversees, and performs library functions at the branch level. This position supervises, schedules, and manages support staff for that branch. Branch Manager will perform a variety of administrative tasks requiring considerable thought and analysis related to the delivery and the management of public library services and operations. This position is responsible for the Branch’s relationship within its community.

Distinguishing Features of the Class:

This position performs supervisory and management tasks as the head of Branch services for a building or multiple buildings for the library system. The work is performed with considerable independence and under the general direction of the Library Director. The distinguishing feature of this class is that the duties performed are supervisory and managerial in nature and include identifying community needs and developing a program to meet them.

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities:

• Directs operation of the Branch by assisting in developing short-range and long-range plans, determining internal policies and procedures, and coordinating the development of goals and objectives for the branch
• Adheres, supports, and implements the library’s mission, policies, procedures, and administrative priorities of the library
• Performs administrative duties in a timely, accurate, and quality fashion; this includes assigned reports, fulfilling planning responsibilities, submitting budget needs requests, and implementing expenditures in an efficient and accountable manner
• Manages and leads in the operation of the branch and assists other branch managers when needed
• Supervises, assigns tasks, motivates, trains, coaches, schedules, evaluates, develops, and directs all employees in the branch
• Assists in the interview process and makes recommendations of such when requested by Director
• Markets the collection, programs, and services to the community
• Represents the library to community agencies and organizations
• Maintains good public relations with neighborhood, community, and target populations
• Establishes work priorities and ensures work production flows to meet changing needs of children and adults
• Designs, coordinates, oversees, plans, and presents innovative programs that meet the changing needs of children and adults
• Identifies library and information needs of adults, children, young adults, or special population groups and plans specialized services
• Coordinates Branch functions with corresponding departments at the Main Branch
• Serves as a member of the Library’s Management Team and participates in projects as assigned
• Handles a variety of complex public assistance tasks, including explaining and interpreting policies and procedures to patrons, preparing correspondence as needed, resolving patron questions or complaints referred by subordinates; dealing appropriately with difficult patrons while maintaining excellent customer service with supervisor oversight
• Maintains current knowledge of library operations, procedures, policies
• May represent the Library on professional and community committees
• May provide assistance and support at public service desks as needed
• Advocates for library services in the community
• Attends professional development workshops when applicable to maintain up to date knowledge and skills related to the department
• Responds to problems and complaints in a pleasant, timely, and professional manner, and reports on the resolution or non-resolution of the problem
• Maintains good relations with public and staff
• Compiles and updates training and procedure manuals for area of responsibility
• Maintains neat and orderly work areas

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Good knowledge of library principles, methods, techniques, and procedures
• Ability to lead, motivate, plan, and supervise the work of others with tact and courtesy
• Ability to work productively, independently, in a team environment, and a union environment
• Excellent oral and written communication skills and the ability to speak effectively in public
• Knowledge of reader interest levels and the ability to interpret community needs and develop programs and/or course of action
• Superior customer service skills and the ability to exercise good judgment and professionalism
• Ability to maintain confidentiality
• Demonstrated ability to use computers, standard office equipment (copiers, fax, etc.), print management software, ILS software, Microsoft applications, emerging technologies, and computer scheduling software
• Must be able to embrace change and manage transition in a fast-paced environment
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, and lifting
• Experience working with Sirsi and/or Clevnet library systems is highly desirable
• Ability to supervise a large department in a union environment
• Ability to speak and write effectively, be resourceful, take initiative
• Ability to manipulate loaded book carts weighing 300 pounds over carpeted floors
• Ability to lift library materials up to 30 pounds
• Must display thoroughness and dependability

Education, Training, and Experience:

Requires a Bachelor’s degree (grade 13) or Master of Library Sciences degree issued by an ALA accredited library school (grade 14) and three to four years of related library experience plus some managerial experience. Requires a valid Ohio driver’s license.

The intent of this summary is to characterize the typical duties and responsibilities that will be required of individual positions assigned to this classification and should not be construed as representing the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be expected to perform their related duties which are specific to their area that may not be reflected in this class summary.

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL LIBRARY EMPLOYEES

All Mentor Public Library Employees are expected to have and maintain good interpersonal and communication skills; maintain a tolerance and sensitivity to the needs of patrons and staff; maintain a positive and pleasant attitude, and be co-operative with co-workers. All employees shall adhere to the Library’s policies and procedures and support the Library’s mission within the Library and in the community. Employees shall have regular attendance, be flexible with regards to scheduling which includes daytime, evening and weekend hours; and be in adequate physical condition to fulfill the requirements of the job.

This job description explains the nature and level of assignments given to job incumbents. This is not an exhaustive list; therefore other related duties may be assigned.