Adult Programs Manager: Leadership & Partnerships

Harris County; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Harris County Public Library (HCPL) is seeking an Adult Programs Assistant Manager to organize and deliver services to adults across the system. You will lead adult and young adult programming staff, plan meetings and trainings, and build partnerships with branch managers to ensure innovative, high-quality programs.

The role emphasizes leadership, program development, staff supervision, and collaboration with literacy services to support workforce readiness and digital inclusion across HCPL

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 experience in training, coaching, scheduling, evaluating, or coordinating the work of staff
• 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

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.

Education

Master’s degree in library science or library and information science

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

Job description

Harris County Public Library (HCPL) is seeking an Adult Programs Assistant Manager to organize and deliver services to adults across the system. You will lead adult and young adult programming staff, plan meetings and trainings, and build partnerships with branch managers to ensure innovative, high-quality programs.

The role emphasizes leadership, program development, staff supervision, and collaboration with literacy services to support workforce readiness and digital inclusion across HCPL