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Under the direction of the State Library Resource Center Manager of Programs, the Manager of Children’s Services will create vision and direction for children’s programming and services throughout the Enoch Pratt Free Library system.
The manager will participate in the selection and evaluation of children’s librarians, oversee budget and program expenses, coordinate major and branch-level children’s programs at the Central Library and neighborhood branches, and work closely with other departments and divisions on projects related to children’s programs and services. The manager is also responsible for establishing and maintaining community partnerships to further children’s programming and literary events in the community.
Department: Programs & Outreach/State Library Resource Center
Job Type: Full Time, Benefits Included
Salary: $77,191 - $90,000 (Salary commensurate with education and experience.)
Summary of Duties:
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Establishes and implements goals and objectives for children’s services and programs, which support the library’s mission and strategic plan. Maintains and updates Children’s Services Standards for age-level specialists.
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Coordinates the implementation of system-wide children’s programs and projects such as Summer Break Baltimore, Imagination Celebration, the Read to Reef Book Club, Ticket to Discovery, Books for Me, etc.
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Reviews and approves branch-level children’s programming proposals and calendar entries, ensuring that programs are in alignment with the library’s mission and strategic plan and accurately entered and advertised.
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Gathers and analyzes data on children’s programming and evaluates current program offerings to encourage strong participation and impact.
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Hires, supervises, monitors, and evaluates direct reports to include permanent and contractual staff. Assists branch and department managers with the hiring and evaluation of children’s librarians at all locations.
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Participates in the orientation and training of new children’s librarians and implements ongoing training and professional development sessions for staff.
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Leads the system-wide children’s services meetings. Meets regularly with youth services staff individually. Analyzes requests and problems and presents recommendations to the State Library Resource Center Manager of Programs.
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Identifies library needs in the community. Creates and maintains community partnerships to meet these needs and further children’s programming, services, and literary events throughout the community.
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Develops and administers the children’s programming budgets. Manages the purchasing of all children’s program supplies and guest presenter bookings and fees.
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Collaborates with other divisions and departments including Collection Management, Institutional Advancement, Marketing, and Systems to further the library’s mission and children’s services.
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Oversees and participates in the production of virtual and hybrid programming for children’s services
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Participates in workgroups related to the design and renovation of children’s and youth spaces. Leads workgroups related to children’s services and programming.
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Stays current with developments, changes, and trends in the field of children’s literature and library services and programs.
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Schedules and assists with programs and outreach activities, as needed.
Minimum Qualifications
MLS or MLIS from a college or university accredited by ALA, or a Master's Degree from an accredited college or university with relevant focus. At least five years' experience in children's or youth services in an urban or public library or school setting. Demonstrated knowledge of children’s literature and programming trends. Relevant experience in coordinating and implementing public programs. Experience in project management and administration. Demonstrated supervisory experience.
Desired Qualifications
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Experience with technology and software that supports virtual and hybrid programming, including Zoom, Streamyard, Mevo, Restream, and Google Meets.
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Experience with Beanstack.
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Candidates who are bilingual are strongly encouraged to apply.
Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
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Belief in and understanding of the importance of providing library services to children and their families in an urban setting.
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Knowledge of library organizations, goals and services.
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Strong experience in developing and implementing children’s programs for ages 0-11 to include storytime, STEM programs, author visits, and more.
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Comprehensive knowledge of children's and youth literature and publishing and youth trends. Ability to evaluate and recommend books in relation to various needs, interests, and reading levels.
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Experience in establishing collaborative relationships with a variety of municipal and non-profit agencies and organizations, especially those serving the needs of children and caregivers.
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Ability to resolve problems and conflict with diplomacy and discretion.
Position of Trust
Those under final consideration for appointment will be required to authorize the release of and successfully complete a criminal conviction check.
Financial Disclosure:
This position is required to complete a Financial Disclosure pursuant to Sections 7-7, 7-8, and 7-9 of the City Ethics Law.