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The Enoch Pratt Free Library has an opening for a Branch Manager for its first new location in over 15 years. Opening in late 2025, the Johnston Square Branch will serve a historic East Baltimore neighborhood known for its strong community ties and ongoing revitalization efforts led by residents, non-profits, and the City of Baltimore.

Located in a mixed-use development with affordable housing, green space, and community services, the library will provide free access to technology, educational resources, and a welcoming space for connection and learning. As Branch Manager, you will lead daily operations, shape the branch’s identity, and build strong relationships with the neighborhood.

The Branch Manager oversees all aspects of branch operations and helps define its long-term vision. Reporting to a Deputy Chief of Neighborhood Library Services (NLS), you will build a team at the branch, develop programs based on community needs, and work closely with local partners.

Baltimore’s top five languages among English Language Learners are Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, French, and Korean. Applicants who are bilingual in English and any of these or other languages are encouraged to apply.

Department: Neighborhood Library Services (NLS)
Location:  Johnston Square branch at 1100 Greenmount Avenue, Baltimore, MD
Salary: $79,507 to $103,275 per year
Job Type: On-site Full-Time, Benefits Included

Summary of Duties:

Leadership & Operations

• Manage daily branch operations and ensure quality service.
• Supervise, train, and support staff to foster an inclusive, customer-focused environment.
• Coordinate scheduling, programming, and facility needs with internal teams and external partners.
• Participate in division-wide planning, hiring, and initiatives.

Community Engagement & Partnerships

• Serve as the main contact for Johnston Square residents, schools, and organizations.
• Represent the branch at local meetings and events.
• Collaborate on joint programs and shared use of community space.
• Support system-wide outreach efforts such as Social Work in the Library and Lawyer in the Library.

Programs & Innovation

• Develop responsive programs for all ages, including digital access, job support, and youth services.
• Encourage creative use of technology and flexible spaces.
• Lead a team committed to high-quality, community-based service.

Customer Service & Support

• Assist patrons with reference needs, catalog searches, devices, and digital tools.
• Deliver respectful, equity-centered service in person and online.

Strategic Impact

• Use data and feedback to guide decisions and measure success.
• Align branch goals with the Library’s Strategic Plan and Johnston Square’s community vision.
• Participate in system-wide leadership activities, including support for the annual paraprofessional development conference.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Library Science, Social Services, Education, or a related field.
• Five years of related public library experience with progressive responsibilities, including two years of supervisory experience.
• Current Maryland Librarian Certification, or certification within 1 year of hire. 
• Physical Requirements: Physical exertion such as standing; or recurring activities such as bending, crouching, reaching; pushing loaded book trucks; or recurring lifting of moderately heavy items such as boxes of books or journals.

Preferred Qualifications

• Masters in Library Science (MLS or MLIS) from an American Library Association (ALA) accredited college or university.
• Public Librarian Certificate, or requirements necessary to apply for a Maryland Public Librarian Certificate, within 90 days of starting employment.
• Experience managing in a start-up, transitional, or branch-launch environment.
• Familiarity with East Baltimore or similar urban neighborhoods.
• Bilingual in Spanish or another language highly desired.
• Multicultural experience.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed or restorative practices.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Commitment to public service, urban community development, racial equity, and inclusive access to resources.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships at all levels of staff and with external partners.
• Collaborative, adaptable, and self-directed with a flexible and energetic approach to leadership.
• Experience using digital tools, integrated library systems (ILS), and emerging technologies, with the ability to train others.
• Comfortable navigating and troubleshooting public-facing technology (e.g., computers, printing, digital platforms).
• Skilled in delivering equitable, inclusive, and trauma-informed customer service in an urban setting.

Additional Information

• Full-time position with a flexible schedule, including some evenings and Saturdays to support library programs and operations.
• May require occasional assignments at other branches or locations.

Position of Trust: Those under final consideration for appointment will be required to authorize the release of and successfully complete a criminal conviction check.

Financial Disclosure: This position is required to complete a Financial Disclosure pursuant to Sections 7-7, 7-8, and 7-9 of the City Ethics Law.

Please Attach Your Resume To Be Considered.