Help Us Build What’s Next 

Elkhart Public Library is seeking a collaborative, forward-thinking library leader to join our senior leadership team as Director of Public Services. 

This is an exciting time to join EPL. We are developing a Facilities Master Plan for our five locations and will soon begin work on our next strategic plan. The new Director will help shape EPL’s services, spaces, partnerships, and community impact for years to come. 

We are looking for someone who can lead people through change, strengthen operations, develop managers, and turn good ideas into sustainable services. The Director of Public Services provides strategic and operational leadership for public-facing services across EPL’s multi-location system, including circulation, reference, youth services, programming, outreach, customer experience, and related services. 

Working with the Executive Director and senior leadership team, the Director will: 

• Lead department heads and support staff development. 

• Promote consistent, high-quality service across locations. 

• Develop and evaluate programs, services, policies, and procedures. 

• Use data and community feedback to guide decisions. 

• Support staffing, budgeting, recruitment, retention, and engagement. 

• Lead continuous improvement and organizational change. 

• Address complex patron service issues. 

• Strengthen collaboration across departments and locations. 

We are especially interested in candidates who have led teams through new workflows, service models, responsibilities, or organizational structures. 

Community Partnerships and New Services 

The Director represents EPL in the community and builds relationships with schools, government, nonprofits, and other organizations. 

We value experience with: 

• Identifying community needs and developing responses. 

• Creating or expanding services through partnerships. 

• Reaching residents who do not already use the Library. 

• Extending services beyond traditional library buildings. 

• Using community input to redesign services. 

• Combining the expertise and resources of multiple organizations. 

Strong partnerships should expand access, reach new audiences, strengthen services, and respond to community needs not simply add programs to the calendar. 

Help Shape EPL’s Future 

The Director will bring a public-service perspective to the implementation of the Facilities Master Plan. Implementation is expected to begin mid-2027. 

The Director will also help develop EPL’s next strategic plan and contribute to organizational priorities, policy development, resource allocation, and systemwide decisions. 

Develop People and Strengthen Service 

The Director directly supervises department heads and provides leadership, coaching, and development to public-service managers. 

We are looking for someone who sets clear expectations, builds trust, gives meaningful responsibility, addresses performance issues, recognizes strong work, and helps managers grow. The Director will also help EPL operate as one library system rather than a collection of separate departments. 

Who Will Thrive at EPL? 

You may be a strong fit if you: 

• Lead change while maintaining excellent day-to-day service. 

• Coach, trust, and hold managers accountable. 

• Value collaboration across departments and locations. 

• Use community relationships to shape services. 

• Turn ambitious ideas into practical action. 

• Balance innovation with operational excellence. 

• Enjoy improving systems and developing people. 

• Want your leadership to have a visible community impact. 

About Elkhart Public Library 

Elkhart Public Library serves a diverse community through five locations in northwest Elkhart County, Indiana. 

Our mission is: 

Elkhart Public Library informs, inspires and empowers our diverse communities. 

Our vision is: 

Helping every person develop their fullest potential and our diverse communities grow strong and connected. 

We believe libraries are places for learning, discovery, connection, opportunity, and belonging. 

About Elkhart 

Located 30 minutes from the University of Notre Dame and South Bend, Elkhart prides itself as a “well crafted” community of artisans and makers. It’s how we’ve earned two unique distinctions – the band instrument capital of the world and the RV capital of the world. Affordable living with small-city feel, local attractions include the Midwest Museum of American Art, the Lerner Theatre and Wellfield Botanic Gardens. Less than an hour away, you’ll find Lake Michigan and its wine country, world-class rapids, renowned bike trails, and other abundant outdoor activities. Chicago, Detroit, Grand Rapids and Indianapolis offer day-trip possibilities. 

Come Build What’s Next 

Our next Director of Public Services will join EPL as we move from facilities planning toward implementation, develop a new strategic plan, strengthen community partnerships, and prepare our public services for the future. 

If you have successfully led teams through change and are excited to help shape what comes next, we would love to hear from you. 

Come help us build what’s next for Elkhart Public Library. 

Classification: Director 
Status: Full-Time, Exempt 
Reports to: Executive Director 
Salary: $85,300-$127,900
Application deadline: September 25, 2026; applications reviewed as received. 

To apply, please submit here. 

Elkhart Public Library is an Equal Opportunity Employer.