Library Senior Supervisor

City of Pittsfield; Pittsfield (MA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Berkshire Athenaeum in Pittsfield, MA seeks a Supervisor of Adult Services and Programming to lead a department that includes two full-time librarians and a substantial part-time staff dedicated to public service.

The role guides program development, outreach events, and community engagement, supports digital equity initiatives, and works with staff to redesign spaces and services while ensuring excellent patron experience.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Library Science; experience considered.
• Specialized knowledge of library operations and services.
• Demonstrated organizational and problem-solving skills.
• Dynamic and self-motivated.
• Progressively responsible library and supervisory experience.
• Comfortable learning new library technology.
• Knowledge of reference services and current resources.
• Ability to discern patrons' needs and communicate clearly.
• Understanding of ILS and basic hardware/software troubleshooting.
• Strong time management and patience with the public.
• Basic arithmetic and office procedures.

Responsibilities

• Provide training and supervision of staff and assist the public.
• Review literature, survey personnel, and consult Library Director on needs.
• Plan, schedule, promote, and execute programs, events, and exhibits.
• Build relationships with community partners and lead engagement efforts.
• Oversee technology engagement and supervise a service desk.
• Monitor expenditures and prepare monthly and yearly reports.
• Address complaints and solve problems; apply troubleshooting as needed.
• Perform basic searches and training on department equipment.
• Work with lay advisory groups as appropriate.
• Other duties including preservation, clerical, and shelving tasks.

Skills

Staff supervision

Strategic planning

Community engagement

Public service

Digital equity

Technology troubleshooting

Education

Master's in Library Science

Tools

Integrated Library Systems

Job description

Job Description

The Berkshire Athenaeum is looking for a new Supervisor of Adult Services and Programming to lead a department including two full-time professional librarians as well as tremendous part-time staff. Current projects include a Connected & Online digital equity grant, redesigning our public spaces and services, updated 3D printing capabilities, and outreach events. If you are a strategic thinker with a patron focus who is looking to lead a friendly, knowledgeable, supportive staff, come help us build our services. Our community, Trustees, and Friends are collaborative and ready to support someone who can imagine the future to engage new and wider audiences.

This is a full-time position working thirty-five hours per week.

Responsibilities

• Provides training and supervision of both full- and part-time staff and professional attention and assistance to the public.
• Works independently and is self-motivated.
• Reviews literature, surveys personnel, and confers with Library Director to determine departmental needs, assess current program, propose, and implement changes for improved operations.
• Plans, schedules, promotes, and executes programs, events, and exhibits.
• Builds relationships with community partners and provides leadership for the department's community engagement efforts.
• Oversees technology engagement and services and supervises a service desk tasked with direct patron support.
• Monitors departmental expenditures for personnel and library materials; and prepares monthly and yearly statistical reports.
• Applies problem-solving abilities to appropriate circumstances; routinely addressing complaints and resolving problems.
• Performs complex Internet and other computer searches. Uses the department’s office and/or computer equipment and resources, routinely offers training for its use, and conducts basic diagnostic and maintenance procedures.
• Works with lay advisory groups as may be appropriate.
• Uses the department’s audio-visual, office, and/or computer equipment and resources, routinely offers training to staff and/or public in its use, and conducts basic diagnostic and maintenance procedures.
• Other duties as assigned, including preservation, clerical and shelving tasks as needed

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Library Science. Exceptional candidates with a combination of related experience and education will be considered.
• Specialized knowledge of library operations, procedures, and services
• Demonstrated organizational and problem-solving skills
• Dynamic and self-motivated
• Progressively responsible library experience, including management and supervisory experience
• Comfortable learning about and using new and changing library technology
• Knowledge of reference services and current print and electronic reference resources
• Ability to discern patrons needs, and ability to communicate clearly when answering questions and providing information, ensuring patron understanding.
• Understanding of integrated library systems, computing, basic hardware and software for initial troubleshooting.
• Skill in personal time management, and demonstrated patience and skill in dealing with general public.
• Basic arithmetic, as well as general knowledge of office procedures

Company Description

Nestled in the heart of the Berkshires, the City of Pittsfield is a vibrant and welcoming community that blends rich history with a forward-thinking outlook. As the cultural and economic hub of the region, Pittsfield offers a dynamic environment where innovation and tradition coexist harmoniously. Our city government is committed to fostering a high quality of life for all residents by delivering essential services, promoting sustainable growth, and championing a diverse and inclusive community. Working for the City of Pittsfield means being part of a team dedicated to public service and making a real difference in the lives of our citizens. We pride ourselves on our collaborative approach, where employees are encouraged to contribute ideas and take initiative. Whether it’s enhancing public safety, improving infrastructure, or supporting our vibrant arts scene, every role within our organization plays a vital part in shaping the future of our city. We are an affirmative action/equal opportunity employer committed to promoting a multicultural work force, excellence in public service, and on-going mutual respect in our working relationships. Minorities are encouraged to apply. We strongly encourage people of color, people with disabilities, LGBTQ+ community, and people from other underrepresented groups to apply for our open positions - recognizing and respecting that diverse perspectives and experiences are valuable to our team and essential to our public service. Join us in our mission to build a stronger, more connected Pittsfield, where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Benefits

• Direct Deposit
• Free Permitted Parking
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition Reimbursement Program
• Opportunities for Professional Development
• Health Insurance
• Vision, Dental, and Life Insurance Options
• Retirement Savings Plans
• Up to 13 paid Holidays
• Personal Days
• Vacation Time
• Earned Sick Leave
• Bereavement Leave
• Berkshire Athenaeum Employees Association Collective Bargaining unit
• Foreign Language Incentive Pay

Application Deadline 2026-10-14

Priority Consideration ends Wednesday, October 14, 2026