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.

Job Summary

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.

Leadership Expectations

• 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.