Library Children's Supervisor

The Town of Needham is seeking to hire a Library Children's Supervisor. This position manages and directs the operations, programming and services of the Children's Department. The ideal candidate is dedicated to creating a friendly and welcoming environment for all in the Library. As a member of the Library's leadership team, the Children's Supervisor must be innovative, forward-thinking, professional, collaborative, and creative. With the opening of the new Teen Room in April 2026, the next phase of interior renovation is the Children's Department. The Children's Supervisor will be at the center of the redesign of the 5,269-square-foot space and help make the project a success.

It is an exciting time to join the Needham Free Public Library team! Building on our accomplishments from our FY2023-2027 Strategic Plan, we will work in FY2027 to create a new Strategic Plan informed by community and staff input that will be a roadmap of actionable items to continue to improve the Library. The Needham Free Public Library is rebuilding its team culture to support staff, set expectations, and strive for excellence.

This opportunity is ideal for those looking to join a great team in a supportive setting that offers great benefits such as paid training and professional development opportunities; medical, dental, and vision coverage; 457b retirement plan with Town match, education reimbursement opportunities, and more!

Schedule: Full-Time (37.5 hours/week)

• Monday-Wednesday: 9:00 am-5:30 pm;
• Thursday: 12:30-9:00 pm;
• Friday: 9:00 am-5:30 pm;
• One Saturday every four weeks (with the Friday before off): 9:00 am-5:00 pm

These duties are a general summary and not all inclusive:

• Directs and schedules activities of the library's Children's Department including scheduling and evaluating staff, overseeing operating procedures, and planning and assigning meetings, special projects, and programming.
• Evaluates the library's program of services to children; makes recommendations on program and service changes and improvements to the Director. Oversees the general environment of the Children's Department; arranges materials, oversees inventory of supplies, and evaluates collection as necessary, to ensure the best access to collections by patrons; and troubleshoots computer and other equipment when necessary.
• Participates as part of the library's leadership team and works to maintain good working relationships with each department in the library; leads department in keeping abreast of current and emerging trends, promoting professional development opportunities for staff to pursue.
• Advises and assists children, parents, and teachers in selecting, locating and utilizing library resource materials through knowledge of physical and digital materials and resources.
• Instructs patrons from birth to grade six and their caregivers in accessing and using Library resources in the building and at outreach opportunities off site.
• Plans and conducts programs appropriate for children from birth to grade six.
• Makes budget recommendation to encompass new materials and formats, as they become relevant; Monitors annual materials budget for Children's department.

The following requirements may be substituted by any equivalent combination of education, training and experience which provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the job:

• Master's in Library Science (MLIS) degree.
• Four (4) to six (6) years of professional library experience, previous work with children and increasing supervisory responsibilities highly preferred.
• Ability to effectively manage department and supervise staff.
• Ability to adapt and apply new technologies, as relevant, with strong computer skills to navigate library and scheduling systems.
• Skill in oral and written communications with a variety of stakeholders.

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter by clicking "Apply."
Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on May 29, 2026.

The Town of Needham is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive and encouraging workplace. There shall be no discrimination on the basis of race, age, gender, national origin, disability, religion or belief, sexual orientation, marriage/civil partnership, pregnancy/maternity, veteran status, or any other protected class. We are an inclusive organization and actively promote equality of opportunity for all with the right mix of talent, skills, and potential. We welcome all applications from a wide range of candidates. Selection for roles will be based on individual merit alone.
For general employment inquiries, please contact us at personnel@needhamma.gov.

The Town of Needham will endeavor to provide reasonable accommodation to a qualified applicant with a disability unless the accommodation would impose an undue hardship on the operation of our business. If you believe you require such assistance to complete this form or to participate in an interview, please contact us at tswanson@needhamma.gov.