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 allocate budgets. Carries out