Metropolitan New York Library Council
Chief Librarian at Brooklyn Public Library
Metropolitan New York Library Council, New York, New York, us, 10261
Chief Librarian at Brooklyn Public Library
Job Posted on July 23, 2025
Full Time, Hybrid, Salary Range: $217,600 – $285,000 annually
Brooklyn Public Library is one of the nation’s largest library systems and among New York City’s most democratic institutions. We offer thousands of free programs every day for people from all walks of life—immigrants learning a new language, aspiring entrepreneurs launching their dreams, children discovering the world, people of all ages exploring arts and culture. And we give patrons millions of opportunities to enjoy one of life’s greatest satisfactions: the discovery of a good book. The Library serves the 2.7 million residents of Brooklyn through a system of 62 neighborhood libraries, including The Center for Brooklyn History, Library for Arts and Culture, and a landmarked Central Library that reaches global audiences through its website, online channels, and digital offerings. The library’s operating budget is approximately $120 million and employs approximately 1,400 full-time and part-time staff. The Chief Librarian works in concert with the other members of the senior management team to deliver transformative library services and spaces to the residents of Brooklyn and reports directly to the President and CEO of Brooklyn Public Library.
Responsibilities
Lead and execute the Library’s strategic vision as it pertains to public service delivery and librarianship
Direct the public service staffing and programming strategy for the Central and neighborhood libraries
Work collaboratively and productively with BPL’s Board of Trustees, Library support organizations, Library staff, unions, external local, state, and national partners, and other key stakeholders to achieve the Library’s mission
Implement new and innovative ways to expand our user base and improve access to the Library’s collections and services
Develop more effective and efficient ways to deliver service to library patrons
Mentor and empower staff to create an environment of excellence, innovation, and community
Champion and direct a high level of customer service
Expand Library’s efforts to reach and provide service to at-risk populations
Communicate library initiatives to stakeholders (BPL Board of Trustees, elected officials, media, Library staff, etc.) and advocate for BPL and the service it provides
Interact and respond effectively with the media and the community; represent the Library at government, industry and public forums
Present proposals to secure funding from philanthropic individuals and organizations to finance various aspects of the Library’s operations
Liaise with the New York State Department of Education and other oversight organizations
Maintain current knowledge with respect to library service best practices, both from academic sources and from peer organizations
Qualifications
Master’s of Library Science with ten (10) or more years of progressively increasing responsibility in a library management setting, ideally within a large urban public library system
Public Librarian’s Professional Certificate issued by the State of New York required
Demonstrated competencies in leadership and motivation, innovation, negotiation and team building
Excellent relationship builder, compelling communicator and advocate
Experience in managing professional staff in a complex, multi-site organization; unionized staff management experience preferred
Experience developing strategic plans and managing their implementation
Track record of implementing appropriate technology that improves the customers’ experience
Superior presentation skills, including the presence to deal effectively with diverse constituencies, including principal donors, Board members and government leaders
Must be able to adapt to changing and competing needs; makes timely decisions based on solid information
Ability to plan and direct the work of multidisciplinary professional and administrative staff; foster and participate in cross functional teams; and bring diverse groups together to work effectively on common projects and goals
Sense of humor and a positive attitude
Brooklyn Public Library is an equal opportunity employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr
Brooklyn Public Library is one of the nation’s largest library systems and among New York City’s most democratic institutions. We offer thousands of free programs every day for people from all walks of life—immigrants learning a new language, aspiring entrepreneurs launching their dreams, children discovering the world, people of all ages exploring arts and culture. And we give patrons millions of opportunities to enjoy one of life’s greatest satisfactions: the discovery of a good book. The Library serves the 2.7 million residents of Brooklyn through a system of 62 neighborhood libraries, including The Center for Brooklyn History, Library for Arts and Culture, and a landmarked Central Library that reaches global audiences through its website, online channels, and digital offerings. The library’s operating budget is approximately $120 million and employs approximately 1,400 full-time and part-time staff. The Chief Librarian works in concert with the other members of the senior management team to deliver transformative library services and spaces to the residents of Brooklyn and reports directly to the President and CEO of Brooklyn Public Library.
Responsibilities
Lead and execute the Library’s strategic vision as it pertains to public service delivery and librarianship
Direct the public service staffing and programming strategy for the Central and neighborhood libraries
Work collaboratively and productively with BPL’s Board of Trustees, Library support organizations, Library staff, unions, external local, state, and national partners, and other key stakeholders to achieve the Library’s mission
Implement new and innovative ways to expand our user base and improve access to the Library’s collections and services
Develop more effective and efficient ways to deliver service to library patrons
Mentor and empower staff to create an environment of excellence, innovation, and community
Champion and direct a high level of customer service
Expand Library’s efforts to reach and provide service to at-risk populations
Communicate library initiatives to stakeholders (BPL Board of Trustees, elected officials, media, Library staff, etc.) and advocate for BPL and the service it provides
Interact and respond effectively with the media and the community; represent the Library at government, industry and public forums
Present proposals to secure funding from philanthropic individuals and organizations to finance various aspects of the Library’s operations
Liaise with the New York State Department of Education and other oversight organizations
Maintain current knowledge with respect to library service best practices, both from academic sources and from peer organizations
Qualifications
Master’s of Library Science with ten (10) or more years of progressively increasing responsibility in a library management setting, ideally within a large urban public library system
Public Librarian’s Professional Certificate issued by the State of New York required
Demonstrated competencies in leadership and motivation, innovation, negotiation and team building
Excellent relationship builder, compelling communicator and advocate
Experience in managing professional staff in a complex, multi-site organization; unionized staff management experience preferred
Experience developing strategic plans and managing their implementation
Track record of implementing appropriate technology that improves the customers’ experience
Superior presentation skills, including the presence to deal effectively with diverse constituencies, including principal donors, Board members and government leaders
Must be able to adapt to changing and competing needs; makes timely decisions based on solid information
Ability to plan and direct the work of multidisciplinary professional and administrative staff; foster and participate in cross functional teams; and bring diverse groups together to work effectively on common projects and goals
Sense of humor and a positive attitude
Brooklyn Public Library is an equal opportunity employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr