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The Chief Engagement Officer leads the day-to-day operations of Community Outreach, Social Work, Events & Experience, Accessibility & Belonging, and Marketing & Communications. This executive role partners closely with senior leadership to advance inclusive, human-centered services and to embed accessibility and belonging into the Library’s policies, practices, and workplace culture.
The position is primarily focused on directing, coaching, developing, and evaluating leaders and teams, while applying deep functional expertise to develop innovative strategies that advance Richland Library’s mission.
Essential Responsibilities
- Lead and implement accessibility-centered, human-centered engagement strategies that enhance services, programs, and community access
- Design and drive change management initiatives that foster an equitable, respectful, and inclusive workplace
- Partner with the Executive Leadership Team, HR, and the Chief People & Culture Officer to integrate accessibility, equity, and inclusion into all operations
- Develop, assess, and scale high-impact community programs and partnerships, with a focus on underserved populations
- Guide organizational strategy, policy, and practice related to accessibility, inclusion, and belonging
- Oversee cross-departmental collaboration, workflows, performance metrics, and regulatory compliance
- Strengthen the Library’s visibility, reputation, and community trust through strategic partnerships and public leadership
- Secure and steward financial, volunteer, and community resources to support mission-driven initiatives
- Lead budget planning, systems, and processes to ensure the effective and responsible use of funds
- Represent the Library as a senior ambassador with community partners, agencies, and stakeholders
Supervisory Responsibilities
- Directly supervise senior leaders and managers across multiple departments
- Recruit, coach, develop, and evaluate staff; support performance growth and accountability
- Monitor workloads, identify operational improvements, and implement solutions
- Lead departmental budgeting, forecasting, and expenditure oversight
- Champion workforce practices that promote internal equity, accessibility, inclusion, and professional development
Core Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
- Advanced expertise in accessibility, and inclusion program development
- Strong understanding of community engagement, social impact, and human services environments
- Proven ability to lead complex, cross-functional initiatives in dynamic organizations
- Skilled in strategic planning, policy development, and data-informed decision-making
- Exceptional communication skills, including presenting to diverse audiences, public officials, and media
- Ability to manage change, navigate difficult conversations, and align competing priorities
- Demonstrated strength in people leadership, collaboration, and organizational influence
- Deep commitment to fostering inclusive cultures and meaningful community relationships
Minimum Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Business or Public Administration, Marketing & Communications, Health or Human Services, or a related field
- 10+ years of progressively responsible experience in a customer-facing, community-based, or human services organization
- 5+ years of experience leading accessibility and inclusion initiatives, education, or complex project management
- Regular on-site presence required to support collaboration, supervision, and organizational effectiveness
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree in Library and Information Science, Education, Social Services, Public Relations, Human Resources, or Organizational Psychology
- 4+ years of experience managing accessibility and inclusion programs and leading professional staff
- Experience working in public-serving, nonprofit, cultural, or government organizations
- Demonstrated success advancing inclusion-centered organizational change
Location, Salary & Hours:
Where: Richland Library Main, 1431 Assembly Street, Columbia, SC 29201
Salary: $130,000 – $135,000
Hours: 37.5 hours per week: Monday – Friday 9:00 – 5:30 pm, with evening, weekend, or emergency hours being possible.
FLSA Job Status: Exempt
Deadline: Open until it is filled. Applicants will be notified by email once the position is filled.
No phone calls and/or in-person inquiries regarding the status of applications. Applicants selected for an 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.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT STATEMENT:
Richland Library 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.