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Job Description

The Head of Youth Services plans, organizes and coordinates a comprehensive program of traditional, virtual and cutting edge services for children from birth through 12th grade and their caregivers. You manage the department’s staff and resources in support of the library’s mission, values and vision. This includes leading, inspiring and mentoring staff, exemplifying excellent service, using innovation and change to plan for the future, and being an essential member of the management team facilitating cooperation and communication within the organization. Responsibilities include managing staff and serving as a role model to inspire staff to be their best and foster teamwork; providing and modeling excellent customer service; leading the staff in development of collections, reference and readers/media advisory services, technology services, programming, marketing and outreach plus evaluation of trends and new services; establishing and maintaining relationships within the community; assessing the needs and interests of the community; effectively managing change as it occurs in the department. Working actively and collaboratively with the other members of the Management Team to support the library’s mission and strategic plan.

Additional Info & Requirements

Applicants must have excellent communication and collaborative skills, a commitment to excellent customer service, a friendly manner and sense of humor and demonstrated initiative. NECESSARY KNOWLEDGE and SKILLS: • Exceptional interpersonal skills. • Excellent communication skills, both oral and written in English. • Collaborative leadership style. • Thorough knowledge of children and teen services. • Thorough knowledge of trends relating to youth services. • Knowledge of child and adolescent behavior and development. • Knowledge of children’s and teen literature and bibliographic tools. • Knowledge of fundamental principles and practices of collection development. • Experienced in providing readers/media advisory, reference and programming for children and teens. • Experienced using technology to provide services, social media, blogging and updating websites. • Proficiency in using computers and other devices plus Word, Excel, Outlook, the Internet and library catalog and circulation software. • Experience planning and executing creative activities for children. • Knowledge of the principles and practices of supervision. • Team building skills. • Strong organizational skills. • Great presentation skills. • Basic understanding of overall library operations. Necessary Abilities: • Excellent customer service and problem solving. • Empathize with and relate to children and teens. • Establish effective relationships with others and work as a team member with department staff, other department heads, assistant director and library director. • Effectively listen to and respond to staff. • Apply effective principles of supervision to direct and motivate employees; successfully train staff; plan and coordinate the work of staff. • Make effective decisions and communicate them clearly to staff. • Work with frequent interruptions and/or changing priorities. • Multi-task, set priorities, meet deadlines, work accurately and independently. • Use initiative, problem solving skills and judgment. • Assess the needs of the community in relation to youth services. • Seek out new methods and principles and incorporate them into existing practices. • Exercise discretion with patrons and staff. • Troubleshoot equipment. • Work days, evenings and weekends. Physical Requirements: • Hearing, speaking and listening to individuals in person and by telephone; reading materials in print and electronic format; using a keyboard, mouse and viewing a computer monitor. • Ability to use computers, smart devices, telephone and other office and building equipment. • Ability to move throughout the library to provide, explain, interpret and retrieve resources. • Reaching, bending, kneeling and crouching to retrieve and replace library materials. • Lifting library materials up to 20 lbs. • Lifting, pushing, pulling and transporting equipment and furnishings as necessary to set up for programs.

The Community

The Indian Prairie Public Library District is located in Darien Illinois serving 42,000 residents in the communities of Darien, Willowbrook and Burr Ridge, western suburbs of Chicago. Our Mission We enrich peoples' lives by providing opportunities to explore, connect, and be inspired. Our Values We value and respect the individual. We empower & guide each visitor. We aspire to bring people together. Our Vision Our community depends upon the Indian Prairie Public Library District as a vital and trusted resource for achieving personal goals and enhancing quality of life. With welcoming, state-of-the-art service, the library is an essential center of learning, inspiration, and community pride.

HR Info

To apply please send a cover letter and resume to Jamie Bukovac, Library Director at jamieb@ippl.info. The subject line on the email should read “Head of Youth Services.” Resumes will be accepted until February 22, 2013.