Job Description
The Head of Youth Services coordinates services and programs for children from birth through teenage years. Design and manage system-wide initiatives, enabling collaboration, determining service priorities, and encouraging excellence among the youth services staff. Maintain an up-to-date knowledge of all areas of youth services, including collections, outreach, programming, and technology. In addition to supervising and working directly with youth services staff, the Head of Youth Services will form and maintain meaningful partnerships with other organizations, such as Ready to Learn Providence, PASA, Providence Promise, ACN, GWB, FabNewport, Mayor Elorza’s office, Providence Recreation and the Providence Public School Department, on projects that maximize impact through collaboration.
Primary Duties & Responsibilities:
- Other duties as assigned.
- Serves on the interview team for any new youth services staff and provides orientation.
- Collaborates with the Education Director and management in fulfilling for staff, as well as coaching and/or disciplinary process as needed.
- Provide supportive supervision for youth librarians and specialists by observing programs, sharing observations, and co-creating action steps for continuous improvement; Organize professional development for youth services staff; Desk coverage as needed.
- With the youth services staff, review, revise, and recommend policies and procedures for youth to Administration.
- Support the Director of External Relations and the Grants Manager in the planning and writing of grant requests and follow up reports for grants that are program based.
- Support the Education Director to develop and monitor the budget for youth services programming.
- Participate in management training and other professional development opportunities.
- Attend appropriate children and YA meetings sponsored by OLIS and other professional organizations; keep youth services staff informed of current trends and developments affecting the provision of youth services in libraries.
- Maintain and evaluate system-wide programs already in place. Priorities include the Citywide summer reading program, Cradle to Crayons, Ready for Kindergarten!, PVD Young Makers, and Teen Workforce and literacy programs to keep each relevant, meaningful, and effective.
- Supervising Youth Services staff, plan and support implementation of system-wide educational and outreach programs for children, youth, and their caregivers based on community needs; evaluate program outcomes and write reports as needed.
- Set the agenda and manage all youth services meetings, regularly scheduled opportunities for collaborative planning, problem solving, goal setting, and program evaluation.
Additional Skills:
- Work independently while understanding the necessity for communicating and coordinating work efforts with supervisor, other employees and organizations.
- Work effectively as a team contributor on all assignments.
- Interact professionally with other employees, patrons, and suppliers.
- Perform quality work within deadlines with or without direct supervision.
- Comfortable working with various technology (i.e. Microsoft programs, Google Docs/Drive).
- Strong attention to details and strong organizational skills.
- Ability to interact with diverse patrons including different ages, languages and cultures.
- Working knowledge of library computer systems and applications including circulation software, internet, online databases, office software, and email.
- Able to synthesize research and best-practices to design programming.
- Up-to-date on emerging technology/applications for youth as well as the research on technology and digital literacy for youth.
- Able to think creatively, analyze problems, and recommend best practices to promote effective programming and services.
- Aware of new ideas, initiatives, and trends in youth services on both the local and national level.
- Ability to present ideas effectively, orally and in writing.
- Excellent interpersonal skills in order to be effective at outreach, building relationships with partner organizations, and working collaboratively with staff.
- Familiarity with out-of-school time learning, including maker spaces, digital badging/credentialing, STEAM programming, and connected learning.
- Successfully manage and prioritize numerous short term and ongoing projects internally and with external partners.
- Excellent verbal and written skills.
Education & Experience Required:
- Bi-lingual in Spanish preferred, but not required.
- Computer proficiencies in any particular program(s) (basic, intermediate, expert knowledge required or preferred)
- A strong background in programming and in providing library services to youth from a culturally diverse community is preferred.
- 3-5 years of supervisory experience
- 3-5 years of library experience and working with youth services
- MLIS or M.Ed/MAT, or related equivalent degree required
Additional Requirements:
- Physical requirements – ability to occasionally lift/move up to 25 lbs.
- Position Location – Providence, RI
- Driving/Travel requirements – 0-10%
This position is:
Full time, exempt and is not part of the Union
Hours: 35 hours per week, variable hours
Salary Range: $55,000 - $65,000 depending on experience
Please submit cover letter and resume by August 2, 2021.
Submit Cover Letter and Resume to:
E-mail: HR@provlib.org
The Providence Public Library
Attn: HR
150 Empire Street
Providence, RI 02903
Fax: 401-455-8002
Equal Opportunity
In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, employment decisions at the Providence Public Library are based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. PPL is committed to a policy of non-discrimination and equal opportunity for all employees and qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth or medical or common conditions related to pregnancy or childbirth), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, familial status, national origin, ancestry, age (40 and above), disability, veteran status, military service, application for military service, genetic information, receipt of free medical care, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law. PPL will make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with known disabilities, in accordance with applicable law.
Benefits & Additional Compensation Info
The Library offers a group health, dental, and vision plan or a monthly stipend if you don’t need the health insurance.
We also offer various options from AFLAC, library paid life insurance and library paid Long Term Disability coverage. A
generous amount of paid time off and a retirement account with a traditional or ROTH option, generous company
match, and 100% vesting upon hire.
The Community
Providence Public Library (PPL) is a 144-year-old nonprofit corporation providing free public library services through its rich and historic physical and digital collections, extensive information resources, thought-provoking exhibitions, impactful educational programs, and expert staff.
PPL is continually transforming and focused on providing equally transformative experiences for all Rhode Islanders. The Library is actively expanding our reach through critical statewide collaborations and serving as an open and supportive teaching and learning place where communities can connect, experience, create and achieve, whether in our physical or virtual realms.
To achieve our mission, the Library is strategically focused on serving Rhode Island families and early care providers, teens, downcity residents, learners seeking workforce development, and those pursuing creative and scholarly endeavors.
Website
Www.provlib.org
Human Resources / Job Listings
https://www.provlib.org/about-us/job-opportunities/
HR Info
Email cover letter and resume to: HR@provlib.org
The Providence Public Library
ATTN: HR
150 Empire Street
Providence, RI 02903
OR fax to 401-455-8002