INFOhio Community

The State Library of Ohio is seeking a visionary leader as its next State Librarian. This highly impactful, dynamic position will serve as the Executive Director for the State Library of Ohio and will provide confident and inspirational leadership for statewide library services. The State Librarian will be responsible for administering all aspects of the State Library of Ohio’s people, facilities, and programs. Primary duties include budgeting, overseeing fiscal and strategic planning, legislative advocacy, marketing/public relations, human resources, workforce planning, policy/procedure development, and other related functions. In this role, the State Librarian will also develop strong relationships and collaborate closely with a variety of state agencies as well as with national and regional library organizations to further Ohio’s reputation of leading trends and innovation in library service.

About the State Library of Ohio

The State Library of Ohio is a state agency that serves state government, all types of libraries, and the residents of Ohio. The State Library is governed by a five-member board. The board members are appointed by the Director of the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce. The agency provides a wide range of services and resources to libraries, residents, and state employees.

The vision of the State Library of Ohio is a Smarter Ohio where Ohioans of all ages access the necessary resources to be engaged residents, excel at their jobs, participate in the workforce, expand their knowledge, and pursue their passions and interests. To learn more about the State Library of Ohio, click here.

About Columbus, Ohio

Columbus, Ohio’s state capital, is located in central Ohio. With a 2020 Census population of 905,748, it is the 14th-most populous city in the U.S., and the second-most populous city in the Midwest (after Chicago). The city is also regularly recognized for its many excellent institutions including the Columbus Zoo, COSI (the Center of Science and Industry), and the Columbus Metropolitan Library. Columbus is also home to The Ohio State University, Capital University, and the Columbus College of Art and Design. New residents will find a diverse and welcoming community supporting art, music, museums, theater, shopping, and entertainment. Sports enthusiasts will find numerous opportunities to cheer on professional hockey, soccer, and baseball teams as well as The Ohio State Buckeyes. To learn more about the city, click here.

Position Requirements and Compensation

The ideal applicant:

• Has earned a Master’s degree in Library and Information Science from an American Library Association accredited library school
• Has ten years or more of progressive, professional library experience with at least five years of experience in library management (Prior executive-level administrative experience with a state library agency or multi-type regional library organization is a plus,)
• Is experienced with all or most aspects of executive-level administration and management including public speaking, board relations, strategic planning, fiscal management, human resources, collective bargaining, employee relations and development, advocacy, marketing and public relations, organizational development, change management, policy and procedure development, and customer service
• Has significant knowledge of all types of libraries and a thorough understanding of library services, operations, funding, and resources
• Has a strong orientation towards diversity and inclusion, with experience building effective, collaborative work teams and partnerships from diverse and distributed groups and individuals
• Has the ability to effectively manage multiple priorities and projects concurrently
• Is an effective change agent
• Has proven experience in expanding and growing organizations, their profiles, and services
• Has a valid driver’s license and the ability to travel within the state (25%)

A generous compensation package includes competitive base pay with a pay range minimum of $130,000; benefits include time-off, medical, dental, vision, pension plan, and more.

EEO statements

Ohio is a disability inclusion state and strives to be a model employer of individuals with disabilities. The State of Ohio is committed to providing access, inclusion, and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs, and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.

The State Library of Ohio is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any other state employee or candidate for state employment on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, national origin (ancestry), military status (past, present or future), disability, age (40 years or older), status as a parent during pregnancy and immediately after the birth of a child, status as a parent of a young child, status as a foster parent, genetic information, or sexual orientation, as those terms are defined in Ohio law, federal law, and previous Executive Orders. When contacted for an interview, an applicant who requires special accommodations due to a disability should notify the office at that time so proper arrangements can be made for the interview.

Background Check Information 

All final applicants tentatively selected for this position may be required to submit to a urinalysis and successfully complete criminal and financial background checks.

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 September 10, 2024.