Managing Librarian, Programs and Outreach (SNFL) - The New York Public Library : Job Details

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:

• Lead the SNFL's adult programming and outreach services.
• Communicate and evaluate 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.
• Prioritize tasks and manage multiple responsibilities.
• Address public concerns and issues with tact, courtesy, and sound judgment.
• Communicate timely with colleagues regarding the requirements for library events and operations.
• Listen actively, seek mutual understanding, and manage 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.
• 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.
• Enhance SNFL team engagement with regular strategic discussions to enhance programmatic offerings and attendance.
• Enhance cross-functional collaboration and communication.
• Significantly enhance the librarys presence and forge meaningful partnerships within the community.

Some expectations for this role are that within:

• One month, this person will 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.

• Three months, this person will work to create more efficient workflows for the programming/outreach team and more effectively communicate with our cross-functional team colleagues.
• Responsible for participating in the hiring process related to new roles. Includes interviewing and decision-making for the procurement of new team members.
• Responsible for effectively managing time in communicating with colleagues and other departments within the library, along with vendors and partnerships.

• Six months and beyond, this person will 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 to align skills and capabilities with the mission and strategic priorities of the Library.
• Utilizes internal and external metrics to report key issues to SNFL leadership and stakeholders, fostering data-driven decision-making.
• Partner and strategize with other NYPL departments (administrative, support, and programmatic) to develop and launch new service initiatives and resolve staff & 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 not only align with organizational goals but also enrich all facets of library programs and outreach. This includes enhancing public service, improving user experience, developing diverse collections, creating effective marketing strategies, and streamlining materials processing. Additionally, focus on implementing policies that foster a welcoming library environment, assessing and maintaining library facilities, and supporting staffing and performance management to ensure high-quality service for all patrons.
• Assist staff in creating engaging and visually appealing promotional materials to enhance branch programming and outreach initiatives.
• Identifying and facilitating 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 & 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.
• Successfully demonstrated ability to exercise sound judgment, identify and assess problems, and decisively implement appropriate solutions or recommendations
• Exceptional organizational and planning skills, with a proven ability to juggle multiple projects simultaneously and work independently while consistently meeting deadlines.
• Possess a robust analytical mindset, backed by a proven track record of leveraging metrics to drive strategic decision-making effectively.

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 their responsibilities and any related concerns.
• Support the selection, hiring, and performance evaluation of staff.
• Track and maintain monthly reports on SNFL programming, outreach, and other relevant statistics to support library initiatives and goals.

All team members are expected and encouraged to embody the NYPL Core Values:

• Be Helpful to patrons and colleagues
• Be Resourceful in solving problems
• Be Curious in all aspects of your work
• Be Welcoming and Inclusive

Work Environment:

• Public Library

Physical Duties:

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

Pre-Placement Physical Required? No Union/Non Union Non-Union FLSA Status Exempt 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 of the specific duties and responsibilities for the role. Job duties may change if Library priorities change. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description as needed.

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