New York Public Library is hiring: Managing Librarian, Programs and Outreach (SN

Overview

Department: Branch Libraries

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library

Reporting To: Zena George

Compensation: $76,000 - $90,000 / year

Description

The Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library (SNFL) is the largest circulating library within the New York Public Library (NYPL) system. It serves as a vital hub for patrons in and around New York City, connecting neighborhood libraries with the extensive collections of our research libraries.

This public-facing position reports to the Assistant Director and requires an innovative thinker who is passionate about managing people, collaborating with library staff, and community partners. The role involves developing, planning, marketing, and implementing flagship-level library programs and outreach services designed to benefit our diverse community.

We are seeking an excellent communicator with exceptional organizational skills and proven strategic leadership abilities. The ideal candidate will bring fresh ideas and positive energy while building meaningful relationships both internally and externally. A deep understanding of the SNFL library community is essential.

We are looking for someone we can count on to:

1. Own:

• Leadership of the SNFL’s adult programming and outreach services.
• Communication and evaluation of community needs and trends, forecasting future demographic shifts, and formulating long-term strategies for programs and outreach.

• Best practices, ensuring staff have the hard and soft skills required to provide successful SNFL programs and outreach services.
• Prioritizing tasks and managing multiple responsibilities.
• Addressing public concerns and issues with tact, courtesy, and sound judgment.
• Timely communication with colleagues regarding the requirements for library events and operations.
• Listening actively, seeking mutual understanding, and managing direct reports to ensure efficient work in a fast-paced environment.

• New and emerging technologies and best practices in library programming and outreach services.
• To understand the core roles and responsibilities of the team and the ability to comprehend and apply library policies and procedures when needed.

• Patrons’ programmatic experience aligned with flagship reading and engagement initiatives.
• SNFL team engagement with regular strategic discussions to enhance programmatic offerings and attendance.
• Cross-functional collaboration and communication.
• Programs and outreach opportunities to significantly enhance the library’s presence and forge meaningful partnerships within the community.

Timelines and expectations

1. 1 month: Become familiar with managerial responsibilities, project timelines, administrative tasks, and branch obligations. Engage in one-on-one discussions with SNFL leadership, direct reports, internal staff, and key department heads to support and enhance our programs and outreach initiatives. Recommend best practices and protocols to support a robust series of programs and outreach initiatives.
2. 3 months: Create more efficient workflows for the programming/outreach team and improve cross-functional communication. Participate in hiring-related activities for new roles, including interviewing and decision-making. Manage time effectively in communications with colleagues, departments, vendors, and partners.
3. 6 months and beyond: Plan, develop, and implement flagship public programs and outreach initiatives; partner with NYPL leadership to support staff professional development; use internal and external metrics to report key issues; collaborate with other NYPL departments to develop new service initiatives; contribute to a 5-year strategic plan for readers’ advisory opportunities and staff training across all ages.

Responsibilities

• Inspire and lead a team to curate all adult programs and outreach activities at the library.
• Collaborate with the Director, Assistant Director, and unit heads of SNFL to design, plan, and lead engaging flagship programs and outreach events for adult patrons.
• Engage in library-wide initiatives that align with organizational goals and enhance public service, user experience, marketing, and operations; support staffing and performance management.
• Assist staff in creating engaging promotional materials for branch programming and outreach.
• Identify and facilitate outreach opportunities to expand the library’s presence and partnerships.
• In the absence of administration, assume day-to-day building operations responsibility.
• Participate in library and institution-wide committees or task forces as needed.
• Support other duties as assigned.

Required Education, Experience & Skills

Required Education & Certifications

• ALA-accredited Master’s degree in Library and Information Science
• Public Librarian’s Professional Certificate issued by the State of New York

Required Experience

• Demonstrated track record of successful implementation of flagship public programs in a large urban public library
• Demonstrated track record of connecting with large community organizations to promote the library and its resources
• Experience integrating emerging technologies and social media to bolster the patron experience and collaboration in both physical and virtual spaces
• Membership in professional library associations and related organizations

Required Skills

• Outstanding interpersonal, oral, written, and communication skills
• Extensive proficiency in using social media platforms and emerging technologies in libraries.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, identify and assess problems, and decisively implement appropriate solutions or recommendations
• Exceptional organizational and planning skills, with the ability to juggle multiple projects and meet deadlines
• Analytical mindset with a track record of using metrics to drive strategic decisions

Managerial/Supervisory Responsibilities

• Manage a team of supervising librarians and non-union staff
• Participate in information gathering and decision-making processes
• Schedule monthly one-on-one meetings with direct reports
• Support staff selection, hiring, and performance evaluation
• Track and maintain monthly reports on SNFL programming and outreach

Additional Details

• Be Helpful, Resourceful, Curious, and Welcoming and Inclusive per NYPL core values
• Work Environment: Public Library
• Physical Duties: Lifting up to 25 lbs; occasional ladder use
• Pre-Placement Physical Required? No
• Union/Non-Union: Non-Union
• FLSA Status: Exempt
• Schedule: 35 hours per week; evenings and weekends as required; branch hours as scheduled

This job description represents the types and levels of responsibilities that will be required of the position and shall not be construed as a declaration of all duties. Job duties may change as priorities change. Employees may be directed to perform duties other than those listed.

The New York Public Library Salary Statement

Salary statements describe pay transparency and how compensation decisions are made. No single factor is conclusive, and the Library reserves the right to determine compensation consistent with policies.