The Highland Park Public Library acts as a beacon of learning and cultural engagement for its community. Located in the heart of New Jersey and serving a population of approximately 15,000 residents, the newly renovated library satisfies the varied interests of residents of all ages by providing welcoming spaces, programs, diverse collections, and up-to-date technology that make Highland Park a better place to learn and work.

The library seeks a highly enthusiastic and skilled professional to serve as its next Assistant Library Director. The Assistant Library Director will oversee the activities of six dedicated Circulation employees within a union environment. Under the direction of the Library Director, the Assistant Library Director performs a variety of duties related to management, customer service, and the flow of service and materials throughout the library. The successful candidate will represent the library in a professional manner while interacting with the public, library staff, library trustees, and community organizations. This is a salaried, confidential, and exempt position.

Schedule

Generally 35 hours per week, with one regularly assigned evening shift and occasional weekend shifts. Extra hours may be required on occasion, depending on business needs.

Salary and Benefits

Starting salary at $85,000 a year. Generous health benefits are provided via the Borough of Highland Park. Additionally, the Highland Park Public Library offers a strong commitment to staff training and development.

Essential Functions of the Job

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Manages the Circulation and Technical Services processes of the library.

• Manages all Circulation Department operations.

• Manages, trains & schedules Circulation staff members.

• Conducts annual Circulation staff evaluations, and implements coaching / progressive discipline procedures, when necessary.

• Monitors the functions of technical services and circulation equipment.

• Arranges for equipment repair / servicing, as needed.

• Arranges for substitute staff member coverage.

• Manages interactions with the STELLA consortium and oversees the return and receipt of materials to other consortium libraries.

• Reviews and develops revised methods or techniques to increase efficiency of all library procedures.

• Serves as the Person-in-Charge of the library in the absence of the Director.

• Conducts Reference and Circulation services to the public, on an as-needed basis.

• Recommends new library policies and develops library procedures.

• Recruits, hires, and evaluates library personnel.

• Facilitates regular monthly all-staff meetings, in concert with the Director.

• Plans and facilitates regular Circulation Department meetings.

• Participates in monthly library board meetings, offering guidance and feedback to the director and library trustees. Occasionally takes library board meeting minutes, in the absence of other Administration Department staff.

• Acts as a confidential witness, as needed, during meetings between staff and library administration.

• Prepares the annual Circulation budget, and collaborates with the Director on the library’s overall budget.

• Applies for grants and executes fundraising activities for the library.

• Compiles library-wide statistical data and generates reports.

• Recommends the acquisition and weeding of materials for the library.

• Participates in library programming and program promotion.

• Participates in professional development activities.

• Maintains the smooth operation of the library facility, including working with outside vendors and Borough departments, as needed.

• Addresses concerns of library users.

• Oversees opening and closing procedures for the library building.

• Represents the library at Borough, community, and professional meetings.

• Other duties, as assigned.

Required Qualifications

MLS from an ALA-accredited school; 3 years public library professional experience, with at least 1 year in a managerial capacity; demonstrated knowledge of library services & procedures, including Circulation and Reference processes; cultural literacy and the ability to work with all segments of a diverse community.

To Apply

Email your letter of interest, resume and HPPL employment application (including three professional references) to Michael Bobish at mbobish@hpplnj.org with the subject line “Assistant Library Director Position.” Employment applications can be found online.

This position will remain open until filled; applications received by July 15, 2026 will receive priority consideration.

The Borough of Highland Park and the Highland Park Public Library are Equal Opportunity Employers (EOE). Applicants must comply with the “New Jersey First Act.” All Highland Park Borough employees over 18 are required to complete a background check and hiring is contingent on a clean record.