Adult Programs Assistant Manager I

Harris County Public Library; Houston (TX); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Harris County Public Library (HCPL) seeks an experienced Adult Programs Assistant Manager to organize and deliver adult services across HCPL’s multi-branch system. You will lead staff across branches, plan training, and foster collaboration with branch managers to ensure engaging programming.

The role emphasizes designing inclusive programs for adults and coordinating regional literacy and workforce initiatives while building partnerships with local organizations and universities.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in library science or library and information science from an accredited university.
• Three (3) years of professional experience in public library services, adult services, programming, literacy, workforce development, community engagement, or a closely related area.
• One (1) year supervisory or lead work experience, including coaching, scheduling, evaluating, or coordinating staff.

Responsibilities

• Organize and deliver services to adults across the library system.
• Lead and support adult and young adult programming staff at all branches.
• Plan and facilitate staff meetings and training events; build partnerships with local institutions.

Skills

Staff supervision

Public library services

Digital literacy

Community engagement

Program development

Education

MLS or Master’s in Library Science

Bachelor’s degree in Education/Communications/Humanities

Tools

Microsoft Office

Outlook

GPS

Job description

Harris County Public Library (HCPL) - History

The Harris County Public Library (HCPL) system, established in 1921, began as a collection of small libraries located in stores, post offices, and private homes. Over the years, it has grown into a robust network comprising 26 branch libraries, two technology service centers, and two partner locations that provide collection and circulation services. HCPL serves the communities of unincorporated Harris County and cities without independent library systems.

In 2024, HCPL received the prestigious National Medal for Museum and Library Service, the highest honor awarded to libraries in the United States. Bestowed annually by the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), this award recognizes institutions that deliver exceptional service to their communities. The library was recognized for innovative initiatives like HCPL Connected, Enhanced+ Library Cards, and its Mobile Outreach Librarian program.

HCPL is also recognized as one of the best places to work, offering a supportive and inclusive environment that fosters innovation, collaboration, and professional growth. Its dedication to employee well-being, diversity, and community impact makes HCPL more than just a workplace—it’s where individuals can grow, inspire, and contribute to meaningful change.

What you will do at Harris County Public Library

Under the supervision of the Programming Services Manager, the Adult Programs Assistant Manager will organize and implement delivery of services to adults—ranging from emerging adults to senior citizens—throughout the Harris County Library system. This position also provides leadership and guidance to adult and young adult programming staff across all branches, supporting them in delivering high-quality programs and services. In addition, the Assistant Manager helps plan and facilitate regularly scheduled adult services staff meetings and training events. A key responsibility of this role is building strong, collaborative relationships with branch managers and adult services staff systemwide, ensuring alignment, support, and innovation in programming efforts.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Selects, supervises, and evaluates assigned staff

• Provides leadership and coordinates schedules and workflow for effective service delivery

• Provides for the training and motivation of subordinates in order to make full use of individual capabilities and to meet changing system demands

• Establishes work rules and performance standards, trains, coaches, evaluates performance, and initiates and implements disciplinary actions as warranted

• Plans, develops, presents, and evaluates a variety of programs and services that support adult engagement, while also contributing to young adult, cross-generational, and family-oriented initiatives.

• Supports, encourages, and empowers adult services team members by identifying quality program presenters and exhibits, sharing ideas and resources for annual program observances, and making regular visits to branch locations.

• Collaborates closely with the Adult Literacy Services Specialist (ALS) to develop and support programs that help functionally illiterate adults integrate into the workforce and navigate everyday life successfully.

• Oversees the annual Gulf Coast Reads program—HCPL’s signature adult program and serves as the convener and facilitator for this regional initiative, coordinating monthly planning meetings with library systems, universities, literary organizations, bookstores, and other partners.

• Oversees development and delivery of programs and services for Opportunity Youth—16-24-year-olds disconnected from education and employment pathways.

• Designs and implements specialized programming for key adult demographics, including emerging adults, seniors, and adults with special needs.

• Supports digital literacy and technology instruction across the system by creating standardized program models and fostering resource sharing between branches.

• Plans, organizes, and conducts regularly scheduled meetings and training sessions for Adult Services staff.

• Builds and maintains strategic partnerships with local businesses, universities, and community organizations to expand the reach and impact of library programs and services.

• Promotes programming efforts through the development of targeted marketing strategies.

• Represents the Library by hosting programs and delivering presentations to community and professional groups.

• Attends staff meetings, serves on relevant committees, and represents the library at state and national conferences. Stays informed on current trends, innovations, and best practices in public library service.

• Supervises and supports the Career Online High School Specialist, providing guidance on program operations, student support strategies, partnerships, and service delivery to help ensure effective implementation of HCPL’s Career Online High School program.

• Other duties as assigned

Harris County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

https://hrrm.harriscountytx.gov/Pages/EqualEmploymentOpportunityPlan.aspx

If you need special services or accommodations, please call [phone] or email [e-mail]

This position is subject to a criminal history check. Only relevant convictions will be considered and, even when considered, may not automatically disqualify the candidate.

All applicants must register and take the HRT Clerical Skills Test and score a minimum of 80% with a typing speed of 30wpm and 80% accuracy.

Education and Experience:

• Master’s degree in library science or library and information science from an accredited university

• Three (3) years of professional experience in public library services, adult services, programming, literacy, workforce development, community engagement, or a closely related area

• One (1) year supervisory or lead work experience, including experience in training, coaching, scheduling, evaluating, or coordinating the work of staff

OR

• Bachelor’s degree in Education, Communications, Humanities, or a related field from an accredited college or university

• Five (5) years of professional experience in public library services, adult services, programming, literacy, workforce development, community engagement, or a closely related area

• Three (3) years supervisory or lead work experience, including experience in training, coaching, scheduling, evaluating, or coordinating the work of staff

Additional Requirements:

• Unofficial copies of transcripts are required along with the application.
• Available and reliable transportation for work-related duties.
• Valid Texas Driver's License
• Candidates must complete a clerical skills test and achieve a minimum typing speed of 80% aptitude, 30 WPM with at least 80% accuracy

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Public library principles, practices, trends, and service models, particularly related to adult services, lifelong learning, digital literacy, workforce readiness, and community engagement
• Supervisory practices, including staff selection, training, coaching, scheduling, performance evaluation, and discipline
• Adult library services, literacy, digital inclusion, workforce readiness, programming, partnerships, community engagement, and relevant communication tools
• Skilled in developing and evaluating inclusive adult services programs, digital literacy instruction, and community engagement initiatives
• Skilled in building and maintaining partnerships with businesses, universities, nonprofits, literary organizations, and other community stakeholders
• Skilled in facilitating meetings, delivering presentations, developing marketing strategies, and communicating effectively with staff, partners, and the public
• Skilled in using social media platforms, the Internet, Office 365, and Microsoft Office Suite applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook
• Ability to manage multiple programs, partnerships, projects, deadlines, and priorities across a multi-branch library system
• Ability to assess community needs and develop responsive, inclusive, and accessible programs and services
• Ability to collaborate with internal teams, branch staff, literacy services, community partners, and regional organizations
• Ability to represent the library professionally at programs, meetings, conferences, and community events
• Ability to exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, address sensitive issues appropriately, and adapt to changing organizational needs
• Ability to use modern technology, including desktops, laptops, tablets, mobile devices, and related applications, to support daily work responsibilities
• Ability to use a personal mobile device for multi-factor authentication

NOTE: Qualifying education, experience, knowledge, and skills must be documented on your job application. You may attach a resume to the application as supporting documentation but ONLY information stated on the application will be used for consideration. "See Resume" will not be accepted for qualifications.

Language:

• Bilingual (preferred)

Position Type and Typical Hours of Work:

• Full-Time | Regular – 40 hours a week
• The position is generally scheduled Monday through Saturday; occasionally, it is weekend work.
• May require attendance at evening meetings, or after-hour events, and off-site meetings. Possible work in an outdoor environment with exposure to inclement weather or various temperature changes.

Work Environment and Physical Demands:

• Driving: Available and reliable transportation for work-related duties
• Office Equipment: Daily use of a computer, keyboard, copier, scanner, printer, calculator, phone (desk and cell). Daily use of software programs, including Microsoft Office Suite, Outlook, Word, Excel, and GPS.
• Physical Activities: Sits for long periods; light physical activity that may include walking, sitting, standing, stooping, bending, reaching, lifting, and carrying
• Lifting: Ability to lift, carry, and exert up to 25 pounds. Occasionally lifts, carries, and exerts up to 40 pounds
• Vision and Hearing: Must have visual acuity to see and read paper and electronic documents. Must be able to answer telephones, communicate conversation, and respond to verbal inquiries.
• Exposure to Environmental Conditions: The position generally works in an office setting with overhead lighting and long periods of screen time.

Reporting Relationships:

• Reports To Position: Programming Services Manager
• Supervises Positions: Career Online High School Specialist

Work Location:

• Work Location: HCPL Administrative Office: 5749 South Loop East, Houston, TX 77033

Employment may be contingent on passing a drug screen and meeting other standards. Due to a high volume of applications positions may close prior to the advertised closing date or at the discretion of the Hiring Department.