Head Librarian

About Us 

Founded in 1931, JBI Library is a nonprofit organization that supports anyone who is blind, has low vision, or has a print disability so that they may fully participate in Jewish life—from education and community to prayer and celebration. We are the heart of a community where our patrons can come for accessible books and texts, cultural programs, learning, and all things that connect people to Judaism, culture, and community. We strive to remove barriers to accessibility and inclusion, so that everyone can read, learn, and engage, both with JBI and their local Jewish community—independently and with dignity. 

  

Position Summary 

 
The Head Librarian is a senior leader responsible for the overall management and strategic direction of JBI Library’s patron services, programming, collection development, integrated library system (ILS), community outreach, and library operations. This position works closely with the Head of Production, who oversees the creation of braille, large print, and audio materials, as well as recording studio operations, mailing, and returns processing. 

The Head Librarian supervises a team that includes the Russian Language Specialist, the Patron Services and Programs Librarian, a part-time outreach and volunteer consultant, and a dedicated group of volunteers. As the leader of JBI’s Library Department—the heart of the organization—the Head Librarian ensures that patrons receive exceptional service, meaningful engagement opportunities, and access to high-quality accessible materials. 

This role combines strategic leadership with hands-on service. The Head Librarian plays a key role in shaping the library’s vision, managing daily operations, building relationships with patrons and partner organizations, expanding membership, and developing innovative programs and services. Working closely with patrons, the Head Librarian helps identify emerging needs, generates creative ideas, and develops new strategies that enhance the patron experience and strengthen the library’s impact. The Head Librarian also oversees the department’s budget, establishes goals and priorities, monitors outcomes, and ensures that library services support JBI Library’s mission, strategic plan, and long-term sustainability.  

As a member of the senior leadership team, the Head Librarian works closely with the Executive Director, staff, and Board of Directors to help guide the organization’s overall direction and impact. 

Responsibilities 

Leadership and Administration 

• Provide strategic leadership and vision for the Library Department. 

• Foster a culture of creativity, innovation, and continuous improvement, encouraging staff, volunteers, and patrons to contribute ideas that enhance services, programs, and the overall patron experience. 

• Supervise, mentor, and support library staff, consultants, and volunteers. 

• Establish departmental goals, priorities, and performance measures. 

• Manage the library department budget and allocate resources effectively. 

• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and mission-driven workplace culture. 

Patron Engagement and Customer Service 

• Cultivate strong relationships with patrons through direct engagement and by leading the library team in delivering exceptional service and support via phone, email, Zoom, and in-person interactions.  

• Stay abreast of digital trends and integrate technology into library services. 

• Respond to patron needs, concerns, and requests in a timely and professional manner. 

• Promote a strong sense of community among JBI patrons.
   

Community Outreach and Membership Growth 

• Develop and maintain relationships with synagogues, schools, community organizations, libraries, NLS, and service providers.  

• Expand awareness of JBI Library and grow membership among individuals and institutions. 

• Recruit, train, and support volunteer ambassadors and outreach volunteers. 

• Represent JBI Library at conferences, workshops, webinars, and community events. 

• Advocate for disability inclusion and accessibility within Jewish communal life. 

Collection Development and Library Services 

• Partner with JBI Library patrons to oversee collection development and ensure the collection reflects the diverse interests and needs of patrons.  

• Identify collection gaps and make acquisition decisions consistent with JBI’s collection development policies. 

• Collaborate with the Production Department to prioritize new materials and accessible formats. 

ILS and Library Technology Management 

• Oversee the creation, maintenance, and quality control of library records using Keystone’s KLAS database. 

• Generate reports and data analyses that support organizational planning and decision-making. 

• Maintain database integrity and identify opportunities to improve library services through technology. 

• Stay informed about emerging technologies and trends in library and accessibility services. 

Programming and Community Engagement 

• Develop, implement, and evaluate educational, cultural, and social programs for patrons. Coordinate guest presenters, facilitators, and volunteers. 

• Organize virtual and in-person events, including workshops, discussion groups, field trips, and community gatherings. 

• Ensure programs support JBI Library’s mission and strategic goals. 

Communications and Reporting 

• Prepare monthly patron newsletters, bi-monthly aggregated news magazines, and other patron communications. 

• Produce monthly statistical and impact reports that track patron engagement, circulation, program participation, and service utilization. 

• Analyze trends and outcomes to support strategic planning, fundraising, grant reporting, and continuous improvement. 

• Share insights and recommendations with organizational leadership and other departments. 

Qualifications 

• Master’s degree in library science (MLS/MLIS) from an accredited institution. 

• Minimum of 5 years of professional library experience, with progressively responsible experience, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or leadership role 

• Experience or knowledge of accessible literacy and disability culture  

• Familiarity with an ILS. 

• Exceptional communication, relationship-building, writing, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. 

• Passion for books, helping people, disability inclusion, lifelong learning, and community engagement. 

Salary 

The salary range is $75,000 to $85,000. The position also offers an attractive benefits package.  The regular hours are 9:00 a.m.– 6:00 p.m., Mondays-Thursdays.  This position is open until filled. 

Work Environment 

JBI Library is committed to fostering a collaborative, mission-driven workplace that values accessibility, innovation, and work-life balance. Additional benefits of working at JBI include: 

• 35-hour work week (Monday–Thursday, 8:45 a.m.–6:00 p.m.) 

• Professional development funding 

• Generous paid time off and leave policies 

• Mission-driven culture focused on expanding access and inclusion 

• Opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of people who are blind, have low vision, or have print disabilities 

  

Application Process 

Interested candidates should submit their application, resume, and cover letter to JBI’s employment portal: https://jbilibrary.bamboohr.com/careers/.  In your cover letter, please highlight your relevant experience and your exposure to working with diverse communities. If you have any questions, please contact Andrew Goodman, JBI’s COO, at jobs@jbilibrary.org. 

  

Equal Opportunity Employer 

JBI Library is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and is deeply committed to building a workplace that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We celebrate and encourage applicants of all backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences, and we believe that inclusion, accessibility, and dignity strengthen our work and our mission. All employment decisions are made without regard to any protected characteristic and in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.