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Library Director Jobs in Columbia, SC (NOW HIRING)

Richland Library

Finance Director

Columbia, SC · On-site

$115K - $125K/yr

Richland Library is seeking to hire a Full-Time Finance Director at our Main location Sample Duties: * Provides leadership, direction, coaching, and performance oversight for supervisors and staff to ...

Richland Library

Finance Director

Columbia, SC

Richland Library is seeking to hire a Full-Time Finance Director at our Main location . Sample Duties: * Provides leadership, direction, coaching, and performance oversight for supervisors and staff ...

State of South Carolina

Law Librarian

Columbia, SC · On-site

$85K - $93K/yr

Creates content for library communications, including social media. The Librarian reports to the Associate Director of the Law Library and works closely with the other library faculty and staff.

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Library Director information

See Columbia, SC salary details

$32.3K

$81K

$142.9K

How much do library director jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for library director in Columbia, SC is $81,039.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,400.00 and $103,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a library director?

Library Directors are senior administrators responsible for overseeing the operations, staff, and strategic direction of a library or library system. They manage budgets, develop policies, coordinate services, and often represent the library within the community or to governing bodies. Library Directors ensure that the library meets the needs of its users, stays current with technological advancements, and complies with relevant laws and regulations. Their leadership is crucial for the ongoing success and development of the library.

What does a library director do?

A library director oversees the daily operations of a community or public library. The duties of a library director vary, depending on the size of the library. Typical responsibilities include managing librarians and other staff members, organizing shelves, assisting patrons, and supervising library events. As a library director, you may also work closely with the library’s board of directors or other public officials to ensure the library stays on budget while meeting the needs of the community.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a library director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Library Director, you need expertise in library science, management, budgeting, and strategic planning, typically supported by a Master's in Library Science (MLS/MLIS) and relevant administrative experience. Familiarity with integrated library systems (ILS), digital cataloging tools, and data management platforms is often required. Strong leadership, communication, and community engagement skills help foster a collaborative environment and drive library initiatives. These competencies are crucial for effectively managing library operations, adapting to technological changes, and meeting the evolving needs of patrons and staff.

What are some common challenges faced by library directors when balancing traditional library services with digital transformation initiatives?

Library Directors often encounter the challenge of integrating new technologies and digital resources while maintaining high-quality traditional services like physical collections and community programs. This balancing act can involve budget constraints, staff training needs, and addressing varying patron preferences for print versus digital materials. Directors must also ensure equitable access to digital resources and manage change within their teams, fostering a culture that embraces innovation while honoring the library’s core mission. Open communication and ongoing professional development are key strategies for success in this evolving landscape.
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Library Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Library Director job openings in Columbia, SC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 13% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $91,816 per year, or $44.1 per hour.

Finance Director

Richland Library

Columbia, SC • On-site

$115K - $125K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

Richland Library is seeking to hire a Full-Time Finance Director at our Main location
Sample Duties:
  • Provides leadership, direction, coaching, and performance oversight for supervisors and staff to achieve departmental and organizational goals.
  • Plans, prioritizes, and oversees departmental operations, workflow, staffing, and resource allocation to ensure efficient and effective service delivery.
  • Develops, administers, monitors, and evaluates the Library's annual budget in collaboration with the Executive Director, Leadership Team, and department leaders; analyzes financial data, reviews funding requests, and ensures compliance with approved budgets and financial policies.
  • Maintains official accounting, payroll, and financial records in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), governmental accounting standards, and applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations.
  • Provides executive leadership and the Library Board with timely and accurate financial analyses, reports, forecasts, and recommendations to support strategic decision-making.
  • Oversees financial operations, including investments, grants, risk management, insurance coverage, appropriations, contracts, leases, agreements, and short-term borrowing activities as needed.
  • Coordinates and manages external financial audits and ensures compliance with all regulatory, funding agency, and reporting requirements.
  • Researches legislation, industry standards, and financial best practices to maintain compliance and recommend operational improvements.
  • Serves as a strategic advisor to executive leadership by contributing to long-range planning, organizational initiatives, and financial sustainability.
  • Prepares and presents reports, financial analyses, and supporting documentation for executive leadership, the Library Board, Richland County Council, and other stakeholders as requested.
  • Establishes and maintains collaborative relationships with county officials, government agencies, vendors, auditors, funding organizations, and other external partners to support Library operations.
  • Serves as a member of the Library's Management Team by participating in strategic planning, leading staff meetings, supporting employee development, and representing the Library at professional meetings and community events.
  • Promotes a culture of continuous improvement by monitoring industry trends, implementing best practices, and encouraging innovation and operational excellence.
  • Ensures departmental activities align with the Library's mission, vision, strategic plan, organizational values, and customer service standards.
  • Maintains compliance with organizational, County, and public health and safety policies and procedures and promotes a safe working environment.
  • Participates in ongoing professional development through workshops, conferences, training, professional organizations, and self-directed learning.
  • Demonstrates Richland Library's brand promises by providing exceptional customer service and fostering positive relationships with internal and external customers.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned and may be required to work evenings, weekends, and occasional holidays based on organizational needs.

Supervisory Responsibilities
  • Provides leadership, direction, coaching, and performance management for department staff, including recruitment, selection, onboarding, training, development, performance evaluation, and corrective or disciplinary actions in accordance with Library policies and procedures.
  • Evaluates departmental operations, workload, work methods, and procedures; identifies opportunities for continuous improvement and implements process enhancements to increase efficiency and effectiveness.
  • Collaborates with management and executive leadership to identify, address, and resolve operational, personnel, and organizational issues.
  • Oversees the development, administration, and monitoring of the departmental budget, including forecasting staffing, equipment, materials, and operational needs; authorizes expenditures and implements budget adjustments as necessary to support organizational priorities.

Key Fiduciary Responsibilities
  • Safeguards the Library's financial assets by establishing, implementing, and monitoring effective internal controls, sound financial management practices, and risk mitigation strategies.
  • Ensures the accuracy, integrity, and completeness of financial records, reports, and statements in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), governmental accounting standards, and all applicable laws and regulations.
  • Provides responsible stewardship of public funds by ensuring expenditures are properly authorized, documented, fiscally responsible, and aligned with approved budgets and organizational priorities.
  • Ensures compliance with applicable federal, state, and local laws, grant requirements, procurement regulations, audit standards, financial reporting requirements, and Board-approved and organizational policies.
  • Advises the Chief Business Officer, Executive Director, Deputy Director, and Board of Trustees on the financial implications of strategic initiatives and provides objective recommendations to support sound fiscal decision-making.
  • Oversees budget development, financial forecasting, cash management, investments, debt management, and long-range financial planning to ensure the Library's financial sustainability.
  • Directs and coordinates annual financial audits, regulatory reviews, and the implementation of corrective actions to address audit findings and strengthen internal controls.
  • Promotes a culture of integrity, accountability, transparency, and ethical financial stewardship throughout the organization.
  • Identifies, evaluates, and mitigates financial, operational, and compliance risks to protect the Library's financial stability and public trust.
  • Maintains the confidentiality and security of sensitive financial information while ensuring appropriate transparency and accountability to governing authorities and accountability to governing authorities and stakeholders.

Accountability Statement
  • The Finance Director is entrusted with fiduciary responsibility for the organization's financial resources and is expected to exercise the highest degree of integrity, ethical conduct, professional judgment, and accountability in managing public funds. This position is responsible for ensuring that financial decisions and practices support the organization's mission while protecting its financial interests and maintaining public trust.
  • The Finance Director is accountable for providing accurate financial reporting, maintaining effective internal controls, managing financial risk, and advising executive leadership and the Board of Trustees on sound fiscal policies and strategic financial decisions. Through responsible stewardship and prudent resource management, this position helps preserve public trust and supports the Library's commitment to serving the community effectively and responsibly.

Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in accounting, finance, public or business administration, or related discipline; supplemented by ten (10) years of progressively responsible finance experience, including five (5) years in a financial management role, including staff supervision; or an equivalent combination of education, certification, training, and/or experience.
Preferred Qualifications:
Master's degree in business administration, accounting, or finance, and seven (7) years of governmental or public agency financial management experience; designation as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or Certified Management Accountant (CMA)
Location, Salary & Hours:
Where: Richland Library Main, 1431 Assembly Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Salary: $115,000 -$125,000 yearly plus excellent benefits
Hours: 37.5 hours per week with occasional evenings/weekends: Monday - Friday 9:00 am - 5:30 pm
Job Role & Level: L5; Pay Grade & Salary Band: 10; FLSA Status: Exempt
** Richland Library may change location and schedule of any library job.
Deadline: Open Until Filled. However, we reserve the right to close this posting without notice. We encourage applicants to apply as soon as possible.
No phone calls and/or in person inquiries regarding status of applications. Applicants selected for interview will be contacted by phone.
Why the Richland Library?
Richland Library is a vibrant, contemporary organization that provides resources and information that advance the Midlands. Offering state-of-the-art technology, a great variety of literary and cultural programs and 12 bustling facilities located throughout the county, Richland Library offers a truly customized, modern library experience for residents and visitors alike.
The Richland Library is an award-winning, forward-thinking public library system because of our exceptional, diverse staff, who are passionate about serving our community. Be a part of our team and help us to continue to fulfill our mission to help our customers learn, create and share.
We are guided by our shared Vision: "to enhance the quality of life for our entire community"; and by strategic objectives including advancing our community, having an engaged staff who make a significant positive difference, and enhancing the experience and outcomes of customers who interact with Richland Library.
We are an equal opportunity employer; we consider all qualified candidates without regards to race, color, sex (to include pregnancy, childbirth, and all related medical conditions), religion or belief, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, military or veteran status, marital status, or any basis prohibited by federal, state or local law. The Library also complies with the Americans with Disabilities Act and applicable state and local laws with regard to providing reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities. Please indicate if you need assistance completing any forms or to otherwise participate in the application process.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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