Deputy Chief Librarian

Brooklyn Public Library; Headquarters (WA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 188,000; Full time

Job summary

Brooklyn Public Library seeks a Deputy Chief Librarian to oversee public services across Central Library and six service regions, leading a team of directors and staff. The role translates strategy into actionable plans, sets operational direction, and ensures high-quality library services throughout Brooklyn.

With a MLS and NY Public Librarian Certificate, the candidate will bring seven years of supervisory experience, driving innovation and collaboration across departments to advance public

Qualifications

• MLS from an ALA-accredited library school required.
• Public Librarian’s Professional Certificate issued by NY State required.
• Minimum seven years of supervisory/management experience.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic and functional oversight of library public services across Central Library and six service regions.
• Translate strategic priorities into actionable plans and ensure successful implementation.
• Lead and coordinate with Central Library, regional directors, and neighborhood branches to maintain service excellence.
• Foster innovation, inclusion, accountability, and operational excellence across public services.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Public service operations

Cross-functional collaboration

Budget & supervision

Education

MLS from ALA-accredited library school

Public Librarian’s Professional Certificate (NY)

Job description

We offer thousands of free programs every day for people from all walks of life—immigrants learning a new language, aspiring entrepreneurs launching their dreams, children discovering the world, people of all ages exploring arts and culture. And we give patrons millions of opportunities to enjoy one of life’s greatest satisfactions: the discovery of a good book. Now’s your chance to join the best team in Brooklyn!

The Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) seeks nominations for and/or applications to the position of Deputy Chief Librarian. The Deputy Chief Librarian provides strategic and functional oversight of library public services, including the Central Library and six Service Regions across Brooklyn (61 branches in total). Reporting to the Chief Librarian, this position is part of the Public Service Leadership Team and participates in high-level decision making for the library system.

The position is responsible for ensuring consistent and high-quality library services throughout Brooklyn. In partnership with the Chief Librarian, the Deputy Chief Librarian serves as the principal operational leader for Public Service, responsible for translating strategic priorities into actionable plans, building organizational alignment, and ensuring successful implementation across Central Library, Regional leadership, and neighborhood branches.

The Deputy Chief Librarian builds and fosters a culture of innovation, inclusion, accountability, and operational excellence while driving alignment across BPL’s public service network. The successful candidate will demonstrate proficiency in the operations of BPL’s libraries and public-facing services while fostering positive and productive relationships with business and administrative departments. This position will play an integral role in creating and executing the broad vision for public service excellence across BPL.

Direct reports for this position include the Central Library Director, six Regional Directors, and an Administrative Assistant.

This is a full-time, non-union, exempt position. The salary range is $180,000 - $188,000.

Candidates must possess a M.L.S. from an ALA-accredited library school and be qualified for a Public Librarian’s Professional Certificate issued by the State of New York. They must have a minimum of seven years of demonstrated supervisory and management experience. Additional information about candidate qualifications and experience are available in the longer position description available through the search consultants listed below.

Brooklyn Public Library (BPL) is among the borough’s most democratic civic institutions, serving patrons in every neighborhood and from every walk of life. Established in 1896, BPL is one of the nation’s largest public library systems. With a network of 62 neighborhood libraries, BPL is committed to providing the borough’s 2.7 million people quality services and a vibrant learning environment through outreach programs, educational workshops, and youth services events. The Library’s collection holds more than 2.4 million physical items and 700,000 digital materials. BPL has retained Park Square Executive Search to assist in the recruitment of the next Deputy Chief Librarian.

Brooklyn Public Library is an equal opportunity employer.

Brooklyn Public Library is one of the nation’s largest library systems and among New York City’s most democratic institutions.

We offer thousands of free programs every day for people from all walks of life—immigrants learning a new language, aspiring entrepreneurs launching their dreams, children discovering the world, people of all ages exploring arts and culture. And we give patrons millions of opportunities to enjoy one of life’s greatest satisfactions: the discovery of a good book. Now’s your chance to join the best team in Brooklyn!