Executive Director – Richland Library (SC)

The Richland Library Board of Trustees seeks an inspiring and visionary Executive Director to build upon a legacy of excellence and drive the library further toward an exciting future. This is an extraordinary opportunity to lead a nationally recognized library system known for its cutting-edge services, dynamic programs, and commitment to community impact. As a 2017 National Medal recipient from the Institute of Museum and Library Services and one of South Carolina’s 2020 Top Workplaces, Richland Library is more than a library—it is a community hub, a center for innovation, and a catalyst for lifelong learning. With 13 branches, a bookmobile, and a 240,000-square-foot Main Library, the system is well-positioned to expand its influence, leveraging recent capital improvements from a 2013 bond referendum and deep community partnerships to enhance its reach and relevance. Signature initiatives like Public Art, DoGood Columbia, StoryWalks, and the ConnectED Library Card Project reflect the library’s creative, forward-thinking approach to serving its diverse and vibrant community.

The Executive Director reports to a ten-member governing board and leads a talented team of 289 FTEs, championing a culture of excellence, inclusion, and innovation. With an annual budget of $37 million, Richland Library operates on a scale that demands strategic leadership, financial acumen, and a bold vision for the future. Standout features include a Makerspace, Fiberworks Studio, Production Stage, Post-Production Lab, Theater, and Artist-in-Residence Studio, as well as pioneering services in 3D printing, creative entrepreneurship, and a Library of Things. A key priority for this role will be leading a strategic planning process to shape the library’s future, ensuring it remains at the forefront of innovation and community service.

Located in the heart of South Carolina, Richland County and the City of Columbia offer an outstanding quality of life. As South Carolina’s capital, the city is home to renowned institutions such as the University of South Carolina, Columbia College, Benedict College, and Allen University, along with premier cultural destinations like the Columbia Museum of Art, EdVenture Children’s Museum, the Riverbanks Zoo & Garden, and the South Carolina State Museum. Columbia’s walkable neighborhoods, thriving arts scene, hospitable climate, and vibrant downtown make it an ideal place to live, work, and lead.

Responsibilities: This position oversees all aspects of staff development, operations, workflows and responsibilities of the workforce, directs and guides the work of the Executive Leadership Team as the staff works together to accomplish operational goals and plans; oversees budget spending and fund development, facilities, collections, and the maintenance and planning related thereof; cultivates existing external partnerships and develops new collaborative projects and initiatives to further library goals; maintains positive relationships among local and state governmental entities and their leaders as an advocate for the library; and assists the board in developing policy and enacts that policy on their behalf; and ensures organizational compliance to applicable laws and regulations. For a complete list of responsibilities within this role, please see the official job description linked on our website (https://bradburymiller.com/current-clients/).

Qualifications: Minimum qualifications include a master’s degree in library science from an American Library Association (ALA) accredited program; supplemented by five years of progressively responsible library experience, including three years in an operational leadership role in a library system with multiple facilities. Regular attendance at work on-site is essential to maintain the necessary teamwork, personal interaction, and supervision that this position requires.

Compensation: The hiring salary range is $155,000 – $190,000 (with placement negotiable dependent on experience and qualifications) and an excellent fringe benefits package.

For further information, contact Bradbury Miller Associates (https://bradburymiller.com). Apply with a meaningful cover letter and resume via our application portal (https://bradburymiller.com/current-clients/) by clicking on the position followed by the apply button. This position closes on Sunday, May 11, 2025.

Visit our website (https://bradburymiller.com/current-clients/) to access the latest version of this announcement in full, along with all related links.