Children's Services Coordinator - KENILWORTH PUBLIC LIBRARY

LibraryLinkNJ Technology Advisory Group; Kenilworth (NJ); On-site; USD 45,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

The LibraryLinkNJ Technology Advisory Group seeks a Children’s Services Coordinator for the Kenilworth Public Library in New Jersey. This full-time position is pivotal in developing, implementing, and delivering engaging programs for children and families. The ideal candidate will possess a Bachelor's degree and have at least five years of relevant experience. The role requires strong public speaking, communication skills, and the ability to foster partnerships with schools and community organizations. The salary range is $45,000 to $50,000 per year, commensurate with experience.

Qualifications

• Minimum five years of experience working with children in a library.
• Experience planning and delivering children’s programs or outreach events.
• Ability to work evenings and Saturdays as scheduled.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement engaging programs for children and families.
• Supervise part-time staff, volunteers, or interns.
• Manage departmental schedules and promote library materials.

Skills

Public speaking

Interpersonal communication

Program planning

Youth development

Community outreach

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Suite

Polaris

Job description

Children's Services Coordinator - KENILWORTH PUBLIC LIBRARY

KENILWORTH PUBLIC LIBRARY

The Kenilworth Public Library is a vibrant community resource committed to serving patrons of all ages. We offer a welcoming environment, diverse programming, and a strong focus on literacy, learning, and creativity. We are seeking a dynamic and dedicated Children’s Services Coordinator to lead and grow our services for children and families. This full-time position reports directly to the Library Director.

Position Summary

The Children’s Services Coordinator is responsible for developing, coordinating, and delivering engaging programs and services for children (birth through grade 12) and their caregivers. The ideal candidate is passionate about youth development, early literacy, and community outreach, and will play a key role in shaping a welcoming, inclusive, and educational children’s department.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, develop, and implement innovative programs and events for children and families, including story times, crafts, reading clubs, STEM activities, summer reading and more
• Develop and maintain the children’s print and digital collections through thoughtful selection, weeding, and reader’s advisory services.
• Foster a welcoming environment in the children’s room that encourages literacy, learning, and discovery
• Schedule and conduct class visits at the library for local schools and educational groups
• Develop partnerships and coordinate outreach visits to schools, daycares, and community centers, promoting library programs and services
• Manage departmental schedules, calendars, displays, and promote materials
• Submit marketing materials to media outlets, including writing press releases and maintaining press contacts
• Supervise and train part-time staff, volunteers, or interns
• Assist with desk coverage, reference questions, and general library duties at the Circulation Desk and Children’s Department
• Assist in completing local, state and federal reports, including but not limited to, the annual summer reading programs
• Prepare monthly statistical report of children’s services activities
• Stay current with trends in children’s literature, youth services, and public library best practices
• Prepare displays, bibliographies, or other suitable materials to support program topics
• Attend meetings and professional development opportunities
• Prepare or assist with grant writing including locating presenters/performers and other related responsibilities
• Assist patrons with use of computers
• Provide reader’s advisory services to library patrons

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution; coursework or experience in early childhood education, child development, or library science a plus
• At least five years of experience working with children in a library
• Experience planning and delivering children’s programs and/or outreach events
• Strong public speaking and interpersonal and communication skills, especially with young audiences and families/caregivers from diverse backgrounds
• Ability to build rapport with schools, families, and community partners
• Familiarity with children’s literature, early literacy practices, and library services
• Demonstrated ability to create engaging, age-appropriate programs and materials
• Able to take initiative and work independently with minimal supervision, while also collaborating effectively with colleagues, community partners, and patrons
• Proficiency with technology, including Microsoft Office, Google Suite, social media, Polaris and other library related software applications
• Ability to work evenings and Saturdays as scheduled

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with children’s literature and early literacy frameworks
• Experience with outreach, grant writing, or marketing youth services
• Bilingual or multilingual skills are a plus
• Ability to create promotional materials using basic design tools (e.g., Canva, Publisher, Slides)
• Comfortable using technology in children’s programming (e.g., STEM kits, educational apps, interactive whiteboards, Chromebooks, tablets)

Physical Requirements

Manual dexterity and physical ability to perform tasks (i.e. repeated lifting, continual standing, reaching, bending, and walking). Work requires physical effort in handling of materials, boxes, equipment of up to 50lbs in non-strenuous work positions.

Salary

$45,000 – $50,000 per year, commensurate with qualifications and experience

Kenilworth Public Library is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and experiences. Employment offers are conditional upon a successful background and reference check.