DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Within the larger scope of formal and non-formal learning of the Queens Public Library’s (QPL’s) Programs & Services Department (PSD) and reporting to the Vice President of Programs & Services, the Director of Programming leads the Programming division and supports the Assistant Directors, Coordinators and other members of the program team in the ideation, planning, and implementation of non-formal programmatic initiatives for customers of all ages, helping to realize the strategic goals of the Vice President and advance QPL’s mission.

The Director of Programming will serve as one of two key programmatic liaisons within PSD interfacing with all internal departments, with an emphasis on Community Library Services, as well as with external partners. As part of a team of professionals dedicated to enhance and expand the Library’s programs and services, the Director of Programming will work closely with the Director of Community Learning as well as the Director of Strategic Planning and Operations for PSD to advance inter-departmental and external programmatic collaborations.

Under the direction of the Vice President of Programs and Services, the Director of Programming will be responsible for providing leadership and direction in planning, expanding, and implementing existing and new innovative programmatic initiatives; facilitate a more cohesive, streamlined approach to programming for Community Library Services and PSD; and offer support in identifying, pursuing and cultivating strategic partnerships with educational and cultural organizations complimentary to PSD’s strategic and programmatic goals. The Director of Programming must possess a sensitivity and commitment towards ensuring an equitable distribution of programs and services throughout the branches of the QPL system.  

  • Works with the Vice President to conceptualize and implement a more cohesive, impact-oriented, and mission-consistent system-wide programming strategy, with an emphasis on their portfolio that includes Early Learning, Children’s Services, Teen and Afterschool Services, programs and services to meet the needs of new immigrants (New Americans Program), Older Adult Services, Mail-a-Book (delivering books and materials to homebound customers), Community Health Programming, and Adult programming services including author talks, DIY offerings, and cultural programs/speaker series. 
  • Leads in shaping and maintaining thematic and intangible cohesiveness in all of PSD’s programmatic and service initiatives by liaising across PSD divisions and promoting interdepartmental programmatic collaboration.
  • Streamlines programming, identifies new program opportunities/best practices and cultivates partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Ensures programmatic excellence through research, development and implementation of innovative performance and outcome measurements.
  • Communicates and coordinates activities with other departments as a senior management team member to achieve organizational goals. 
  • Recruits a creative, skilled and dedicated team of professionals and para-professionals to deliver excellent quality programs and training.
  • Leads and supports the division’s Assistant Directors, Program Coordinators and other program staff in program ideation, development, and implementation of services.
  • Prioritizes programmatic objectives and determine effective use of programming staff capacity.
  • Ensures and directs the development of regular and timely programmatic updates across the division to promote cross-pollination of ideas, knowledge-building and resource-sharing.
  • Provides routine mentoring opportunities for staff to obtain the assistance needed to build their confidence and capacity to grow professionally in their field.
  • Encourages continuous professional development of staff to address capacities needed to achieve programmatic and organizational goals.
  • Ensures that all performance assessments are timely completed for a diverse staff of full-time and part-time employees.
  • Promotes and fosters an environment in which proactive thinking and creativity are encouraged and rewarded.
  • Works in collaboration with the Director of Strategic Planning & Operations and Queens Public Library Foundation (QPLF) by offering informed insights on program implementation capacity throughout the organization and ensuring that strategic goal programmatic alignment is achieved.
  • Supports QPLF in preparing program-related concept-papers, contributes to Letters of Intent (LOI’s), grant proposals, and ensures submission of timely and accurate reports.
  • Works with QPLF and Finance Department to ensure compliance of program grants and contracts that fall within the division’s area.
  • Supervises budget development for new programs and renewals.
  • Conducts follow-up with internal and external programmatic stakeholders, and any additional relevant correspondence.
  • Works with Marketing and Communications Department to promote programming.
  • Performs other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor’s Degree required.
  • A minimum of seven (7) years of experience in program management and experience in developing and evaluating program models.
  • Working understanding of new trends throughout a broad spectrum of program areas.
  • Ability to craft, select and successfully operationalize innovative programs.
  • Proficient in using technology as a management reporting tool and experience developing and implementing program evaluation systems.
  • Knowledge of public and private grants development and management is preferred.
  • Strong budget management experience.
  • Demonstrated leadership, supervisory, planning and organizational skills required.
  • Must be detail-oriented, able to prioritize and manage multiple projects with the ability to meet deadlines and perform under pressure.
  • Highly self-motivated and driven by a strong work ethic to take initiative to drive improvements and achieve goals.
  • Strong interpersonal skills with an ability to build a positive rapport and interact effectively with diverse audiences in a team environment working in a multi-faceted organization.
  • Excellent writing and oral presentation skills that can engage, inspire, build credibility and engender trust among different constituencies, including participants and staff.
  • Computer proficiency and expertise in M.S. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and related technology skills, including familiarity with using digital platforms such as WebEx, Microsoft Teams, and Streamyard.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Master’s Degree in Education, Museum Studies, or ALA accredited Master’s in Library Science or related field preferred.
  • Experience in a library and/or nonprofit work environment preferred. 
  • Valid NYS Driver’s License.

About Queens Public Library:

Queens Public Library is a national and international leader in the delivery of public library service.  Our mission is to transform lives by cultivating personal and intellectual growth and by building strong communities. Queens Public Library welcomes innovators and leaders to contribute to a long history and dynamic future of serving the most diverse county in the United States. Queens Public Library is a private, non-profit corporation with 1,700 employees serving 65 locations.

TO APPLY:  Please email your resume and cover letter to: QLcareers@queenslibrary.org  and reference “Director of Programming - QLWEB” in the subject line. Resumes will only be accepted by email. 

Starting annual salary range is $87,000 – $123,000.

The Queens Public Library is an Equal Opportunity Employer.