Associate Director, West Manhattan Neighborhood Library Network

Company: New York Public Library
Location: New York
Posted on: February 18, 2025

Job Description:

Associate Director, West Manhattan Neighborhood Library NetworkApplication Deadline: 23 February 2025Department: Branch LibrariesEmployment Type: Full TimeLocation: Morningside Heights LibraryReporting To: Cedric ClarkCompensation: $120,000 - $135,000 / yearDescriptionOverviewThe New York Public Library is seeking a dynamic, progressive and enthusiastic senior manager to provide leadership and direction to a network of neighborhood branch libraries. Each neighborhood library is staffed by a Library Manager and a team of public service professionals. These libraries serve diverse communities with a rich variety of services and programs. The ideal candidate possesses effective leadership and management skills and is knowledgeable about the administrative and programmatic operations of public libraries in an urban setting.We are looking for someone we can count on to:

• Cultivating collaborative partnerships with City and State government officials, CBOs, prospective donors and other library systems to promote the library system and generate support for funding
• Developing and leading committees and project teams whose work is relevant to the Library's strategic initiativesLearn:
• The communities within the Library NetworkImprove:
• Efficiency of practices within networkSome expectations for this role are that within:
• 1 month: This person will visit all branches within the network, meet with all Library Managers within network, and attend department meetings.
• 3 months: This person will become familiar with network budget and meet with internal departments to discuss administrative and programmatic initiatives.
• 6 months and beyond: This person will make recommendations regarding the maintenance and improvement of existing library services and facilities and the implementation of new services on a location-by-location basis through the analysis of user insights data, metrics and other feedback mechanisms, become familiar with NYPL policies and procedures, and make suggestions regarding improvements within network.ResponsibilitiesReporting to the Manhattan Borough Director, the Associate Director, West Manhattan Neighborhood Library Network will:
• Plan, organize, and coordinate the delivery of services within a network of neighborhood branch libraries.
• Regularly visit neighborhood branch libraries to provide leadership and direction to Library Managers on all aspects of the branch administration including:
• Developing, updating, marketing and promoting collections, programs and services.
• Developing community partnerships.
• Performance management & development of branch teams.
• Planning and managing library services.
• Select, manage, evaluate and develop a team of Library Managers.
• Partner and strategize with other NYPL departments (administrative and programmatic) to launch new initiatives, resolve staff and operational issues, develop plans and establish annual objectives.
• Respond appropriately to sensitive or controversial inquiries or complaints and other matters related to the branches within the network.
• Prepare and manage budgets.
• Develop and implement new departmental policies and guidelines in concert with other administrators, managers, and directors.
• Manage and maintain excellent customer service in their network; manage customer service communication within their network; ensure cross-organization participation and resource sharing/referral, participate in library renovations, service reviews, service design, etc.
• Attend professional meetings; maintain active membership in state and national library associations; participate in activities of professional organizations; keep informed on current trends and developments affecting libraries.
• Perform other related duties and works on special projects as required by the Borough Director and Vice President.Required Education, Experience & SkillsRequired Education & CertificationsALA accredited Master's degree in Library and Information StudiesRequired Experience
• 4+ years of branch library management experience, including coaching, mentoring, developing, and managing the performance of staff.
• Experience in an urban public library setting.Required Skills
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in written word with key constituencies - including senior management, staff, trustees, patrons, elected officials, and union officials.
• Demonstrated ability to apply clear and reasoned judgment in a wide variety of situations and engagement with complex issues in a changing environment.
• Strong collaboration and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to work well with internal and external groups.
• Demonstrated organizational and planning skills with the ability to successfully manage multiple tasks to completion simultaneously.
• Strong customer service orientation.
• Excellent project management skills and strong experience developing, managing and forecasting operational budgets.
• Demonstrated experience collaborating with diverse populations, local politicians and community boards to generate support, enhance services, and meet the evolving needs of users.
• Proficient with technology, including experience with Microsoft Office Suite, Gmail, social media tools and other library centric technologies.Managerial/Supervisory ResponsibilitiesYesCore ValuesAll 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
• Requires travel within NYC.
• Office setting.Physical DutiesN/APre-Placement Physical Required?NoUnion/Non UnionNon-UnionFLSA StatusExemptSchedule35 hours a weekThis 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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Keywords: New York Public Library, New York , Associate Director, West Manhattan Neighborhood Library Network, Executive , New York, New York