Assistant Director/Head of Youth Services - Springfield Public Library

Job Description:

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR/HEAD OF YOUTH SERVICES

Springfield Free Public Library, Springfield, NJ (Union County)

The Springfield Free Public Library seeks a highly motivated, innovative professional to serve as Assistant Director/Head of Youth Services. This leadership position works closely with the Library Director to support daily library operations and facilities management, while overseeing all aspects of the Youth Services Department, including staff supervision, collections, programming, and community outreach.

Position Summary

The successful candidate must be committed to outstanding library service and demonstrate initiative, sound judgment, and the ability to contribute to the leadership, innovation, and continued growth of public library services.  The ideal candidate will bring enthusiasm for youth services and experience developing engaging programs for children, teens, and adults, while cultivating strong partnerships with schools and community organizations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Administration & Library Operations

• Assists the Library Director with the daily management and administration of all library operations.

• Serves as Acting Director in the Director’s absence when required and performs other related duties as assigned by the Library Director.

• Works with vendors, contractors, and facilities staff regarding building maintenance and operational needs.

• Provides input on budget and project planning, supply purchases, and library resources, taking into consideration vendor capability, budget, and timelines.

• Participates in policy development and review.

• Identifies grant opportunities and prepares grant applications to support library initiatives.

Collection Development & Management

• Oversees the development and management of both Adult and Youth Services collections.

• Researches materials and supervises collection development activities, ensuring adherence to professional collection development best practices.

• Monitors ordering needs and collaborates with Technical Services and vendors to support acquisitions and collection maintenance.

Programming & Community Engagement

• Develops and coordinates engaging and innovative programs for patrons of all ages, including STEM and literacy initiatives that support learning and community engagement.

• Oversees the coordination of school visits and outreach to the local community.

• Develops and maintains programming calendars and promotional materials to promote library programs, services, and initiatives.

Youth Services Department Leadership

• Directs and manages the Youth Services Department, including scheduling, mentoring, and performance evaluations of staff.

• Reviews and approves Youth Services programs and related supply requests.

• Tracks, maintains, and reports statistics related to youth programming, reference services, and Summer Reading initiatives.

Public Service

• Models exceptional customer service, enforces library policies, and fosters a welcoming, inclusive environment for patrons of all ages.

• Provides service desk coverage at both the Reference and Youth Services desks as needed, responding to all patron questions, concerns, and service issues professionally.

• Represents the library at community events, school visits, and local partnerships as needed.

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Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in Library Science (MLS/MLIS) from an ALA-accredited graduate school and holder of or eligible for a NJ Professional Librarian Certificate.

• Minimum of six (6) years of full-time professional experience in a library setting required, or equivalent relevant experience; significant Youth Services experience preferred.

• Supervisory or managerial experience (2–3 years) preferred.

• Strong knowledge of children’s and young adult literature, youth programming, and literacy development.

• Thorough knowledge of professional public library principles, practices, and administration.

• Experience with community outreach and building partnerships with schools and local organizations.

• Demonstrated ability to design and implement STEM programming and leverage emerging technologies and digital tools to enhance library services and programming.

• Ability to make administrative decisions, interpret policies, and supervise staff.

• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple initiatives and priorities.

• Excellent verbal, written, and technical communication skills.

• Ability to work evenings and weekends as required.

Position Details

This is a full-time position requiring a minimum of 35 hours per week and may include occasional evening and weekend hours, including Sundays.   Salary Range for this position is between $85,000 -$100,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Benefits include health and prescription drug coverage for employee and spouse or family coverage as appropriate; dental and vision plans; 10 paid sick days, two paid personal days, and 20 paid vacation days; and all other benefits as stipulated in the library’s Personnel Manual.

Please send a resume and cover letter to Library Director Bonnie Lafazan blafazan@sfplnj.org, no later than April 6, 2026.

The Springfield Free Public Library is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Application link or email address: blafazan@sfplnj.org

Salary range or hourly wage: $80,000-100,000

MLS required: Yes, an MLS is required.

Job focus: Administration/Management, Public/Adult Service, Youth Services

Work schedule: Full-Time