Description
Director – Avon Lake Public Library (OH)
The Avon Lake Public Library Board of Trustees seeks an experienced and innovative library leader to foster and enrich the community through collaboration, services, and resources, as its next Director. Avon Lake Public Library (ALPL) serves a population of over 24,000 residents and has achieved the rare feat of having more registered cardholders—over 26,000—than residents served. The library has one vibrant and busy location, which includes the recently renovated DiscoveryWorks space—designed to include hands-on interactive experiences for children of all ages. With an engaged and experienced staff of 29 FTE, an annual budget of approximately $3.6 million, and the support of the library’s Friends group, ALPL is known for its strong programming, a vibrant social media presence, and modern library services. It is a thriving and well-supported community hub that continues to attract and inspire people of all ages. Key initiatives for the next Director include building on the library’s existing strengths, strengthening external partnerships, deepening community engagement, and ensuring the library’s continued fiscal stewardship and innovation.
Avon Lake, Ohio, sits along the shores of Lake Erie about 25 miles west of Cleveland and consistently ranks among the region’s most desirable suburbs for quality of life and offers a blend of small-town friendliness with access to metropolitan amenities. The local economy is supported by strong industries including advanced manufacturing, healthcare, education, and professional services—major employers include Lubrizol, Avient, and a range of civic services and small businesses. Avon Lake features extensive parklands, a well-developed trail system, and abundant opportunities for water recreation along Lake Erie. Residents enjoy access to cultural, educational, and entertainment venues in nearby Cleveland, as well as community festivals, farmers markets, and local arts programming. The Avon Lake City School District is widely recognized for academic excellence, and residents benefit from accessible healthcare, efficient transportation options, and short commutes.
Responsibilities: The Director serves as the chief administrator of the Avon Lake Public Library, reporting directly to the Board of Trustees. The Director will provide leadership in vision, policy, funding strategies, budgeting, capital planning, services, facilities, technology, staff development, and community representation. Responsibilities include developing and implementing strategic goals; managing fiscal resources in partnership with the Fiscal Officer; ensuring compliance, innovation, and service excellence; and representing ALPL to civic organizations, businesses, nonprofits, schools, government, and legislators. The Director will oversee hiring, labor relations (including upcoming union negotiations), training, and performance management, and will maintain effective communication with the Board and community. For a full listing of responsibilities, please see the complete job description linked below.
Compensation: The hiring salary range is $100,000 – $125,000 (with placement negotiable dependent on experience and qualifications) and an excellent fringe benefits package.
Interested candidates should submit their resume through the application portal (https://bradburymiller.com/current-clients/) by selecting the position and then the “Apply” button. For further information, contact Bradbury Miller Associates (https://bradburymiller.com/).This position closes on Sunday, December 14, 2025.
Visit our website (https://bradburymiller.com/current-clients/) to access the latest version of this announcement in full, along with all related links.
Requirements
Qualifications: Qualifications include An MLIS (Master of Library and Information Science) or MLS (Master of Library Science) from an American Library Association (ALA) accredited institution or equivalent advanced degree, eight or more years of progressively responsible work in a public library or similar entity, plus at least four years of administrative level experience. Experience with public entity budget, collective bargaining, successful levy campaigns, strategic planning, and community engagement is highly desirable.
