Senior Librarian

DATE ENTERED: 1/27/2026
POSITION:
Senior Librarian

LOCATION:

Suffolk Public Library
APPLY BY:
February 5, 2026

Senior Librarian (Library Community Learning Assistant Manager)

Under limited supervision, serves as the assistant manager of the Community Learning Department and is responsible for helping direct and advance the department’s strategic and operational work by planning, leading, managing, and evaluating: in conjunction with the Community Learning Manager, the programs, classes, events, and other learning opportunities of all library locations, including offsite programming in partnership with the Community Engagement Department, for customers of all ages and abilities.

Ensures that all services are in alignment with the library's and department’s strategic goals and are implemented effectively. Responsible for supervising, training, and evaluating subordinate staff, establishing standards for services and programs, monitoring the Community Learning budget, tracking progress on departmental goals and initiatives, researching and formulating long range goals, developing policies, and planning and evaluating programs, services, and goals.

Reports to the Community Learning Library Manager.

• Develops and coordinates programs, classes, events, and other learning opportunities to provide service to the community as a reflection of current community needs and library goals.
• Supervises, directs and evaluates assigned staff and volunteer workers; processes employee concerns and problems; directs work; counsels, disciplines and completes employee performance appraisals.
• Coordinates and directs work activities; organizes, prioritizes and assigns work; monitors status of work in progress toward goals and inspects completed work; consults with staff; provides guidance and assists with complex or cross-functional initiatives.
• Supervises and evaluates operations of area of responsibility, programs, and services by making location site visits and meeting with staff.
• Supervises, supports, and develops staff, including hiring support, training, scheduling, work assignment, ongoing feedback, and completion of formal performance evaluations.
• Leads and coordinates departmental strategic planning initiatives, including facilitating planning processes, establishing timelines, documenting goals and outcomes, and monitoring progress toward completion.
• Examines statistical data to make workflow improvements or schedule changes.
• Provides classes, events, and programs to the community and staff.
• Assists with the development, monitoring, and implementation of the relevant budget.
• Directs and supports internal departmental teams and work groups to advance strategic initiatives, ensuring sustained momentum, accountability, and alignment with Community Learning priorities.
• Assists in ensuring compliance with all applicable policies, procedures, rules, regulations, and standards.
• Prepares or completes various forms, reports, correspondence, receipts, requests for materials, supply orders, patron records, statistical data, in-house manuals, patron guides, or other documents.
• Maintains records, reports, and documentation related to departmental projects, strategic initiatives, and outcomes; analyzes progress and recommends adjustments as needed.
• Participates in hiring process for full-time and part-time library staff.
• Assists patrons in all aspects of public service, including locating information from print and non-print sources, teaching patrons how to use library catalog, databases, and assisting patrons with concerns about library policy.
• Coordinates programs and services by working with agencies and organizations outside the library to develop programs of mutual interest, working with City departments, and ensuring that services are reaching the community.
• Acts as a mentor to staff by assisting with their professional development and morale, and providing assistance as needed.
• Serves as Library Manager in their absence.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Master's Degree in an ALA accredited program in Library Science or possession of Librarian's Professional Certificate from the Commonwealth of Virginia State Library Board, and 3 to 5 years of professional level public library experience in a library setting, including 1 to 2 years of administrative/supervisory responsibilities; or any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job.

Requires a valid driver's license.

Thursday, February 5, 2026