Assistant Children's & Teen Services Manager

Do you believe libraries can inspire a lifelong love of reading and learning? Are you a collaborative leader who enjoys mentoring staff while creating engaging experiences for children, teens, and families? The Allen County Public Library is seeking an Assistant Children's and Teen Services Manager to help lead one of the busiest and most dynamic youth services departments in Indiana.

In this leadership role, you'll partner with the Children's and Teen Services Manager to help lead one of the Library's largest service departments. You'll provide day-to-day leadership and supervision for a large team, coach and develop employees, coordinate innovative programs, build meaningful community partnerships, and ensure exceptional service for young patrons from birth through high school. Whether your expertise is in children's services, teen services, or both, you'll play a key role in fostering a positive team culture while delivering outstanding library service to our community.

What You'll Do

• Provide day-to-day leadership, coaching, supervision, and performance management for assigned staff.
• Assist with recruiting, interviewing, onboarding, and developing talented team members.
• Serve as Person-in-Charge when assigned, ensuring smooth daily operations and excellent customer service.
• Help develop and improve department policies, procedures, and services that respond to the evolving needs of our community.
• Lead or participate in cross-functional projects and work teams that enhance Youth Services.
• Plan, coordinate, and evaluate engaging programs, outreach initiatives, and special events for children, teens, families, educators, and caregivers.
• Build strong partnerships with schools, community organizations, and youth-serving agencies throughout Allen County.
• Represent the Library through community outreach, presentations, and collaborative initiatives.
• Assist with collection development by recommending materials, evaluating collections, and supporting collection maintenance.
• Provide outstanding reference, readers' advisory, and technology assistance to patrons.
• Help patrons navigate library resources, digital collections, databases, devices, and online services.
• Support library-wide programming and community engagement initiatives.
• Stay current on emerging trends and best practices in youth services through professional development and continuing education.
• Foster an inclusive, welcoming, and collaborative environment that reflects the Library's mission and values.

What We're Looking For

Because this position helps supervise and develop a large, dynamic team, previous leadership or management experience is strongly preferred. We're looking for someone who has successfully coached employees, managed performance, navigated challenging situations with professionalism, and built an engaged, collaborative workplace culture. The ideal candidate leads by example, communicates effectively, and enjoys helping others grow and succeed.

Required Qualifications

Applicants must meet one of the following:

• Master's degree in Library and Information Science (or equivalent) and two (2) years of professional librarian experience or relevant experience in a youth-serving setting (preferred); or
• Bachelor's degree and three (3) years of professional librarian experience (required); or
• An equivalent combination of education and relevant experience in a youth-serving setting.

Additionally, candidates must have:

• State of Indiana Public Librarian Certification (LC4), or the ability to obtain and maintain certification.
• Valid driver's license.

Knowledge & Skills

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

• Demonstrated leadership and supervisory experience, including coaching, performance management, employee development, and fostering a collaborative team environment.
• Experience planning and delivering engaging educational programming for children and/or teens.
• Excellent customer service and communication skills.
• The ability to build partnerships with schools, educators, and community organizations.
• Strong organizational and project management abilities.
• Experience with readers' advisory, reference services, and collection development.
• Comfort using Microsoft Office and other library technologies.
• The ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Benefits

• We offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package, including:
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance (starts on day 1)
• Library-paid pension plan (PERF)
• Generous PTO (4 weeks vacation + 2 weeks sick leave accrual)
• Wellness Bonus
• Employee Assistance Program
• Possible relocation assistance

Why Join Allen County Public Library?

At ACPL, you'll join a team that believes libraries change lives. We are committed to creating welcoming spaces where curiosity thrives, lifelong learning is celebrated, and every person feels valued.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package, professional development opportunities, and the chance to work alongside passionate colleagues who are dedicated to serving our community.

If you're ready to help shape exceptional library experiences for children, teens, and families while leading an outstanding team, we'd love to hear from you.