Branch Manager, Principal Librarian

Lee County, FL

$85K — $96K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Master's Degree in Library or Information Science or a related field
  • Two years of professional librarian or related experience
  • Three or more years of progressively responsible library experience preferred
  • At least two years of supervisory or managerial experience preferred
  • Experience managing or leading within a regional or main library preferred
  • Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record preferred

Responsibilities

  • Lead daily operations of the regional library, ensuring smooth workflows and responsive service
  • Provide top-notch customer service, engaging directly with the public
  • Recruit, train, and supervise staff, fostering a collaborative team environment
  • Administer library policies and procedures effectively
  • Oversee inclusive programming for all ages, supporting creative staff initiatives
  • Act as a liaison to community partners to enhance engagement
  • Represent the library at community events, advocating for its services

Benefits

  • Full-time schedule with varied hours including evenings and weekends
  • Opportunity for professional development and training
  • Impactful role in a fast-growing community
  • Collaborative work environment with community engagement
  • Support for innovative library programming and services
Full Job Description
Salary: $85,443.75 - $96,689.25 Annually
Location : 2450 First Street, Fort Myers, FL
Job Type: Full-Time Regular
Job Number: 08052KG
Department: Library System
Opening Date: 09/16/2026
Closing Date: 9/30/2026 11:59 PM Eastern
FLSA: Exempt

Description
Fort Myers Regional Library | 2450 First Street, Fort Myers, FL 33971

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.

Duties and Responsibilities
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.
What You'll Do
  • 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.

Education, Experience, Licensing
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

Supplemental Information
Work Schedule: Full-time, 80 hours bi-weekly, hours and days will vary to include evenings, Saturdays and some Sundays.
01

Do you have previous supervisory experience?
  • Yes
  • No

02

This position is 80 hours bi-weekly; hours and days will vary to include evenings, Saturdays and some Sundays. Are you available to work this schedule?
  • Yes
  • No

03

Do you have any combination of education and experience equivalent to a Master's Degree in Library or Information Science from an accredited graduate library school program, and two years progressively responsible library experience? (Be sure to include this experience in the Work History section of your application.)
  • Yes
  • No

04

How many years of library or related experience do you have? (Be sure to include this experience in the Work History section of your application.)
  • None
  • Less than 1 year
  • 1-2 years
  • 3-4 years
  • 5+ years

Required Question

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