Associate Director for East Manhattan Neighborhood Library Network

The New York Public Library•New York, NY

About The Position

Overview The 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: Own: 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 initiatives Learn: The communities within the Library Network Improve: Efficiency of practices within network Some 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 Attend department meetings 3 months, this person will: Become familiar with network budget 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 Make suggestions regarding improvements within network Become familiar with performance management processes

Requirements

ALA accredited Master’s degree in Library and Information Studies
4+ years of branch library management experience, including coaching, mentoring, developing, and managing the performance of staff
Experience in an urban public library setting
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

Responsibilities

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; and
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