Associate Manager, Teen Technology and Design at New York Public Library

New York, NY 10261

About the Job

Associate Manager, Teen Technology and Design

Department: Branch Services & Programs

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Stephen A. Schwarzman Building

Reporting To: Amy Douglas

Compensation: $70,000 - $74,000 / year

Description

Job Summary

In support of the New York Public Library’s Teens 360º Initiative, the Teen Technology and Design department aims to equip staff with the skills and resources needed to engage teens in creative, interest-driven, technology-based learning in which they express themselves, and build marketable skills such as digital media content creation. Reporting to the Manager of Teen Technology & Design, the Associate Manager will play a critical role in supporting the department’s efforts in amplifying teen voices by assisting in establishing a strong community of practice amongst NYPL’s teen-serving branch staff in technology education through trainings, resources, activity guides, and tool selection.

We are looking for someone we can count on to:

Own:

Innovative, flexible programming for teens that centers technology skill building, leadership, voice, play, and connection to their community and peers
Professional development and resources for staff across our 88 neighborhood locations, which equip staff with the skills and tools needed to offer experiences and programs in which teens learn and create through digital media production, analog and digital making, and other STEAM activities.
The management and maintenance of current and incoming inventory

Teach:

Digital media and STEAM educational skills to NYPL colleagues
Best practices in engaging youth in creative tech programming to NYPL colleagues

Learn:

How best to showcase teen creativity at NYPL
How to create meaningful partnerships with organizations that are aligned with NYPL’s mission and can further our work with teens

Improve:

Quality and creativity of teen technology and making programs
Teen engagement in creative technology and making programs

Some expectations for this role are that within:

1 month, this person will:

Learn about the current landscape of tech programming for teens at NYPL
Gain familiarity with Teen Tech & Design’s tech inventory and various initiatives

3 months, this person will:

Lead teen branch staff tech trainings and identify ways to further improve offerings that are informed by research, staff input, and teens

6 months and beyond, this person will:

Assess current trends in technology education in libraries
Seek ways to improve teen engagement in NYPL’s programs
Continue to support Teen Tech & Design department by curating and implementing trainings for staff that seek to improve tech based programming offerings for teens

Responsibilities:

Assists in the curriculum development and leadership for trainings, which support staff in offering engaging tech-based programs to teens
Curate and lead comprehensive staff trainings in creative technology tools, utilizing research and feedback from teen-facing staff to continuously enhance tech-based programming offerings for teens
Assists Young Adult Librarians across our 88 branches with the running and planning of tech-based educational programming, modeling and sharing best practices to support youth-facing staff in their development as tech mentors for youth
Aids teen-facing staff in the setup of tech materials like 3-D printers and photography toolkits in their branch
Offers logistical support to Teen Technology and Design including the packaging and tracking of materials
Aid in the management and maintenance of current and incoming inventory
Participates in community conversations and supports branch youth staff through phone calls, emails, video chats, in-person meetings, and branch visits.
Regularly visit NYPL neighborhood branches to provide youth-facing staff with tech assistance and offer guidance as needed
Communicates consistently with the larger Young Adult Programs & Services department, along with other internal departments at NYPL
Perform other duties as required

Required Education, Experience & Skills

Required Education and Certifications

Master’s Degree in Education, Library Sciences, Digital Media, Computer Science, or a related field

Required Experience

Minimum of three years’ experience working with youth from diverse populations, preferably high school students, in a library, school, or non-profit setting

Required Skills

Experience with some of the following technologies and interest in learning more:
- Computer Programming (Python, Scratch)
- Design and Engineering Tools (Robotics, Arduino, 3-D Printing)
- Digital Media Production (Music, Video, DJing)
- Web Design (Basic design, HTML/CSS, Javascript)
Familiarity with Dremel 3D Printer and related software or willingness/ability to learn
Open to learning and utilizing new technologies as needed
Experience working on projects, monitoring progress and communicating with stakeholders
Ability to work well both independently and collaboratively across many different Library departments
Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills, including the ability to serve as an enthusiastic ambassador for the Library
Ability to coordinate work with many different external constituencies
Ability to work well under pressure, meet deadlines and wear many different hats
Excellent organizational skills
Commitment to diversity and inclusion
Comfortable with travel to library branches in the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island

Core Values

All team members are expected and encouraged to embody the NYPL Core Values:

Be Helpful to patrons and colleagues
Be Resourceful in solving problems
Be Curious in all aspects of your work
Be Welcoming and Inclusive

Work Environment

Office
Will require travel within NYC

Physical Duties

Limited physical effort is required
Light moving of materials and equipment required

Pre-Placement Physical Required?
No

Union/Non Union
Non-Union

FLSA Status
Exempt

Schedule

35 hours per week

This job description represents the types and levels of responsibilities that will be required of the position and shall not be construed as a declaration of all of the specific duties and responsibilities for the role. Job duties may change if Library priorities change. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description as needed.

The New York Public LibrarySalary Statement

At the Library, we believe that pay transparency and pay equity are important to ensuring we source the best candidates and keep the best employees. When making a determination as to the appropriate salary for a candidate, we consider a variety of factors such as, including, but not limited to, the position requirements, the skills, prior experience, and educational background required or preferred for the job, the scope and impact of the role within the organization, internal peer equity, and the candidate's specific training, experience, education level, and skills. No single factor is conclusive; the Library reserves the right to consider any and all relevant factors and make a decision consistent with its policies.

Union Salaries are determined by collective bargaining agreement(s).

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