Assistant Manager Youth Services

DANIEL BOONE REGIONAL LIBRARY•Columbia, MO

1d•Onsite

About The Position

In consultation with the Youth Services Manager, assists in the planning, managing and directing of all activities related to the operation of the Youth Services team of the Columbia Public Library (CPL), including staffing and scheduling, service delivery, and setting of departmental objectives. Supports the development and implementation of youth-focused programs and services in alignment with community needs and the library’s philosophy of service. The following Core Competencies are essential and apply to all DBRL employees: Customer Service - customer service is of primary importance in the library. Interactions with others require trust, respect and focus on the needs of the individual. Quality customer service is delivered to co-workers, as well as virtual users and users within the building. Communication - clear and effective communication is the basis for success in relations with co-workers, managers, users and all stakeholders. Communication competency is integral to customer service. Learning and Personal Growth - embracing lifelong learning and continual improvement will demonstrate commitment to the job and enrich one’s life and professional path. Ethics and Values - the library plays a crucial role in society and the community. All employees practice the ethics and values carefully formulated by the library to fulfill its commitment to the community. The following competencies apply to this position based on designated responsibilities: Organizational Leadership - leaders help everyone understand the vision of the library and the connection to community needs. Leadership empowers staff and encourages collaboration and learning. Personnel Management - Staff are the most important resource for achieving the library’s mission and goals. From hiring to training and providing feedback, support for learning and innovation needs to be clearly communicated. Project Management - Effective project management involves managing people, resources and time. Leaders recognize that communication is essential throughout the project life cycle. Strategic Planning - Collaborative and deliberate planning helps ensure that library services are responsive to community needs. Interpersonal - Managerial effectiveness is enhanced by clear communication, strong relationships, ethical behavior and the flexibility to be a leader, team player and lifelong learner. Accountability - Successful leadership is measured by taking ownership for work, including following up on commitments and possessing a strong ability to stay focused on individual, department and library results.

Requirements

48 hours of college credit.
Two years of job experience in a related field.
Strong commitment to high-level public service, especially with children, teens, and families.
Excellent communication, organization, and customer service skills.
Must possess a commitment to a high level of public service.
Ability to work effectively with youth of all ages, their caregivers, and a diverse community.
Proficiency in using computers, library technologies, and office software.
Ability to operate a motor vehicle.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s Degree.
Public library experience in youth or family programming and familiarity with early literacy frameworks.
Supervisory experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Serve as a backup to the Youth Services Manager, ensuring continuity of operations in their absence.
Oversee the day-to-day operations of the Youth Services department, including the Youth Services Desk and floor supervision.
Monitor daily workflow and scheduling, including the sick line, timesheet and leave approvals for the Youth Services team, and shift coverage adjustments to ensure consistent service. In consultation with the Youth Services Manager, assist in the hiring, orientation, training, coaching, and performance evaluation processes.
Respond to patron feedback related to Youth Services and support staff in navigating patron concerns or behavioral issues.
Staff public services desks to model customer service, direct workflow, and act as floor manager as needed.
Help implement and assess programs and services that reflect current trends in youth development and literacy.
Collaborate with the Youth Services Manager to assess community needs and develop youth services and programs to meet those needs.
Coordinate and lead age-appropriate library programs and events for children, families, teens, and caregivers.
Act as liaison to community groups and service partners as assigned.
Support the development and management of the department’s budget and grant proposals in collaboration with the Youth Services Manager.
Represent Youth Services in internal committees and regional library initiatives as assigned.
Support and guide Youth Services staff in coordinating outreach partnerships, tabling events, and program-related surveys with community organizations and schools to strengthen connections and measure program reach.
Assist in maintaining departmental records, including program statistics, payment authorizations, and project tracking spreadsheets to ensure data integrity and transparency.
Coordinate programming logistics, including updates to shared calendars, Communico entries, signage, IT setup requests, and physical space preparations for events.
Support staff mentoring and professional development by facilitating skill-building opportunities, onboarding support, and peer learning.