Director, Education Administration, Education ​/ Teaching

Overview

The Buffalo & Erie County Public Library (NY) seeks a Director who will advance and build upon its vital role as the center of information, education, culture, and entertainment across Erie County. This role requires a politically astute, relationship-driven leader with strong communication skills and the ability to build trust across community, staff, and government stakeholders. The Director works alongside the system’s 15-member governing board, a team of 364 FTE staff, and an operating budget of $36 million to serve the City of Buffalo and Erie County through nine city locations, 28 member library locations, and two bookmobiles.

Key responsibilities include concluding the system’s current five-year plan, launching the next strategic planning process, continuing to roll out the library’s rebrand and statement of purpose “Profoundly Public,” and delivering the diverse and community-centered programming for which the library is known.

Buffalo and Erie County offer a unique blend of urban, suburban, and rural living, all within minutes of the Canadian border and Niagara Falls. The area is known as “The City of Good Neighbors,” with a strong sense of community and civic pride. Residents have access to Lake Erie’s waterfront, an affordable cost of living, and a range of cultural institutions, including art galleries, theaters, and museums, as well as a Grammy-winning philharmonic orchestra.

Outdoor options include parks designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, extensive bike trails, and four-season recreation such as hiking, kayaking, and skiing. The region features a rich history, a notable manuscript collection at the Central Library, and a growing and nationally recognized food scene, along with a loyal sports culture with three professional teams.

Responsibilities: Responsibilities include building partnerships with community organizations and stakeholders; participating in local, state, and national library associations; serving as the library’s spokesperson to the media while advancing the system’s public relations strategy; overseeing all development activities; recommending policies and reporting measurable results to the Board of Trustees; approving operational policies for the Central Library, city branches, and contract member libraries;

setting performance standards for library services; approving and defending the budget before the Board, County Executive, and County Legislature; and negotiating and communicating with state, county, and local officials. For a full list of responsibilities, see the job description linked below.

Qualifications: A master’s degree in library science from an accredited ALA library school, and ten years of professional library experience, five years of which must have been as head of a library system (public, academic, school or other) or a large public library and three additional years in an administrative capacity; or a satisfactory equivalent combination of training and experience. The successful candidate will need to hold or be eligible for a New York State Public Librarian Certificate and obtain State Education Department approval from the New York State Library.

Compensation: The hiring salary range is $165,000 – $190,000 (placement within the range negotiable depending on experience and qualifications) and an excellent fringe benefits package.

Interested candidates should submit their resumes by clicking the “Apply” button above. For further information, contact Bradbury Miller Associates. All applications are due by Sunday, March 8, 2026
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• Director Job Description
• Five Year Plan
• 2026 Budget
• Organizational Chart
• Benefits Package
• 2024 Annual Report
• Buffalo & Erie County Public Library
• B&ECPL Bylaws
• City of Buffalo
• Erie County, NY
• Explore & More Museum
• Buffalo Zoo
• Buffalo Waterfront
• Buffalo Museum of Science
• Buffalo AKG Art Museum
• Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra
• Visit Buffalo
• SUNY at Buffalo
• Buffalo Niagara Partnership
• Cost of Living Calculator