Early Learning & Literacy Manager

Description

$44.30-$66.46/HOUR

*Starting salary is dependent upon qualifications, but in most cases is no higher than the midpoint for range. Full-Time - 37.5 Hours/Week (Schedule Varies. Includes Evenings, Weekends, And Holiday Hours) 

NATURE OF WORK: 

Under the direction of the Library Assistant Director, the Early Learning and Literacy Manager is  responsible for the development and management of programs, services, activities and  resources for the department, serving children, parents, and caregivers. Actively provides and  ensures excellent customer support and satisfaction through high-quality, engaging services  and interactions with the public. Duties include effective management of department staff  including hiring and supervision; design and execution of innovative programming; management of department programming budget and external partners; maintenance of the collection;  collaboration with members of the Administrative team on greater Library policies, procedures  and other matters.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS (Specific assignment will include some or all of the following):  

• Leads and coordinates the work of the Early Learning & Literacy (ELL) team to deliver  innovative, high-quality services and programs for children, families, and caregivers. Supervises, monitors and evaluates departmental staff, including librarians and library  assistants along with student interns for accuracy, follow through, and alignment with  performance expectations and exceptional customer service standards. 
• Recruits, trains, and mentors new team members, fostering professional growth and  collaboration. Administers disciplinary actions as needed, in consultation with the  Assistant Director and Executive Director. 
• Plans and facilitates regular team training sessions and meetings to ensure alignment  with library goals and community needs. 
• Promotes teamwork, innovative practices and motivation through effective  communication and leadership skills. 
• Contributes to strategic planning and decision-making as part of the library’s  Administrative Team. 
• Acts as Person-in-Charge of the building when designated, ensuring smooth library  operations. 
• Identifies, applies for, and manages grants and funding opportunities in coordination with the Development Team to support effective and innovative programming and services. Oversees budgeting for ELL programs and supplies, ensuring resources are allocated  effectively. 
• Works in collaboration with others to manage the collection budget for the department  and support librarians in the collection selection process 
• Builds and strengthens partnerships with local schools and organizations serving  children, families, and caregivers, including delivering presentations to promote library  services. 
• Develops equitable and inclusive policies, services, and programs that reflect the diverse needs of the community. 
• Stays informed on trends in early learning, literacy, and library innovation to implement  best practices and emerging technologies. 
• Finalizes and enforces policies and procedures to ensure consistent and high-quality  services for children, families, and caregivers. 
• Uses data and evaluation tools to measure program outcomes, improve services, and  prepare reports for the Library Board of Trustees or external stakeholders. Represents the library at professional and community meetings, with a focus on  advocacy for children and families. 
• Leads the implementation of innovative technologies and services to enhance user  experiences, particularly for children and caregivers. 
• Analyzes service delivery trends and recommends improvements to enhance  accessibility and engagement, including virtual services. 
• Promotes awareness and usage of early learning resources through data-driven  outreach strategies. 
• Oversee youth selectors with the Collections Manager to ensure appropriate curation  and alignment of the collection with community needs.
• Performs additional responsibilities as assigned to advance the library’s mission and  strategic goals. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS OF WORK: 

Extensive hours of computer use required. The employee is subject to inside environmental conditions: protection from weather conditions, but not  necessarily from indoor temperature changes. There are no environmental hazards associated  with this classification.

SUPERVISION: 

Supervision is provided by the Library Assistant Director; must work closely with other public  service managers. This manager must execute work with minimal day to day supervision, while  providing leadership to the library patrons and department staff. Performance is reviewed  through observation, completion of projects, status reports, conferences and meetings.  Guidance is provided by Library and Administrative Team operating procedures and other  resources as applicable. Performance is formally evaluated at least annually with respect to  effectively fulfilling the responsibilities and duties of the position as documented above. 

PUBLIC CONTACT: 

The employee has regular and frequent contact with the general public. 

SELECTION METHOD TYPE OF ELIGIBILITY LIST LIFE OF ELIGIBILITY LIST  

Structured Oral Interview 

Qualifications Assessment 

To apply for this position, please apply online at www.cityofevanston.org on or before the closing date. 

Chosen candidates will be required to provide proof of licenses, certifications, and education  required for this position. Candidates will also be subject to qualifying pre-employment  processes, including medical examination, drug/alcohol screen, employment verification, and  criminal background check. 

The City of Evanston is an equal opportunity employer and ensures against discrimination in  employment on the basis of a person’s race, color, sex, age, religion, disability, national origin,  ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, military discharge status, source of  income, housing status, or gender identity. The City of Evanston is also committed to  accessibility for persons with disabilities. Any person needing mobility or communications  access assistance should contact the Facilities Management Office at 847-866-2916 (voice) or  847-448-8052 (TTY).

Requirements

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS OF WORK: 

• Must possess a Master’s degree in Library and Information Science from an ALA-accredited university 
• Prior work experience, ideally five (5) or more years, in a library working directly with  children, families and caregivers 
• Prior experience of (2) years or more working in a managerial role with supervisory,  hiring, training and performance management experience; union experience preferred Valid driver’s license and a safe driving record 
• Available to work a regular schedule that can include weekends, evenings, and holidays. Demonstrated ability to lead and supervise a team of employees effectively   Knowledgeable and skilled in public speaking and presentations. 
• Ability to establish good rapport and to positively engage a diverse group of customers  and other departmental contacts. 
• Ability to learn new technology and communicate this knowledge to patrons. Demonstrated ability to exercise tact and use good judgment in relation to library  practices, services policies applied to the public. 
• Ability to exercise initiative and to make independent decisions. 
• Working knowledge of Windows operating system, MS Office applications, and the  internet. 
• Regularly analyze and assess the collection to ensure its accuracy, relevance, and up to-date status, making necessary updates or recommendations for improvements as  required. 
• Take a proactive approach in maintaining the safety, cleanliness, and overall  presentation of the area, ensuring a welcoming and secure environment for both staff  and customers and requesting maintenance when necessary. 
• Ability to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing; facility with  another language is preferred