Head of the Children's Department

Are you a people person and enjoy working with the public?

The Morristown & Morris Township Library is seeking a friendly, customer service-oriented person to join our creative and dedicated management team as our Head of the Children’s Department.  The person in this position will head up a staff of six and be responsible for all services, programming, outreach, and collection development for our pre-K through Grade 12 patrons and their families.

Are you creative and have good ideas?

New ideas are always welcome! We like a person who can work independently, but also as a part of a great team, cross-departmentally here at the Library.  Creativity is appreciated greatly and helps not only in program development, but also with outreach, personnel management and strategic thinking as far as meeting the needs of our patrons.

_Do you enjoy working with children and teens?  _

Our Children’s Department is a busy place with regular story times, school and pre-school visits.   The Library serves about 15,000-20,000 patrons a month and circulates about 20,000-25,000 items a month, with a large percentage of that taking place in the Children’s Department.  We are one of the larger libraries in the Main Library Alliance consortium and draw regionally from around the greater Morristown area.  We have many teens who volunteer in the Children’s Room and this position administers both those volunteers and Department staff.

Do you like shopping?

The Library’s Children’s Department has a large collection that includes books for all ages ranging from board books to Young Adult titles.  We have very popular collections in Spanish, Wonderbook and Launchpad collections, graphic novels and we are always looking for new technologies and formats to engage with our young readers. The person in this position will be responsible for ordering in print and digital formats to meet the diverse needs of our communities.

_Have you ever wanted to work in a vibrant and historic downtown area?  _

Our library serves a diverse population and is located in the heart of historic Morristown near many cultural and historical attractions and a wide array of dining and nightlife.  It is an energetic downtown with many visitors, and active Library participation amongst its residents both in person and virtually.  Morris Township and Morristown are diverse communities and the Library has a commitment to supporting diversity among our staff, collections and programming**.**

What is the Library looking for in a candidate?

In addition to having a Master’s Degree in Library or Information Science, the candidate should have a strong background in children’s services, experience with staff management, and be committed to exemplary customer service. We are looking for someone with excellent verbal and written communication skills, experience with a variety of  library software such as ILS and room reservation systems, web-based and software-based computer programs including Canva and Excel, and familiarity with website maintenance and social media.  Fluency in Spanish is desirable. 

What are the perks for working at the Library?

This is a full-time position, 35 hours per week that includes some evenings and weekends.  The salary begins at $71,500 commensurate with experience. The position also includes a pension plan (plus optional 403b), great vacation benefits, health insurance and an optional dental plan. Added bonus: a great work environment with many friendly co-workers.  

The Library has a deep commitment to supporting diversity among our staff, collections and programming and serving the diverse needs of our patrons.  We strive to honor the broadest range of identities and diverse social and historical experiences expressed in our communities, and are an organization of information professionals dedicated to empowering others to access, interpret, and create.  We do this by intentionally developing a vibrant collection of print and electronic resources and virtual and in-person programming that reflect and amplify the diversity of Morristown and Morris Township.  EOE

How do I apply?

Please email your cover letter and resume along with the names and contact information for three references to Chad Leinaweaver at [email protected]  Resumes will be accepted through March 14, 2025.

“Good Faith” Salary, Range, or Rate of Pay

The salary begins at $71,500 commensurate with experience.