Director, Youth & Family Services

Job description

We offer thousands of free programs every day for people from all walks of life—immigrants learning a new language, aspiring entrepreneurs launching their dreams, children discovering the world, people of all ages exploring arts and culture. And we give patrons millions of opportunities to enjoy one of life’s greatest satisfactions: the discovery of a good book. Now’s your chance to join the best team in Brooklyn! The Director of Youth and Family Services provides strategic and systemwide leadership for library services, programs, and collections serving children and teens from birth through age 18 and their families, caregivers, educators, and other caring adults across Brooklyn Public Library's 61 branches. Reporting to the Chief Librarian, this position is a member of the Public Service Leadership Team and the Executive Management Team and participates in high-level decision making for the library system. The Director is responsible for ensuring that youth services are equitable, inclusive, developmentally responsive, and consistently excellent across all branches and service contexts. The Director of Youth and Family Services serves as BPL's principal advocate and architect for youth-centered public service. In collaboration with the Chief Librarian and peer public service directors, as well as the larger Executive Management Team, this position shapes organizational priorities that reflect the needs and strengths of Brooklyn's young people and families. The Director builds a culture of excellence, innovation, and belonging within the youth services portfolio, and ensures that BPL's work with children and teens remains central to the library's identity and community impact. The successful candidate will demonstrate deep expertise in youth library materials and services, strong administrative and leadership abilities, and a sustained commitment to equity and community-centered practice. Direct reports for this position include Office Associate III, Supervising Librarian III of Inclusive Services, Coordinator of Young Adult Services, Coordinator of Early Childhood Services, Coordinator of School Outreach, Coordinator of School Age Services, Coordinator of Youth Education Initiatives, and Principal Administrative Assistant. This is a full-time, non-union, exempt position. The salary range for this position is $150,000 - $180,000 annually. Responsibilities Provide strategic leadership and direction for youth services across all 61 branches, establishing clear goals, standards, and frameworks that reflect BPL's commitment to equity, access, and community-centered service. Lead, develop, and support a central team of coordinators and specialists, fostering collaboration, professional growth, and shared accountability across the youth services portfolio. Advance systemwide excellence in early literacy, school-age programming, teen services, school outreach, and inclusive services by developing and implementing clear service standards, staff guidance, and program frameworks. Partner with Regional Directors and Branch Managers to ensure youth services priorities are integrated into branch-level planning, staffing, and service delivery across all neighborhoods. Oversee the development and implementation of youth programs, services, and initiatives that reflect the diversity, assets, and needs of Brooklyn's children and teens, and their families, caregivers, educators, and other caring adults. In collaboration with BookOps youth selectors, guide collection development strategy for youth materials systemwide, ensuring collections are current, diverse, representative, and responsive to community needs and professional best practices. Champion intellectual freedom and the right of young people to access information, supporting staff in upholding these values and responding to challenges with consistency and confidence. Build and sustain partnerships with schools, community-based organizations, city agencies, and other stakeholders to expand the reach and impact of youth services across Brooklyn. Collaborate with the Deputy Chief Librarian and peer directors to align youth services priorities with BPL's Strategic Plan and ensure integration across public service functions. Oversee grant-funded youth initiatives, including project planning, implementation, reporting, and compliance, in collaboration with the Development and Finance departments. Collaborate with the Programs & Exhibitions Department and their Youth Programs Manager to plan and deliver major youth programs at the Central Library. Maintain regular inter-department communication on all youth programming initiatives. Monitor trends, research, and best practices in youth library services, early childhood education, teen engagement, and educational equity, and translate findings into actionable organizational priorities. Foster an inclusive, welcoming, and safe environment for all young people in BPL spaces, working collaboratively with Public Safety, branch leadership, and community partners. Manage budgetary planning and resource allocation for youth services, ensuring alignment between fiscal priorities and service goals. Represent BPL in professional organizations, community forums, and public settings, strengthening the library's visibility and role as a trusted partner for children, teens, and families. Promote staff development by identifying training needs, supporting professional growth opportunities, and building a strong pipeline of youth services talent across the system. Required Qualifications Education and/or Certification M.L.S. from an ALA-accredited library school. Qualified for a Public Librarian's Professional Certificate issued by the State of New York. Professional Experience Minimum of five years of demonstrated supervisory and management experience in a public library setting, with significant experience in youth services. Skills & Abilities Deep knowledge of children's and young adult library materials and services, including early literacy, school-age programming, teen engagement, outreach, and inclusive services. Demonstrated ability to develop and implement systemwide programs, services, and initiatives that are equitable, community-centered, and responsive to diverse populations. Strong leadership, supervisory, and team-building skills, with the ability to motivate, develop, and hold accountable a diverse team of professionals. Excellent interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to represent BPL effectively in public and professional settings. Demonstrated commitment to intellectual freedom and the principles of equitable access, including experience navigating materials challenges and supporting staff in doing the same. Ability to translate organizational priorities into actionable plans, measurable outcomes, and sustained operational practices across a large and complex system. Experience with budget management, grant administration, and resource planning. Knowledge of collection development principles and practices for youth materials, including current trends in children's and young adult literature and media. Strong project management skills, with the ability to lead multiple concurrent initiatives across departments and service areas. Familiarity with current research and best practices in early childhood education, youth development, and educational equity as they relate to public library service. Commitment to inclusion and belonging; demonstrates cultural sensitivity and respect in all interactions. Active engagement in professional organizations and commitment to ongoing professional growth. Collaborative spirit and ability to foster positive internal and external relationships across a diverse organization and community. A sense of humor and resilience in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. We seek professionals dedicated to providing excellent customer service, developing fruitful partnerships in the community, and implementing programs aligned with our mission and vision. You will be immersed in a motivating and challenging environment where innovation is key to the organization. If you are looking to be a part of a stimulating workplace that is highly regarded by its culturally diverse community, BPL is the place to be. Brooklyn Public Library is an equal opportunity employer.