Manager, Teen Technology & Design

Overview

The Manager of Teen Technology & Design is a leading member of the Young Adult Programs and Services (YAPS) Department; responsible for providing support to teen patrons and teen-serving staff through programming, resources, and professional development across our 89 branches. The Managers’ portfolio includes the design and dissemination of high-quality resources and training on creative technology like 3D Printers, sewing machines, A/V equipment, as well as digital literacy and skill building. The Manager will design, communicate, and implement programs and services that will help bring The New York Public Library’s (NYPL) strategic vision for teens to life, and work closely with the Associate Director and Director of Young Adult Programs & Services to build the community of practice at the Library.

1 month, this person will:

• Work with the associate managers on the Teen Technology & Design team to gain an understanding of the current portfolio, priorities, workflows, and key initiatives.
• Learn about the current landscape of creative technology programming for teens at NYPL branches.
• Gain familiarity with Teen Tech & Design’s tech inventory, Teen Centers, technology kits,Teen Tech Mentors, staff training models, and current partnerships.

3 months, this person will:

• Work with the Associate Director and the Teen Tech & Design team to assess strengths, challenges, and opportunities across the portfolio.
• Lead or support creative technology training for teen serving staff.

6 months and beyond, this person will

• Continue to learn about the ecosystem of teen services at NYPL to be able to propose potential areas of improvement and growth.
• Assess current trends in technology education in libraries and seek ways to improve teen engagement in NYPL’s programs.
• Manage partnerships and training centered on AI literacy and exploration; thinking about how teens learn about AI.
• Continue to support Teen Tech & Design department by curating and implementing trainings for staff that seek to improve tech based programming offerings for teens

Responsibilities

• Directly supervise Teen Technology & Design staff and indirectly support part-time employees
• Develop professional development opportunities and resources for teen-serving staff across our 88 branches that center around creative technology and digital literacy for teens
• Support branches through in-person and virtual based training, including one-on-one assistance with specialized creative technology tools and creating staff facing resources, such as training materials, activity and programming guides
• Lead and support initiatives connected to Teen Centers, including technology access, staff support, and programming resources
• Lead and support the Teen Tech Mentor program, including branch selection, curriculum planning, reporting, program evaluation, and coordination with staff and stakeholders
• Oversee systems for inventory and manage budgets across multiple funding sources, ensuring purchases and program expenses align with departmental goals and grant requirements
• Provide data, spending information, program updates, and impact information for grant reporting, donor reporting, internal planning, and evaluation
• Collaborate with Young Adult Programs and Services and other internal teams including branch libraries, Development, Communications, Digital, Research, Patron Analytics and Impact, TechConnect, Children’s Services, Adult Services, and others
• 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

• 5+ years of experience working with diverse youth populations, preferably high school students, in a library, school, or non-profit setting
• Experience with implementing and managing creative technology, digital literacy, media production, STEAM or related teen programming
• At least 1 year of experience directly supervising and managing staff

Required Skills

• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with all levels of NYPL staff and external partners
• Strong proficiency with Google Suite and Microsoft Office
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, delegating tasks as appropriate to the team
• Excellent organizational skills and time management skills including ability to prioritize and handle multiple projects simultaneously
• Reliable work ethic and the flexibility to adapt to changing priorities
• Familiarity with some of the following creative technology tools and willingness to learn more:
  • 3D printing
  • Audio and video production
  • Photography
  • Digital art and design software
  • Coding
  • Game design
  • Vinyl cutting
  • Sewing
  • Analog making tools
  • AI literacy tools
• Willingness to learn new technologies and softwares as needed
• Ability to work well both independently and collaboratively across many different NYPL departments
• Commitment to providing a welcoming teen-centered service environment
• Comfortable with travel to library branches in the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island

Managerial/Supervisory Responsibilities

• Direct supervision of 3 Associate Managers and 1 off-site coordinator; indirect supervision of 3 part-time employees
• Responsible for hiring, performance management, and coaching of staff

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 branch libraries
• Occasional outdoor events and offsite meetings at partner organizations

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 9:00am-5:00pm with flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed
• 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.

About The New York Public Library

The New York Public Library is a free provider of education and information for the people of New York and beyond. With 92 locations—including research and branch libraries—throughout the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island, the Library offers free materials, computer access, classes, exhibitions, programming and more to everyone from toddlers to scholars, and has seen record numbers of attendance and circulation in recent years. The New York Public Library serves more than 18 million patrons who come through its doors annually and millions more around the globe who use its resources at