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 is 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 divers