Job Description

Reporting to the Deputy Director of Libraries, the Manager of Youth Services is a senior leadership position with responsibility for overseeing the daily operations of the Main Library Youth Services Department and for coordinating system-wide youth services. The Manager of Youth Services supervises a team of 14, manages budgets, establishes priorities, and sets the tone for providing excellent library collections, programs, and services to youth, families, and caregivers. The successful candidate will be a passionate advocate for youth and public libraries, possess a track record of effective managerial and organizational leadership, and be able to inspire and engage staff and community members.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBITILIES:

Provides leadership, vision, and coordination of system-wide youth services:

In alignment with overall Library goals, establishes youth services standards, guidelines, and procedures to ensure the delivery of consistent and high-quality library services to youth and families.
Coordinates system-wide youth services programs, partnerships, and initiatives such as summer reading, school-library card campaign, 1000 Books before Kindergarten, and more.
Provides system-wide leadership, advocacy, and expertise in the areas of youth services, reader?s advisory, and intellectual freedom.
Identifies and analyzes emerging community issues and needs to determine directions for related library programs, services, and collections.
Fosters a youth services culture that embraces change, innovation and continuous learning.
Develops and maintains relationships and partnerships with other City staff, community groups, schools, etc. to foster collaborative programs and services for youth.
Communicates the Library?s youth services programs, philosophies, goals, and results to stakeholders.
Plans and facilitates monthly youth services community of practice meeting.
Performs all duties with cultural awareness and humility, recognition of historic and institutional systems of oppression and their impact, and an active commitment to providing equitable services to marginalized or underserved populations in Cambridge.
Provides effective leadership and management for the Main Library Youth Services Department:

Manages the department in a manner that supports overall Library goals and ensures that staff members offer the highest quality assistance to library users.
Delivers and directs staff in the delivery of exceptional and engaging service to the public, including readers? advisory, reference, instruction, and circulation services.
Oversees the development, implementation, and evaluation of effective and relevant programming that takes into consideration principles of youth development; equity of access; library initiatives; community assets; and the diverse educational, recreational, and personal needs of local youth and families.
Directs all activities in the department and oversees staff schedules and work assignments, ensuring that coverage is adequate and assigned in the best interest of public service.
Supervises assigned professional and paraprofessional staff members at various levels and provides thoughtful leadership, mentorship, and development to each. Evaluates staff performance annually and set goals with staff for the coming year
Aids in the recruitment of new staff, serves on relevant search committees, and trains new staff members, acquainting them with library policies, processes, and procedures.
Raises awareness and understanding of library services in the larger community. Coordinates department relationships with other agencies, institutions, and organizations serving youth and families. Leads staff in conducting regular outreach to outside groups and hosting library visits and tours for student and community groups.
Directs the selection of children?s and teen materials in accordance with the library collection development policy and allocated budgets. Carries out