You are the dynamic leader of a team of extraordinary people who are the heart and soul of the Miller Branch. You guide them as they get to know our diverse community, provide an extraordinary customer experience, and make the magic happen behind the scenes. You are welcoming and create a sense of belonging and fun. You earn trust by supporting and developing your staff to be the best they can be.

You create and maintain an environment of inclusion, diversity, and respect for your staff. Whether working directly with customers or behind the scenes, our remarkable team is committed to education that aids in the dismantling of unjust systems and creating a more equitable and just society for all people. As such, we work to ensure that this mission achieves our racial and social equity goals in all that we do.

We are seeking highly motivated Branch Manager to join our Miller Branch team! Candidates from traditionally underrepresented communities are encouraged to apply! We offer a friendly, collaborative work environment and a generous benefits package including 15 paid holidays and your birthday off. Interested in joining our team?

Who you are:

• You lead people with compassion and patience
• You motivate and inspire your staff
• You are their cheerleader and they look to you for guidance
• You are a great communicator and active listener
• You value development of yourself and your staff
• You are organized and decisive, able to make the difficult decisions
• You value collaboration on all levels
• You are a master at diplomacy

A job you will love:

• You enthusiastically direct, oversee, and manage the curriculum, activities, events and day-to-day Branch operations to advance public education for everyone
• You lead the creation, implementation, evaluation and overall execution of all Branch functions, performance/service plan to promote public education
• You establish Branch culture by modeling HCLS vision, fostering positive working relationships, and encouraging creativity and camaraderie on a daily basis
• You ensure service, instruction and research adhere to HCLS’ customer service philosophy
• You motivate staff to achieve HCLS’ seven internal pillars (Authentic Values, Strategic Vocabulary, Everyone a Leader, Winning Teamwork, Community Partnerships, The Power of Us, and Fiercely Loyal Customers)
• You ensure staff meets or exceeds the job performance expectations set forth in Achieving Excellence
• You collaborate with Branch Leadership Team and staff to ensure daily operations exceed customer service expectations
• You collaborate with managers at all levels to advance customer service and experience
• You serve as a conduit for communicating to staff, ensuring that employees are well informed on a continuous basis
• You identify staff educational needs and resources to address them
• You develop and teach classes
• You have a thorough understanding of, and ability to perform all Branch functions, filling in as needed
• You oversee and participate in the Branch’s role in A+ Partners in Education
• You may serve as an A+ liaison and/or on the A+ Advisory Committee
• You serve on HCLS systemwide committees
• You proactively seek solutions to concerns and issues raised relating to the public
• You perform ongoing evaluation of Branch materials and makes recommendations to, and collaborates with, Materials Management to maximize borrowing
• You take pride in the appearance of all public areas of the Branch and ensure it reflects HCLS’ vision and culture
• You seek out and initiate opportunities to partner with other community leaders and organizations to promote HCLS’ educational mission and its racial and social equity goals
• You represent HCLS on miscellaneous committees and boards and at county-wide events
• You perform other duties as assigned
• You adhere to all policies and procedures

The values that guide us:

• Positions Howard County Library System (HCLS) as the place to learn, grow, and connect
• Contributes to achieving HCLS' racial and social equity goals. Please view the Brave Voices, Brave Choices initiative
• Effectively lives our strategic values of community, equity, intellectual freedom, learning, and teamwork

Do you have what it takes?

• Master’s degree (or Bachelor’s degree and equivalent work experience)
• Minimum of five years of increasingly responsible supervisory experience managing a diverse staff
• Minimum four years professional experience in a public library, bookstore or customer service setting
• Demonstrated experience and proven ability to work collegially and collaboratively with people of diverse backgrounds
• Demonstrated ability to use sound judgment and diplomacy
• Demonstrated ability to motivate people, and to lead committees, and small and large groups
• Team building talent
• Outstanding management skills
• Superior writing and public speaking ability
• Tech savvy – proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and social media
• Ability to articulate and convey HCLS’ overall curriculum and vision to staff, the public, and funding authorities
• Demonstrated ability to be positive, adaptable, and forward thinking
• Demonstrated ability to develop and maintain effective, collaborative working relationships with diverse groups, including staff, the library community, government leaders and the public
• Current valid driver’s license

Your job will involve being on the move:

• You will be standing, walking, bending, stooping, reaching, and pushing/pulling carts
• In addition, other activities are required, such as carrying bags or boxes of books or arranging rooms for classes and events.
• Some driving may be required.

Additional Information

• Position located at the Miller Branch
• Works under the supervision of the Chief Operating Officer – Public Services
• Full-time; 37.5 hours per week; Monday – Saturday, days, evenings & weekends
• Outside hours required as emergencies occur
• Grade 15; Salary range: $77,040 - $135,091 annually
• May be required to participate in LATI (Library Associate Training Institute)
• Position closes Monday, June 15, 2026

EEO STATEMENT

Howard County’s diversity is its greatest asset. Howard County Library System embraces its multi-cultural and multi-ethnic character. All communities, including communities of color and immigrant communities, are fundamental to our spirit of service, workforce and long-term success. Equity and empowerment are top priorities. We believe all Howard County residents must have equitable opportunities to reach their full potential and share in the benefits of community progress. Among our goals is for our workforce to reflect the community it serves. We are actively working to eliminate racial and other disparities and welcome candidates with diverse backgrounds and/or multicultural skill sets and experiences. Howard County Library System takes pride in providing equal employment opportunities.