Associate Manager, Teen Reading Ambassadors (Temporary)

Job Description

Job Description

Description

Overview
The Teen Reading Ambassadors (TRA) program at The New York Public Library (NYPL) is a paid, near-peer literacy and youth development program for students in grades 10-12 who support younger students through homework help, reading, and enrichment activities at NYPL branches. Reporting to the Manager of Teen Ambassador Programs, the Associate Manager oversees a portfolio of Teen Reading Ambassadors and branch locations and is responsible for teen supervision and coaching, program implementation, training, branch relationships, and continuous improvement of the TRA experience.

*This is a grant-funded, full-time, temporary position through June 30, 2027.*

Some expectations for this role are that within:

1 month, this person will:

• Develop a strong understanding of TRA program goals, annual milestones, management processes, and expectations for teen employees
• Begin building relationships with Teen Reading Ambassadors and branch staff across their assigned portfolio
• Assume responsibility for core supervisory and administrative processes for their portfolio, including communication, attendance, timekeeping, and coaching

3 months, this person will:

• Independently manage and support their portfolio of Teen Reading Ambassadors and maintain consistent communication with branch staff
• Contribute to the design and facilitation of trainings that prepare Ambassadors to work effectively with children and succeed as teen employees
• Identify emerging program, teen, or branch needs and work with the Manager and team to address them

6 months and beyond, this person will:

• Maintain strong supervisory relationships with Teen Reading Ambassadors and effective partnerships with branch staff
• Use program data, staff and teen feedback, and direct experience to recommend and implement improvements to program processes, training, and support
• Contribute to major TRA initiatives, including special events, enrichment opportunities, and the Teen Reading Ambassador literary magazine

Responsibilities: 

• Manage a portfolio of approximately 30-40 part-time Teen Reading Ambassadors across 15-20 NYPL branch locations, including onboarding, timekeeping, coaching, performance management, communication, and ongoing support
• Lead the day-to-day implementation of the Teen Reading Ambassador program within an assigned portfolio, exercising independent judgment to address routine program, teen, and branch needs and escalating complex concerns as appropriate
• Design and facilitate developmentally appropriate trainings for Teen Reading Ambassadors focused on working with children ages 6-12, homework help, literacy skill-building, enrichment activities, and workplace readiness
• Build and maintain strong relationships with branch staff and the After School Program team, including conducting branch visits, troubleshooting program challenges, and supporting consistent implementation across locations
• Coordinate key program activities and logistics, including onboarding, trainings, materials, special events, professional development opportunities, and other Ambassador experiences
• Support the development and implementation of TRA projects and initiatives, including the Teen Reading Ambassador literary magazine and other literacy and youth development focused activities
• Maintain and analyze program data, including attendance and participation, and use findings to identify trends, inform decisions, and improve program systems and processes
• Collaborate with the Teen Ambassador Programs Manager, fellow Associate Managers, and internal partners such as Children’s Programs & Services, Communications, Human Resources, and other departments to advance program goals
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Required Education, Experience & Skills

Required Education & Certifications

• Master’s Degree in Library Sciences, Education or related field required

Required Experience

• 3+ years of experience working with youth from diverse backgrounds, preferably high school students, in a library, school, nonprofit, or community-based setting
• At least one year of supervisory or people-management experience, including coaching, providing feedback, and addressing performance concerns
• Experience designing and facilitating programs, curricula, or interactive trainings for high school students

Required Skills

• Strong people-management and coaching skills, including the ability to build supportive relationships while establishing clear expectations and accountability
• Strong interpersonal, written, verbal, and group facilitation skills
• Strong organizational and project-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and detailed administrative processes
• Demonstrated ability to exercise independent judgment, solve problems, and recognize when an issue requires escalation
• Proficiency with spreadsheets and shared digital tools used to track schedules, attendance, program data, and project information
• Ability to work collaboratively with teens, branch staff, colleagues, and partners from a range of backgrounds
• Ability to travel regularly to NYPL branches, typically on weekday afternoons, including locations in the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island

Managerial/Supervisory Responsibilities

• Directly supervises approximately 30–40 part-time Teen Reading Ambassadors working across 15–20 NYPL locations. Supervisory responsibilities include onboarding, coaching, performance management, timekeeping, ongoing feedback, and supporting teens in successfully meeting program and workplace expectations.

More...

Core Values
All team members are expected and encouraged to embody the NYPL Core Values:

• Be Helpful to patrons and colleagues
• Be Resourceful in solving problems 
• Be Curious in all aspects of your work
• Be Welcoming and Inclusive

Work Environment

• Primarily office setting, with regular visits to NYPL locations
• Occasional evening, weekend, outdoor, or offsite programs and events

Physical Duties

• Travel throughout NYC required
• Limited physical effort is required

Pre-Placement Physical Required?

• No

Union/Non Union

• Non-Union

FLSA Status

• Exempt

Schedule

• Monday to Friday from 10:00am-6:00pm
• Occasional evening and weekend hours may be required
• 35 hours per week
• Hybrid schedule; 4 days per week onsite and up to 1 day per week remote

This job description represents the types and levels of responsibilities that will be required of the position and shall not be construed as a declaration of all of the specific duties and responsibilities for the role. Job duties may change if Library priorities change. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description as needed.

The New York Public Library Salary Statement

At the Library, we believe that pay transparency and pay equity are important to ensuring we source the best candidates and keep the best employees. When making a determination as to the appropriate salary for a candidate, we consider a variety of factors such, including, but not limited to, the position requirements, the skills, prior experience, and educational background required or preferred for the job, the scope and impact of the role within the organization, internal peer equity, and the candidate's specific training, experience, education level, and skills. No single factor is conclusive; the Library reserves the right to consider any and all relevant factors and make a decision consistent with its policies.