Associate Manager, Teen Reading Ambassadors (Temporary)

About the role

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,