Managing Librarian, Bronx Library Center

Department:
Branch Libraries

Location:

Bronx Library Center

Compensation: $90,000 - $105,000 / year

The Bronx Library Center is the largest public library in the Bronx. This 6‑floor, 78,000 square feet LEED‑certified building serves as a dynamic, vibrant, and well‑utilized center of access and learning. It houses the New York Public Library’s premier Latino and Puerto Rican Heritage Collection, with books in English and Spanish on the Latino experience, and serves a diverse population of patrons.

The Managing Librarian provides direct leadership and oversight to departmental staff, ensuring efficient and effective delivery of essential public services. The role involves daily operations, staff supervision, problem‑solving, and adherence to policies to best serve the community. On‑site presence is required to foster strong relationships with staff and the community and to act as a visible, accessible point of contact for public service matters.

The Center includes dedicated departments for Adult, Reference, Children, and a Teen Center. Additional services include:

• Career Services – professional development support and resources for job seekers
• College and Career Pathways hub – college and career preparation programs, workshops, and one‑on‑one sessions
• Adult Learning Center – programs for adults and non‑English speakers learning English
• Tech Connect computer lab – free computer classes held monthly
• 150‑seat auditorium for cultural and literary presentations
• Multiple conference rooms

Within 1 month

• Learn NYPL’s strategic priorities, Library Sites & Services goals, and the Bronx Library Center community, facility, and staff.
• Familiarize with the Center’s services, programs, and workflows.

Within 3 months

• Formulate and implement improvements in public services and internal procedures.
• Collaborate with department managers and stakeholders to enhance service quality and programming.

6 months and beyond

• Develop and execute strategies to plan and implement NYPL priorities at BLC and enhance onsite user experience.
• Work independently and collaboratively across the Library.

• Manage day‑to‑day supervision of BLC, overseeing all public service units.
• Provide hands‑on management, supervision, and mentorship of department supervisors, including circulation practices.
• Foster a collaborative, team‑building work environment.
• Manage staff development, evaluation, training, and discipline in accordance with Library policies.
• Build and maintain partnerships with local businesses, community organizations, elected officials, and community leaders.
• Coordinate mid‑to‑large‑scale events at BLC, including those by Library departments, elected officials, and outside agencies.
• Participate in committees and project teams relevant to the Library’s strategic initiatives.
• Stay current in public library matters through professional meetings and memberships.
• Take responsibility for the Central Bronx Network in the absence of the Associate Director.
• Perform related duties as required.

• ALA accredited Master’s degree in Library and Information Studies.
• Public Librarian’s Professional Certificate issued by the State of New York.

• 4+ years of progressive supervisory/management experience in large public libraries.
• Substantial public library experience in diverse roles, demonstrating administrative, supervisory, and leadership skills.
• Experience implementing or enforcing library policies and procedures.
• Experience coaching, mentoring, developing, and managing staff performance.

• Demonstrated commitment to high‑quality public services.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Sound judgment, problem identification, and decisive solution implementation.
• Creativity, flexibility, and initiative to accommodate community and staff needs.
• Knowledge of emerging library technologies, services, and programming trends for all ages.
• Strong computer and technology skills (MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google applications, PC, Mac, e‑reader devices).

• Overall oversight of 5 public service departments.
• Direct supervision of 4…