Associate Manager, Teen Reading Ambassadors

1 month, this person will:
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
3 months, this person will:
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
6 months and beyond, this person will:
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

Responsibilities:
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

Required Education & Certifications
Master’s Degree in Library Sciences, Education or related field required
Required Experience
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

Required Skills
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

Managerial/Supervisory Responsibilities
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.