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Library Director Jobs in Plainfield, NJ (NOW HIRING)

LIBRARY CLERK

Newark, NJ · On-site

$15.50 - $19.75/hr

Organize and maintain the circulation of library materials. * Assist in training and directing detainee library aides. * Help patrons select library books, periodicals, and materials. * Conduct ...

Organize and maintain the circulation of library materials. * Assist in training and directing detainee library aides. * Help patrons select library books, periodicals, and materials. * Conduct ...

Organize and maintain the circulation of library materials. * Assist in training and directing detainee library aides. * Help patrons select library books, periodicals, and materials. * Conduct ...

LIBRARY CLERK

Newark, NJ · On-site

$15.50 - $19.75/hr

Organize and maintain the circulation of library materials. * Assist in training and directing detainee library aides. * Help patrons select library books, periodicals, and materials. * Conduct ...

LIBRARY CLERK

Newark, NJ · On-site

$18.31/hr

Organize and maintain the circulation of library materials. * Assist in training and directing detainee library aides. * Help patrons select library books, periodicals, and materials. * Conduct ...

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Library Director information

See Plainfield, NJ salary details

$40.5K

$101.8K

$179.5K

How much do library director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for library director in Plainfield, NJ is $101,806.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,300.00 and $130,300.00 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.

What are the most commonly searched types of Library jobs in Plainfield, NJ?

The most popular types of Library jobs in Plainfield, NJ are:

What job categories do people searching Library Director jobs in Plainfield, NJ look for?

The top searched job categories for Library Director jobs in Plainfield, NJ are:

What cities near Plainfield, NJ are hiring for Library Director jobs?

Cities near Plainfield, NJ with the most Library Director job openings:

Infographic showing various Library Director job openings in Plainfield, NJ as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,806 per year, or $48.9 per hour.

Director at The Newark Public Library

METRO | 599

Newark, NJ • On-site

$195 - $215/hr

Other

Posted 3 days ago

New


Job description

The Newark Public Library (NPL), a cornerstone of knowledge, culture, and community life in Newark, seeks a collaborative, strategic, and forward-thinking leader to serve as its next Director. Tracing its origins to the Newark Library Association in 1847 and the establishment of a Free Public Library soon after, NPL is grounded in a rich history while serving a dynamic and evolving urban community. Today, the Library stands as one of Newark’s most vital civic and cultural institutions—advancing literacy, expanding access to knowledge, and stewarding extraordinary collections that shape how Newark and its communities are understood.

NPL seeks an accomplished and community-centered leader with a demonstrated ability to guide an organization to stability in a vibrant and complex city. The next Director will have the opportunity to articulate a clear strategic vision that builds on the Library’s legacy while positioning it for the future, strengthening its role as an inclusive, innovative, and responsive public institution. Working in close partnership with staff, city leadership, board members, and community stakeholders, the Director will lead a dedicated team whose deep experience, creativity, and openness to innovation drive impactful programs, services, and partnerships across Newark’s neighborhoods.

The ideal candidate will bring a keen understanding of public library trends and best practices, along with a commitment to equity, inclusion, and community voice. This leader will combine strategic insight with operational acumen, ensuring fiscal responsibility while cultivating new resources and expanding support for the Library’s programming and initiatives. With strong political and interpersonal savvy, the Director will foster collaborative relationships across stakeholders, positioning the Newark Public Library as a hub of civic life and a model of excellence, innovation, and community-centered leadership.

The Newark Public Library has retained Isaacson, Miller, a national executive search firm, to assist in this important search. All applications, inquiries, and nominations will remain confidential and should be directed to the search firm as indicated at the end of this document.

COMPENSATION AND LOCATION

This is a permanent, full-time position in Newark, New Jersey with a starting salary range of $195,000-$215,000 and will be commensurate with experience.

APPLICATIONS, INQUIRIES, AND NOMINATIONS

The Newark Public Library encourages, recognizes, and affirms that it will, in all its activities and operations, respect each individual regardless of age, ancestry(genetics and geography), body type and/or physical appearance, color, culture, disability or medical condition (physical, mental, and genetic), ethnicity, gender, gender expression, language, marital status, military status, national origin, pregnancy, race, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. The sum of our individualities is what creates our environment, collections, and programs. The Newark Public Library is committed to encouraging each administrator, trustee, staff, volunteer, contractor, patron, visitor, and/or donor to respect and welcome our differences in order to create better, more responsive Library services. The Newark Public Library is the center of the community, and invites everyone who comes through its doors or uses its online services to work, learn, create, relax, and/or take pleasure in our resources.

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