Youth Services Manager

Youth Services Manager

The Youth Services Manager supports the Library's mission and strategic goals by leading one of the Library's three Patron Services teams. This position provides leadership for youth services, including programming, outreach, and youth-focused initiatives, while ensuring exceptional customer service, effective staff leadership, and efficient operations.

Leadership and Management

• Serve as a member of the Library's Management Team.
• Supervise, mentor, and support a team of approximately 6–8 staff members.
• Determine appropriate staffing levels and assign work to ensure efficient operations.
• Recruit, interview, and recommend candidates for employment.
• Provide orientation, coaching, training, and ongoing professional development opportunities.
• Review and approve employee timecards and leave requests.
• Conduct performance evaluations and provide regular coaching and feedback.
• Address performance concerns through appropriate corrective action when necessary.
• Foster open communication and a positive team culture.
• Interpret, administer, and enforce Library policies and procedures.
• Recommend improvements to policies, procedures, and workflows.
• Serve as the Library's Person in Charge (PIC) when assigned.

Youth Services

• Coordinate and evaluate comprehensive programming and outreach services for children, teens, and families.
• Manage the Youth Services programming budget and related resources.
• Coordinate scheduling and evaluation of youth programs and special events.
• Develop partnerships with schools, community organizations, and other agencies serving youth.
• Monitor community needs and emerging trends to ensure relevant and engaging services.
• Collaborate with the Patron Services Manager responsible for Collection Development to maintain a high-quality youth and teen collection.
• Collaborate with the Patron Services Manager responsible for Circulation Services to ensure consistent, high-quality patron services throughout the Library.

Patron Services

• Provide direct public service by regularly working all public service desks.
• Deliver reference, readers' advisory, and information services in person, by telephone, and through digital communication channels.
• Assist patrons in accessing all Library services, including meeting room reservations, voter registration, and other public services.
• Perform circulation functions, including checking materials in and out, placing holds, registering patrons, collecting payments, and resolving account issues.
• Assist patrons with technology, including computers, mobile devices, library databases, eBooks, printers, scanners, copiers, gaming systems, and Microsoft Office applications.
• Completes other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrates exceptional customer service and professionalism.
• Leads by example and promotes teamwork and collaboration.
• Effectively facilitates meetings and encourages open communication.
• Demonstrates strong organizational, planning, and time management skills.
• Uses sound judgment, discretion, and maintains confidentiality.
• Possesses strong interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Effectively manages conflict and fosters a respectful workplace.
• Demonstrates proficiency with Windows-based software, Microsoft Office applications, integrated library systems, and other library technologies.
• Maintains strong keyboarding and computer skills.
• Understands principles of budgeting and resource management.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and lead organizational change.
• Ohio Notary Public commission, or the ability to obtain one, preferred.

Education and Experience Required

• Master's Degree in Library and Information Science (MLIS) from an ALA-accredited institution (or equivalent).
• Three to five years of progressively responsible supervisory or management experience.
• Experience delivering public library services and assisting patrons with library technology, including online catalogs, databases, eBooks, and digital resources.
• Valid Ohio driver's license, proof of insurance, and the ability to travel locally as needed.

Preferred

• Experience with youth programming and outreach.
• Experience with library collection development for print and digital collections.
• Broad public library experience including public service, personnel management, and digital resources.
• Experience working in a unionized environment.
• Experience serving patrons of all ages and backgrounds.

Physical Requirements:

• Considerable mobility including, but not limited to, extensive periods of standing, walking, bending, sitting, lifting weights of up to 50 pounds, and pushing full book carts or containers.
• Manual dexterity sufficient to perform general typing and computer skills.
• Calm and focused handling of interruptions and distractions
• Periodic intense concentration and sustained viewing of a computer monitor

About the library: The Grandview Heights Public Library (GHPL) is an award-winning, independent suburban library system known for progressive leadership and friendly, personalized service. We are 1 of only 6 U.S. public libraries to receive 14 consecutive five-star ratings from Library Journal, ranking #1 nationwide in its expenditure category. GHPL is also the founding member and Administering Library of the Central Library Consortium (CLC).