Associate Manager, Teen Reading Ambassadors (Temporary)

Department: Branch Programs & Services

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: New York, New York, Stephen A. Schwarzman Building, Hybrid

• Develop a strong understanding of TRA program goals, annual milestones, management processes, and expectations for teen employees
• Begin building relationships with Teen Reading Ambassadors and branch staff across their assigned portfolio
• Assume responsibility for core supervisory and administrative processes for their portfolio, including communication, attendance, timekeeping, and coaching

• Independently manage and support their portfolio of Teen Reading Ambassadors and maintain consistent communication with branch staff
• Contribute to the design and facilitation of trainings that prepare Ambassadors to work effectively with children and succeed as teen employees
• Identify emerging program, teen, or branch needs and work with the Manager and team to address them

• Maintain strong supervisory relationships with Teen Reading Ambassadors and effective partnerships with branch staff
• Use program data, staff and teen feedback, and direct experience to recommend and implement improvements to program processes, training, and support
• Contribute to major TRA initiatives, including special events, enrichment opportunities, and the Teen Reading Ambassador literary magazine

• Manage a portfolio of approximately 30-40 part-time Teen Reading Ambassadors across 15-20 NYPL branch locations, including onboarding, timekeeping, coaching, performance management, communication, and ongoing support
• Lead the day-to-day implementation of the Teen Reading Ambassador program within an assigned portfolio, exercising independent judgment to address routine program, teen, and branch needs and escalating complex concerns as appropriate
• Design and facilitate developmentally appropriate trainings for Teen Reading Ambassadors focused on working with children ages 6-12, homework help, literacy skill-building, enrichment activities, and workplace readiness
• Build and maintain strong relationships with branch staff and the After School Program team, including conducting branch visits, troubleshooting program challenges, and supporting consistent implementation across locations
• Coordinate key program activities and logistics, including onboarding, trainings, materials, special events, professional development opportunities, and other Ambassador experiences
• Support the development and implementation of TRA projects and initiatives, including the Teen Reading Ambassador literary magazine and other literacy and youth development focused activities
• Maintain and analyze program data, including attendance and participation, and use findings to identify trends, inform decisions, and improve program systems and processes
• Collaborate with the Teen Ambassador Programs Manager, fellow Associate Managers, and internal partners such as Children’s Programs & Services, Communications, Human Resources, and other departments to advance program goals
• Perform other related duties as assigned

Required Education, Experience & Skills

• Master’s Degree in Library Sciences, Education or related field required

• 3+ years of experience working with youth from diverse backgrounds, preferably high school students, in a library, school, nonprofit, or community-based setting
• At least one year of supervisory or people-management experience, including coaching, providing feedback, and addressing performance concerns
• Experience designing and facilitating programs, curricula, or interactive trainings for high school students

• Strong people-management and coaching skills, including the ability to build supportive relationships while establishing clear expectations and accountability
• Strong interpersonal, written, verbal, and group facilitation skills
• Strong organizational and project-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and detailed administrative processes
• Demonstrated ability to exercise independent judgment, solve problems, and recognize when an issue requires escalation
• Proficiency with spreadsheets and shared digital tools used to track schedules, attendance, program data, and project information
• Ability to work collaboratively with teens, branch staff, colleagues, and partners from a range of backgrounds
• Ability to travel regularly to NYPL branches, typically on weekday afternoons, including locations in the Bronx, Manhattan, and Staten Island

• Directly supervises approximately 30–40 part-time Teen Reading Ambassadors working across 15–20 NYPL locations. Supervisory responsibilities include onboarding, coaching, performance management, timekeeping, ongoing feedback, and supporting teens in successfully meeting program and workplace expectations.

More...

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

• Primarily office setting, with regular visits to NYPL locations
• Occasional evening, weekend, outdoor, or offsite programs and events

• Travel throughout NYC required
• Limited physical effort is required

• No

• Non-Union

• Exempt

• Monday to Friday from 10:00am-6:00pm
• Occasional evening and weekend hours may be required
• 35 hours per week
• Hybrid schedule; 4 days per week onsite and up to 1 day per week remote