Library Youth Services Supervisor

City of Davenport; Davenport (IA); On-site; USD 47,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Pension

457 plan contributions

Flexible spending accounts

Paid time off

Employee assistance program

Life insurance

Long-term disability insurance

Job summary

City of Davenport is seeking a Youth Services leader to plan and manage programming for children, teens, and families. You will supervise staff, enforce policies, and coordinate community outreach to advance the library’s mission.

The role requires an MLS, several years in youth services, and supervisory experience, with Iowa certification required upon employment.

Qualifications

• MLS required with 3+ years professional library experience, including youth services.
• Two years of supervisory experience and public library background preferred.
• Must obtain Iowa State Library certification on employment and maintain it.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, manage, and evaluate day-to-day Youth Services operations.
• Develop, schedule, and evaluate library programs for children, teens, and families.
• Train and supervise staff; enforce policies and provide leadership to the team.
• Maintain youth collection; coordinate outreach and liaison with Davenport School District.
• Oversee program budgets and implement innovative youth programming within budget.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Interpersonal skills

Leadership

Training & coaching

Team supervision

Multitasking

Youth development

Community outreach

Education

Master’s in Library Science

State Library of Iowa certification

Tools

Beanstack

Job description

Definition

Why work for The Library?

We're not just about books—we’re a community hub where imagination, learning, and connection thrive. If you are enthusiastic about making a positive impact in your community and providing public service, we invite you to join us in our mission to connect a diverse community to resources that educate, enrich, and entertain. Ready to turn the page on a new adventure? Come be part of our team!

We offer a comprehensive benefit package. The cost for a family plan for medical, dental, vision and prescription is only $98.61 per month for 2026 and starts on first day of employment.

Starting Pay: $33.83/hr After 6 Months: $34.68/hr

We Also Offer

• Iowa Public Employee’s Retirement Pension plan
• 457 Deferred Compensation – The City will contribute 5% of the employee’s income to his/her 457 account if the employee contributes at least 1%.
• 14 paid holidays
• Paid time off
• Life Insurance
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Flexible spending accounts

This position is responsible for planning, organizing, managing, and evaluating the day-to-day operation of the Youth Services department; creates, schedules, implements, and evaluates library programming for children, teens, and families; trains, supervises, and evaluates assigned employees; interprets and enforces policy; problem solves, and exercises good judgement; maintains knowledge of current practices in youth services; selects, organizes, and evaluates youth materials; develops and maintains the youth collection; actively participates in community outreach; acts as person in charge of buildings and operations as needed; actively serves as a member of The Library leadership team and works cooperatively with administration and supervisors to advance the goals and mission of the organization; and performs various other duties as assigned.

This position may require scheduling at any library facility as well as off-site locations during days, nights, and weekends.

Examples Of Duties

• Creates a welcoming environment by providing excellent customer service and maintaining the appearance of public areas.
• Demonstrates commitment to The Library’s mission and vision by actively promoting services and resources.
• Communicates effectively with colleagues, patrons, stakeholders, and the community by responding to queries in a timely manner.
• Communicates organizational priorities, decisions, and policies to employees in a timely manner and ensures compliance.
• Actively participates as a member of the leadership team by sharing ideas that help to make needed organizational change.
• Demonstrates effective leadership by supporting and promoting the mission and vision of The Library by recognizing issues and taking the initiative to make changes.
• Establishes and maintains positive working relationships with colleagues through open communication and offering expertise to improve processes, systems, and The Library as a whole.
• Maintains confidentiality and manages employee performance through effective use of goal setting, performance feedback, evaluations, and coaching.
• Assists in the interviewing and selection process as appropriate.
• Manages the workflow of other employees, creates team schedules, and delegates tasks.
• Prepares and manages department documentation, procedures, and training manuals.
• Represents The Library at consortium and statewide meetings as related to job duties.
• Maintains public relations though the promotion of materials, events, services, public appearances, and presentations as needed.
• Compiles youth services statistics and contributes to reports.
• Serves as the primary liaison with the Davenport Community School District.
• Provides oversight to the creation of unique and exciting programming within budget.
• Selects and evaluates youth library materials.
• Manages software, such as Beanstack, and the creation and implementation of reading challenges.
• Analyzes youth services trends and best practices when making service recommendations.
• Provides opportunities for a passive programming environment that is engaging.
• Designs and organizes the materials and shelving in the children and teen environments.

Qualifications

Master’s Degree in Library Science from an ALA-accredited college or university. Minimum of three (3) years of professional library experience with at least two (2) years serving youth and two (2) years of supervisory experience. Public library experience, coursework and interest in children/teen literature preferred. Certification with the State Library of Iowa required upon employment and retained throughout employment.

Knowledge and Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work effectively with colleagues and diverse groups.
• Ability to provide positive, inspiring, and motivating leadership.
• Ability to train, coach, and evaluate employees.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks, troubleshoot, and problem-solve beyond routine issues.
• Knowledge of youth development and library programs, services, techniques, principles, and trends.
• Knowledge of reference services, readers’ advisory, and materials selection.
• Knowledge of techniques to effectively supervise employees in multiple locations.

Benefits For Full-Time Employees

• Health insurance, including medical, dental, vision and prescription drug
• Pension
• 457 retirement plan contributions
• Retirement health savings plan contributions
• Flexible spending accounts
• Paid time off
• Employee assistance program
• Life insurance
• Long-term disability