Classified Ad Title:
Executive Director for the Akron-Summit County Public Library [OH]

Post Date
9/16/2025

Expiration Date
12/15/2025

Details:
The Opportunity

The Akron-Summit County Public Library [ASCPL] is seeking an accomplished leader to serve as their next Executive Director. This dynamic position reports to a seven-member Board of Trustees, guides a dedicated staff of 327, and is responsible for the overall operations and management of the Main Library and 18 branch locations and their services, programs, and collections. As the ambassador and face of the library system, the Executive Director is also tasked with fostering proactive and attentive communications with the Board, staff, customers, and community members.

In addition to organizing, directing, and evaluating all library functions, operations, and activities, the Executive Director will prioritize strategic development, civic engagement, budget planning, resource management, staff collaboration, and championing literacy, intellectual freedom, and ASCPL’s core values of Excellence, Service, Learning, and Diversity and Inclusion.

About the Library and Community

ASCPL has served Summit County for over 150 years. The system is recognized locally as an essential community asset due to its excellent customer service, collaborative community involvement, innovative initiatives and programs, and a high level of customer satisfaction. That excellence helps ASCPL fulfill its mission to provide resources for learning and leisure, information services, meeting spaces, and programs for all ages that support, improve, and enrich individual, family, and community life. To learn more, visit: www.akronlibrary.org

Akron [with a 2020 population of 190,469], is known as the Rubber City due to the vital role it played in the rubber industry. Downtown Akron boasts amenities such as the Akron Rubber Ducks Stadium [the AA affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians], the Akron Civic Theatre, and the recently renovated Lock 3 Park. Main Library is across the street from the Akron Art Museum and just several blocks away from the vibrant Market Street arts district that includes Summit Artspace, the Nightlight Cinema, and the Blu Jazz+, and Musica concert venues. Also nearby is the Northside entertainment district, as well as numerous restaurants, coffee shops, and several breweries. The popular recreational Towpath Trail is also just down the road. Even more amenities are available in the greater Akron area, including outdoor activities through Summit Metro Parks and the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, concert venues like Blossom Music Center and the Goodyear Theatre, historic sites [such as Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, The John Brown House, and Hale Farm & Village], and the Akron History Center, which is operated by ASCPL.

Position Qualifications and Compensation

- A Master’s degree in Library and Information Science [MLIS] is required.
- Ten or more years of relevant career experience, with at least seven years of supervisory experience.
- Experience in community engagement, collaboration, and advocacy [i.e., working and partnering closely with civic/community partners, local businesses, government officials, and other key stakeholders].
- Experience leading new projects and diverse teams to enhance collections, programs, services, facilities, and staff is required.
- Experience managing multiple work locations and a distributed workforce.
- Ability to effectively advocate for the Library’s Core Values of Excellence, Service, Learning, and Diversity and Inclusion
- Experience providing strategic financial oversight and managing budgets in alignment with organizational goals.
- A valid driver\'s license, automobile insurance, and reliable personal transportation are required, as well as the ability to pass criminal background, professional references, and education verification checks.

A generous compensation package includes a competitive starting pay range of $160,000 to $187,000; earned time-off allowances; medical, dental, and vision insurance; OPERS retirement plan; and more.

To Apply

To be considered for this position, please submit your resume and a cover letter [including salary requirements] to: ryansheehan@oahumanresources.com. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.


Contact:
Ryan Sheehan

Email:
ryansheehan@oahumanresources.com