Children’s Services Manager, Full-Time

Alsip-Merrionette Park Public Library District; Downers Grove (IL); On-site; USD 70,000 - 87,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation

Personal leave

Sick leave

Insurance

IMRF pension

Job summary

Downers Grove Public Library is seeking a dynamic Children’s Services Manager to lead the department, shape programs, and advance equity, diversity, and inclusion throughout the library.

This year‑round, full‑time role reports to the leadership team, offers a salary range of $69,930 to $87,422 plus generous benefits, and requires a Master’s in library science and supervisory experience.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Library and Information Science or related field.
• Three years of library and supervisory experience.
• Expert knowledge of children’s literature and early literacy principles.
• Experience using Microsoft Office Suite and Google Suite; familiarity with maker software/tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead and evaluate the plan of service, strategic objectives, policies, procedures, and personnel of the department.
• Oversee collection development for children birth through sixth grade, parents, guardians, and educators.
• Maintain and cultivate community partnerships and outreach opportunities.
• Design programming to develop children’s creativity, critical thinking, and habits of mind.
• Maintain an engaging learning environment responsive to neurodivergent youth and evolving technology.
• Collaborate across the institution to serve the community.

Skills

Supervisory experience

Microsoft Office

Google Suite

Second-language communication

Education

Master’s degree in Library & Information Science

Job description

Do you love libraries and all they have to offer? Are you a person who loves working with children and their families and is passionate about providing them with fun and educational resources, programs, and opportunities while planting the seeds of lifelong learning and curiosity? Are you enthusiastic about being a leader, collaborator, problem solver, and part of a forward-thinking management team? If so, come join our award-winning, 5-star library!

The Children’s Services Manager is an integral part of our leadership team and responsible for driving the vision for an exceptionally vibrant, adventurous, and active Children’s Services Department that is responsive to community needs and the library’s robust strategic plan. This role requires a visionary focus, strong attention to detail, and the ability to multitask with frequent interruptions.

The Children’s Services Manager should be accustomed to working with staff and patrons from diverse backgrounds and committed to supporting the Downers Grove Public Library with its equity, diversity, and inclusion work.

We are looking for candidates who will:

• Lead and evaluate the plan of service, strategic objectives, policies and procedures, and personnel of the department
• Oversee collection development for children ages birth through sixth grade, parents and guardians, and educators
• Maintain existing and cultivate new community partnerships and outreach opportunities
• Design and provide programming that helps children develop their creativity, critical-thinking skills, and habits of mind
• Maintain and further develop an engaging, innovative, and dynamic learning environment for children of all ages and developmental levels, including neurodivergent youth, and responds to and incorporates evolving technology and the needs of the community
• Collaborate across the institution to best serve the community

Qualifications:

• Expertise typically acquired through completion of a Master’s Degree in Library and Information Science, related field, or equivalent combination of education and relevant experience
• Three years of relevant library and supervisory experience
• Expert knowledge of children’s literature and early literacy principles
• Experience using Microsoft Office Suite and Google Suite and experience using other computer and maker software, tools, and programs
• Ability to communicate in a second language (Spanish, Polish, Russian, Ukrainian, and/or Arabic) is desired

This year-round, full-time position serves as the person in charge of the Children’s Services Department. Annual salary is between $69,930 and $87,422, depending on qualifications and experience. Benefits include vacation, personal, and sick leave; a generous insurance package; and enrollment in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) pension system.

Applications are due bySunday, August 30, 2026.

The Downers Grove Public Library is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating and supporting an equitable, diverse, inclusive, and anti-racist workforce and sustaining an environment that is welcoming to all.

Downers Grove Public Library
1050 Curtiss Street
Downers Grove , IL 60515

Downers Grove Public Library, DuPage County

Hours

Monday-Friday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., in combination with regular evening and weekend rotations

$69,930-$87,422 per year, depending on qualifications and experience