Head of Youth Services
Reports to Director
Classification: Full Time/Exempt
Are you a seasoned youth services librarian who is looking for a new challenge? Come and try something new at Berkeley Heights Public Library! We are looking for someone with experience, ideas, and passion to jump into the role of Youth Services Department Head.
What will the job entail?
Programming. If programs are your jam, let’s hear about it! There are no wrong answers to programming ideas, as long as you are willing to give them a try! This role will be responsible for a programming budget for both children and teens. Looking for someone who will both plan and run programming for infants to teens in our community, and think strategically about how to best service the age ranges.
Outreach. This position will coordinate outreach for our newly created role of Outreach Librarian, as well as participate in outreach to schools, daycares, community events, etc. As a library, we have challenged ourselves to be more enmeshed in the community, and we need someone who is just as excited as we are about the possibilities! The community is interested and eager to see what we do next. A successful candidate in this role will be able to facilitate efforts to strengthen school and library collaborations and connections.
Collection development: You will develop, oversee, and maintain the collection from babies to teens. Looking for someone who can:
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Keeps abreast of new materials and selects books and other materials for babies through high school age children.
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Oversees a collection for parents and caregivers relating to early childhood and parenting issues.
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Develops the collection with up to date and attractive by conscientious weeding.
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Merchandise the shelves and create dynamic displays to make the collection more accessible.
Essential Functions of the job:
Supervises and trains staff under the Youth Services Department. Current staff include: Full-time Outreach Librarian, Part- time Children’s Librarian, Part-Time Library Assistants.
Recruits, supervises, and monitors Teen Volunteers.
Design and implement programming for infants to teens and their caregivers.
Work with Assistant Director, Director, and other departments to create and evaluate the annual Summer Reading program.
Promotes literacy and provides materials that reflect the ethnic diversity of the community. Create age-appropriate reading lists.
Assists children, parents, and others in selecting library materials from the Children’s Department, Tween, and Young Adult collections.
Assists children through teens in finding various sources of information for school assignments and personal needs and instructs students in information gathering and research skills.
Participates in contributing content to BHPL’s website, newsletters, and social media resources. Creates compelling digital content to highlight our children’s/teens library programs and services and design appealing print flyers, newsletter blurbs, and brochures for the children’s department
Performs the necessary circulation and clerical tasks during scheduled working hours. May have to assist at other desks as needed.
Prepares monthly updates in children’s and teens for Board meetings, monthly statistics, yearly reports, and may occasionally be needed for presentations to the Board.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Knowledge of children through teen literature, popular reading trends, websites and media that support relevant children’s and teen collections for children and parents.
Ability to plan, coordinate and direct work related to patrons ages 0-19 and their caregivers.
Ability to create a pleasant, welcoming and helpful atmosphere.
Ability to relate tactfully and courteously with the public and to maintain effective working relationships with other employees.
Ability to exercise initiative, and to stimulate interest and encourage participation in reading and other library activities.
Ability to exercise both creative and organizational skills.
Ability to reach out to the schools and other youth-based groups in the community.
Knowledge of current events, popular and youth culture.
Experience in the supervision and scheduling of staff.
Essential Qualifications
Minimum 5 years of experience working with children/youth in a library setting, with supervisory experience.
An ALA accredited degree and/or a Professional Librarian’s Certificate issued by the New Jersey Department of Education. Must reside in NJ, or be able to do so.
Involvement in professional development and commitment to understanding new trends and their application to the library.
Knowledge of Koha ILS a plus
Successfully pass a criminal background check
Hours & Salary
This position is a 35-hour workweek and includes a regular schedule of one evening per week and one Saturday per month. Additional evening and weekend hours may be required based on operational needs, including special events and programs.
This position offers a salary of $75,000 with flexibility up to $80,000 based on experience and overall qualifications. The Library offers a comprehensive benefits package to eligible employees, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as enrollment in PERS retirement system.
About Berkeley Heights:
The Berkeley Heights Public Library enjoys a newly-created space within the municipal complex, and is centrally located within walking distance of our downtown area. Welcoming and inclusive, we serve over 13,000 residents, and enjoy strong support from the community. We are an active, friendly community, with top-rated schools, numerous community celebrations, and outstanding recreational programs and activities for all ages. We are an equal opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of any legally protected status under applicable federal law or the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination.
To apply:
Email a cover letter, resume, and three references to Amy Steinbauer, Library Director at [email protected] by October 7, 2026.