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

Overview

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:

• 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.

Teach

• 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.

Learn

• 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.

Improve

• 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.

Expectations by Timeframe

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 collaboratively support and enhance our programs and outreach initiatives; recommend best practices and protocols to support a robust series of programs and outreach initiatives.

3 months: Work to create more efficient workflows for the programming/outreach team and more effectively communicate with cross-functional team colleagues; participate in the hiring process related to new roles, including interviewing and decision-making for new team members; manage time effectively in communicating with colleagues and other departments, vendors, and partnerships.

6 months and beyond: Plan, develop, and implement flagship public programs and outreach initiatives to address the needs of a diverse community; partner with NYPL leadership to ensure ongoing professional development of staff; utilize internal and external metrics to report key issues to SNFL leadership and stakeholders; partner and strategize with other NYPL departments to develop and launch new service initiatives and resolve staff and operational issues; work with SNFL leadership to develop a 5-year strategic plan to enhance readers’ advisory opportunities and training for staff across all age groups.

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 tailored to meet the interests and needs of adult patrons within the community.
• Engage collaboratively on special library-wide initiatives that align with organizational goals and enrich all facets of library programs and outreach, including public service, user experience, collections development, marketing, and materials processing; implement policies that foster a welcoming library environment and support staffing and performance management.
• Assist staff in creating engaging and visually appealing promotional materials to enhance branch programming and outreach initiatives.
• Identify and facilitate outreach opportunities to expand the library’s presence and partnerships within the community.
• In the absence of the administration, assume overall responsibility for the day-to-day running of the building.
• Participates 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
• Strong analytical mindset with a track record of leveraging metrics to drive strategic decision-making

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 to discuss responsibilities and concerns
• Support the selection, hiring, and performance evaluation of staff
• Track and maintain monthly reports on SNFL programming, outreach, and other relevant statistics

Core Values

• Be helpful to patrons and colleagues
• Be resourceful in solving problems
• Be curious in all aspects of work
• Be welcoming and inclusive

Work Environment

• Public Library

Physical Duties

• Lifting up to 25 lbs. required
• Occasionally climb ladders

Schedule

• 35 hours per week
• To be scheduled during branch hours
• Evenings and weekends as required
• Schedule subject to change

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 and responsibilities. Job duties may change if Library priorities change. Employees may be directed to perform tasks other than those specifically presented as needed.

• Union Salaries are determined by collective bargaining agreement(s).