Associate Manager, Teen Reading Ambassadors (Temporary)

Overview The Teen Reading Ambassadors (TRA) program at The New York Public Library (NYPL) is a paid, near-peer literacy and youth development program for students in grades 10-12 who support younger students through homework help, reading, and enrichment activities at NYPL branches. Reporting to the Manager of Teen Ambassador Programs, the Associate Manager oversees a portfolio of Teen Reading Ambassadors and branch locations and is responsible for teen supervision and coaching, program implementation, training, branch relationships, and continuous improvement of the TRA experience.

*This is a grant-funded, full-time, temporary position through June 30, 2027.*

Some expectations for this role are that within:

1 month, this person will:

• Develop a strong understanding of TRA program goals, annual milestones, management processes, and expectations for teen employees
• Begin building relationships with Teen Reading Ambassadors and branch staff across their assigned portfolio
• Assume responsibility for core supervisory and administrative processes for their portfolio, including communication, attendance, timekeeping, and coaching

3 months, this person will:

• Independently manage and support their portfolio of Teen Reading Ambassadors and maintain consistent communication with branch staff
• Contribute to the design and facilitation of trainings that prepare Ambassadors to work effectively with children and succeed as teen employees
• Identify emerging program, teen, or branch needs and work with the Manager and team to address them

6 months and beyond, this person will:

• Maintain strong supervisory relationships with Teen Reading Ambassadors and effective partnerships with branch staff
• Use program data, staff and teen feedback, and direct experience to recommend and implement improvements to program processes, training, and support
• Contribute to major TRA initiatives, including special events, enrichment opportunities, and the Teen Reading Ambassador literary magazine

Responsibilities:

• Manage a portfolio of approximately 30-40 part-time Teen Reading Ambassadors across 15-20 NYPL branch locations, including onboarding, timekeeping, coaching, performance management, communication, and ongoing support
• Lead the day-to-day implementation of the Teen Reading Ambassador program within an assigned portfolio, exercising independent judgment to address routine program, teen, and branch needs and escalating complex concerns as appropriate
• Design and facilitate developmentally appropriate trainings for Teen Reading Ambassadors focused on working with children ages 6-12, homework help, literacy skill-building, enrichment activities, and workplace readiness
• Build and maintain strong relationships with branch staff and the After School Program team, including conducting branch visits, troubleshooting program challenges, and supporting consistent implementation across locations
• Coordinate key program activities and logistics, including onboarding, trainings, materials, special events, professional development opportunities, and other Ambassador experiences
• Support the development and implementation of TRA projects and initiatives, including the Teen Reading Ambassador literary magazine and other literacy and youth development focused activities
• Maintain and analyze program data, including attendance and participation, and use findings to identify trends, inform decisions, and improve program systems and processes
• Collaborate with the Teen Ambassador Programs Manager, fellow Associate Managers, and internal partners such as Children’s Programs & Services, Communications, Human Resources, and other departments to advance program goals
• Perform other related duties as assigned