Jobs at Central Arkansas Library System (Now Hiring) — 7 open

Head of Main Library

Central Arkansas Library System (CALS)

Location: 100 S. Rock Street Little Rock, AR 72201

Job Summary

The Head of Main Library provides strategic and operational leadership for the Main Library and an assigned group of branches or departments. This role is responsible for ensuring operational excellence, consistent service delivery, and meaningful community impact across all locations. Serving as a vital link between executive leadership and branch-level operations, the Head of Main Library leads and supports Branch Managers and Department Managers while ensuring that each location functions as a responsive, community-centered space for learning and engagement. The Head of Main Library collaborates with the leadership team, monitors spending, and ensures that the library system’s mission is executed consistently across diverse locations and populations.

Key Responsibilities

• Oversee the daily operations and management of 4-8 branch locations or departments, ensuring safety, efficiency, high-quality patron service and programming.
• Supervise Main Library public service department managers, the Events Coordinator,
  and system service roles, providing guidance and support on public service issues.
• Recruit, train, and mentor Managers, including overseeing performance evaluations and supporting their ongoing development.
• Foster a culture of professional growth and a diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible work environment through regular site visits, review of schedules and reports, and support on personnel matters.
• Carry out the Library’s strategic plan by translating it into actionable goals. Identify trends and adjust services to meet community needs.
• Serve as an integral part of updating policies, procedures, and methods for exceptional public service standards, including but not limited to the CALS Manager Manual and all related materials, training strategies and documentation for public service management.
• Provide oversight and guidance to managers responsible for budgets related to staffing, programming, and operations, ensuring resources are used appropriately
• Build partnerships with local schools, non-profits, and government agencies to increase the library’s footprint and relevance.
• Act as the primary point of escalation for facilities issues, safety concerns, or complex patron disputes, appropriately interpreting library policies and procedures for staff and the public.
• Participate in, and when appropriate, conduct meetings with direct reports, group
  meetings among Main Library managers, and system-level meetings such as monthly allmanager group meetings and board meetings.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS/MLS) from an ALAaccredited institution, or significant work toward an MLIS/MLS from an ALAaccredited institution in combination with significant leadership experience in public library service, or a degree in a closely related field.
• 5+ years of progressive library experience, with 3-5 years in a significant supervisory or multi-unit management role.
• Demonstrated experience supervising managers or leading teams in a complex organizational environment.
• Proficiency in Integrated Library Systems (ILS), service delivery models, and community engagement practices.
• Experience managing budgets and operational resources.
• Ability to analyze operational data and make informed decisions.
• Strong leadership, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and manage complex or sensitive situations.

Schedule

This full-time position may include evenings and weekends.

Compensation & Benefits

• Starting salary base is $62,732
• Comprehensive benefits package including:
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Company-paid retirement
  • Life insurance

How to Apply

Apply online HERE and submit a résumé and cover letter.

Position open until filled.